These days, real estate agents love to mention that a particular listing is a “standard sale,” meaning it’s not in foreclosure or in a short sale situation. While this is generally a good thing, largely because non-standard sales can be riddled with red tape and other issues, some properties aren’t as standard as they seem.… Continue reading Two Standard Sales That Aren’t So Standard
Condo vs. House: Which to Buy and Why?
Realty Q&A: “Condo vs. house.” If you’re currently looking to buy a piece of property, perhaps to take advantage of the record low mortgage rates on offer, and also the reduced home prices, you may be torn between a house and a condo. But which is the better buy and why? Well, it really depends… Continue reading Condo vs. House: Which to Buy and Why?
What is a Pocket Listing?
Here’s a hint. It’s not a really small house you can put in your pocket. But it is somewhat hidden, which explains the name “pocket listing.” Put simply, a pocket listing, also known as a “pocket deal,” is a house that is “for sale,” but not necessarily officially. So basically a homeowner is interested in… Continue reading What is a Pocket Listing?
Redfin vs. Zillow vs. Trulia: Which Is Better?
There have been plenty of exciting match-ups throughout history. Rabbit vs. turtle, cobra vs. mongoose, Magic vs. Bird…the list goes on. But how do you choose when three very similar real estate listing websites with equally ridiculous names are all wooing you for your business? Well, you break it down to see what each does… Continue reading Redfin vs. Zillow vs. Trulia: Which Is Better?
How to Buy Real Estate with No Money Down
Real estate Q&A: “How to buy real estate with no money down?” It used to be easy to buy real estate without putting a penny down. Back in 2006, 100% financing was the norm and you were a fool to put anything down; heck, there was even a mortgage lender named “Zero Down Mortgage.” But… Continue reading How to Buy Real Estate with No Money Down
Home Prices Rise in 100 US Cities
Most US cities saw home price gains in the second quarter, according to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors. From April to June, 100 out of the 155 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the United States had higher median single-family home prices as compared to the second quarter of 2009. And 14… Continue reading Home Prices Rise in 100 US Cities
Top 10 Cities to Buy vs Rent
We’ve already covered the top 10 cities to rent vs. buy, so now let’s look at the top 10 cities to buy vs rent. While there are plenty of advantages to renting an apartment or a home, there may be more upside to buying one, depending on where you live. Currently, mortgage rates are at… Continue reading Top 10 Cities to Buy vs Rent
Top 10 Cities to Rent vs. Buy
If you’re curious whether it’s the right time to buy that dream house, you may want to consider the local rents in the area. There are plenty of advantages to renting, like no down payment, the flexibility to move, and lower monthly payments. At the same time, buying a home means more space, tax deductions,… Continue reading Top 10 Cities to Rent vs. Buy
Zillow Zestimates Could Be Thing of the Past
Could this be the end of Zillow Zestimates as we know it? First American CoreLogic Inc. has sued Zillow and seven other companies that provide automated house values. The Santa Ana, CA-based company claims Zillow, Fiserv, IntelliReal, Interthinx, Lender Processing Services, Precision Appraisal Services, Real Data Inc, and Realec Technologies Inc. infringed upon a 1994… Continue reading Zillow Zestimates Could Be Thing of the Past
More than 80 Percent of Buyers Believe Now is a Good Time to Buy a Home
More than 80 percent of first-time home buyers believe now is a good time to buy a home, according to a new survey from Realogy and parent company Century 21 Real Estate. Which begs the question: why do only 80 percent of those buying a home think it’s a good idea? Are 20 percent buying… Continue reading More than 80 Percent of Buyers Believe Now is a Good Time to Buy a Home