It’s a common myth that, as a buyer, you don’t pay your real estate agent because the seller pays all commissions. However, that’s not really the case. . . Let’s take a look at an example on how real estate commissions work Bob is buying a $400,000 home that Susan is...
So you've moved out of your old home, taking your furniture and memories with you. The house is vacant, but you’re still trying to sell the house. The empty house may feel cavernous to you because you remember how much stuff used to be in there. A house staged with...
There’s a reason nearly 90% of sellers use a listing agent. Selling a house by owner (FSBO) isn't easy. It takes time, knowledge of neighborhood trends, and negotiating skills. Eliminating the agent’s commission—6% of the sale price, on average—sounds really good....
So you're getting ready to sell your home, huh? You will want to make it look as good as possible to to potential buyers without breaking the bank. Here are 3 ways to stage your home cheap. Why is staging your home important? The most basic reason to stage your home...
If you're like many people in the business world, sometimes your company just ups and moves to a new city. And you're left wondering how to move out of state along with them. Or maybe you're just in the mood to to relocate, never-could-stand-that-town-anyway....
If you are like a lot of baby boomers and Gen-Xers, you like to invite friends and relatives over for the holidays and host the occasional guest. So, how do you downsize your home without sacrificing that much-desired space for entertaining? Do you give up the guest...
Selling a home with pets can be a very tricky part of the real estate process. You want top-dollar, but not at the expense of your pet’s well-being. But then, what do you do with them during an open house or a showing or multiple showings? Knowing how to navigate the...
Smart home systems have really risen in popularity over the past few years. This is partly due to the fact that some major brands are all getting in on the action and competing to make the best product. But does your home actually need one and do potential buyers even...
So your house is on the market and you have kids. It’s been done before. It’s done every day. But it’s not always easy. So here are 10 things you can do with kids during showings. Yes, age and interests matter! But if you can tweak any of these suggestions and it...
Planning a move – even just across town – can be daunting. There is a lot to think about, and a lot to do. Add to that the sale of your home, and selling your home and moving may feel overwhelming at times, especially if you are moving for your job. But why is selling...
Have you ever wondered what does a real estate agent do? Well the answer is a lot but not as much as they once did. There is an entire generation that remembers how real estate used to be. Only 20 years ago, real estate agents would meet home buyers carrying a book as...
We get asked frequently, "How much are real estate commissions?" or, "What is the commission you pay to a real estate agent to help you buy or sell a home?" Most people think the answer is around 6%, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agent which is usually...
If you are getting ready to buy or sell a home, you'll want to do your homework. Not all homes are the same, new construction, foreclosure, short sale, or traditional sales, they're all different. A SWOT analysis (which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,...
Homeowners looking to sell their home are always on the lookout for shortcuts that can net them higher offers and sell their home fast. From staging tricks and pleasant aromas to favorable paint colors and more, there is an endless amount of information out there to...
You've got a real estate sign in your yard, your house has never been this clean, and you've never wanted unexpected company so badly in your life. So what gives? Why aren't you seeing more showings on your home? Look, even in a seller's market, listing your home...
We've all had that moment of walking into someone's home or a store and gagging from a super strong smell. If a scent is too powerful, it’s distracting, making it difficult to make decisions. However, if it is a pleasant subtle smell, it can make shopping more...
So you've found that dream home and you're ready to start the next chapter. But, one big thing (actually little thing) can make this process harder. We all know that moving is stressful, even for the most mature adults. But for some children and adults, moving with...
So the time has come to move and you need to sell your home. As soon as you mention it, recommendations for a great agent or from your friends who are agents start coming out of the woodwork. It's fine that you trust these people, and they may have some great...
Oh, first impressions! They matter in so many facets of life. Real estate is no exception. When a potential buyer pulls up, they are taking stock from the minute they read the house number. We get asked by sellers daily about how to improve curb appeal. There's a lot...
Moving with Pets Packing up all of your things and moving into a new home is incredibly exciting, but you may not realize how stressed your pet can feel when you introduce the chaos of moving boxes, packing tape and moving trucks into their lives. We have heard...
You know that old saying, “Strike while the iron’s hot”? Well, if you've been wondering if you should sell your house, the answer is yes. The iron is hot; strike now! You won’t strike out, we promise. If you’ve considered listing your house, now it’s your time. The...
Little people are messy. They leave their toys out and leave wrappers on the couch. Even if you're a strict parent, you know what we are talking about. Moving is hard and it's even harder when you have kids, especially showing your house with kids at home. They keep...
Oh, first impressions! They matter in so many facets of life. Real estate is no exception. When a potential buyer pulls up to look at you home, they are taking stock from the minute they read the house number. Here are five major ways to improve your curb appeal and...
Let's face it. Buying or selling a home can be pretty stressful. Real estate comes wrapped up with a lot of emotions. It is exciting, sometimes scary and full of processes and procedures. So what is the secret for making it through unscathed? Here are a few tips that...