As we are entering the fall season, the real estate market is very active. Homes that present well and are priced at value are selling with very few days on market. If you are buying or selling a home, we want you to be prepared. Top Real Estate bloggers across the country continue to write excellent real estate articles to educate the consumer and other real estate professionals. If you can anticipate what might happen in a real estate transaction, then you can be prepared. Bloggers write articles that are real estate related so consumers can be educated when going through the home buying or home selling process.
Interest rates remain low, and it is a great time to purchase a home. You will find great recaps of top-notch real estate content from top bloggers for September 2019.
The Home Seller Accepted Your Offer, Now What?
he seller accepted your offer. It may have taken a little negotiating, but you are officially under contract and on your way to becoming a homeowner. You will find a checklist in this article about the steps required after a seller accepts your offer. Michelle Gibson shares information in this article about obtaining a mortgage, earnest money deposit which are the funds that show the seller good faith. There is information about the home inspection process and subsequent request for repairs. Another factor to consider is the home owner's association as well.
Should I Pay My Mortgage Off Early?
Paying off the mortgage early is a good idea for most homeowners, at the same time, it is important to be aware that there are some draw-backs to paying off your mortgage before its term. Paying off your mortgage will reduce your monthly outlay of expenses without having a mortgage according to Sharon Paxson. You will be able to save money for other things such as a vacation or a remodel.
You should start thinking about what you would like to do with the money you are saving every month. Bank saving interest rates are very low, and your local bank may not have any attractive savings options in place. Another factor to consider is that you may lose the mortgage interest deduction, however, please consult with your accountant.
Benefits of USDA Loans
There are many different types of loans, and many options for a home buyer to explore when buying a home. Luke Skar has written an excellent article about the Benefits of USDA Loans. USDA loans do not require a downpayment, meaning you can finance the entire purchase. Other benefits include there is no PMI and they do offer competitive rates for a buyer. One feature which is unique to USDA loans is there is no limit on the loan size. As long as the borrowers meet the income requirements and credit requirements USDA does not restrict the size of the home loan. A very good option for many home buyers!
What Should Buyers Be Reviewing On The Property Disclosure Form?
When you are in the middle of an escrow, there is so much paperwork and it is important to know what is very important to review. Paul Sian has written an excellent post about What Should Buyers Be Reviewing On The Property Disclosure Form? The property disclosures the sellers are providing details about the condition of a home. Buyers should read the disclosures for anything which might be a deal-breaker. The property disclosure forms may include information about water intrusion, mold, foundation issues, and if someone has died on the property and much more. It is important to read these, and if you have questions, be sure to ask your agent so that answers can be provided.
How to Lower FHA Closing Costs
FHA loans are a very popular choice of loans for buyers who are looking for a loan with a low downpayment. FHA loans are generally easier to get approved for and allow for a lower down payment, the closing costs can be costly. Eric Jeanette has written an excellent article and provides suggestions on How to Lower FHA Costs. Some suggestions to lower the closing costs include seller closing cost contributions, lender paid closing costs, utilizing gift funds, negotiate lender fees and more. Be sure to check out this excellent article on how to lower closing costs to assist buyers with their FHA mortgage.
Mortgage Terms You Need to Know When Buying or Selling a Home
If you buying or selling a home, there are mortgage terms that are very important to know. Bill Gassett has put together an excellent post about Mortgage Terms You Need to Know! The mortgage process can be an overwhelming process and it is important to understand the terms that your lender and your Realtor are discussing. There is information about APR, amortization, appraisal, closing costs, construction loans and much more. Bill shares 35 terms and provides a definition for each, this article is a must-read for anyone buying or selling a home.
Buying versus Renting a Home
Perhaps you are considering purchasing a home and want to know the pros and cons of homeownership versus renting a home. Glenn Shellhamer has shared some fantastic information in his post Buying versus Renting a Home. Some of the benefits of renting include there are no maintenance costs, there are no property taxes and you don't have a downpayment to pay out for the purchase of a home.
However, if you purchase a home, there are many benefits. Some of the benefits include tax benefits, retirement savings, and you are able to decorate and remodel to your own tastes and desires. This is an excellent article about renting versus owning.
How To Reduce, Recycle And Reuse When Decluttering Your Home For Sale
If you are considering selling your home, an important first step is to declutter. When you are decluttering your home, consider selling those items and earn a little cash. Kevin Vitali has written an excellent article on How To Reduce, Recycle And Reuse When Decluttering over at Green and Save. He shares information on how to sell your unwanted items, and where to sell them including the Facebook marketplace. There are many options when get rid of unnecessary junk in our homes. Of course, if you have some large items that you no longer want, you can request curbside pick up from the city, as they generally will come out a couple of times per year to pick up.
Home Maintenance Tips
Your home is important, and it is imperative to keep it in good condition. Utilizing the right maintenance your home will stay in good condition for years to come. Joe Boylan has written has an excellent post about Home Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home Like New. He discusses the importance of maintaining your HVAC system and to have a contractor perform a regular service on the system. Other tips include watching what you put down the drain to avoid potential problems with the plumbing as well. Additional tips include taking care of the small items yourself to save yourself some money. This is a great resource for how to maintain your home!
Why New Home Buyers are Looking for Sustainable Homes
Sustainable homes are getting more popular because in general people want to save our planet. Environmentally aware people do not have a problem paying more for sustainable homes, and they are looking for eco-friendly features. Danny Margagliano has put together an excellent resource about Why New Home Buyers are Looking for Sustainable Homes. He discusses utilizing sustainable materials and if you are not familiar with them to try to research them and introduce them in your home. Other benefits of sustainable homes is that it will increase the value of your home. Utilizing energy STAR appliances in your home will not only reduce your energy usage, but they do help to make your home eco-friendly.
Tips to Help Sell Your House Faster Than Your Neighbors
Are you selling your home and you may find there are more homes on the market in today's market. Therefore you want to be prepared so that your home has the biggest impact when it hits the MLS. Andrew Fortune has written a very detailed posted about Tips to Help Sell Your House Faster Than Your Neighbors. He discusses upgrading your landscape so that the home will stand out. Another tip which may be inconvenient for sellers is to move out and stage the home. This will allow the home to always be show-ready. Staging is a great way to upgrade the home and allows it to show in tip-top condition. Additional tips include painting and flooring as well. This is an excellent resource to get your home sold!
Closing Thoughts
There are some great articles here with very detailed information. There is information about sustainable homes which is a very hot topic right now, USDA loans which offer tremendous benefits for buyers, paying off your mortgage early and much more. Be sure to check out all the posts and let us know which one(s) you like the best. Top bloggers continue to share fabulous information to keep the buying and selling community informed! Let us know what other topics you would like to see covered!
About the Author
Top Newport Beach CA Realtor Sharon Paxson has written the article “Top Real Estate Articles for September 2019 ”. We have experience since 2005 representing buyers, sellers and landlords with their real estate needs. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with your real estate transaction.
We provide real estate service to our clients within the coastal Orange County CA area including Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Tustin and more! We welcome the opportunity to meet you!
