As we enter the holiday season, the real estate market continues to be very active and it is a good time to buy and sell a property. Homes that are prepared to sell and priced at value are selling with very few days on market. Top Real Estate bloggers across the country continue to share fabulous real estate content. These bloggers are educating the consumer and real estate professionals. This month you will find information about staging, earnest money deposit, eco-friendly home improvements and much more!

Home Staging for Sellers Looking for Results

All properties should be shown in their best light when selling. A one-bed condo can be presented really well just by focusing on details to ensure it shows well when a buyer walks in the door. Danny Margagliano has put together an excellent post about Home Staging to Obtain Results. In this article, he discusses decluttering and making sure the bedrooms are inviting. Additionally, he discusses to be sure to address the outdoors so the property has excellent curb appeal. Benefits of staging include amazing photographs and ultimately the property will be desirable online. And when buyers walk through the door, they will have a great first impression.

Tips for Making Eco-Friendly Home Improvements

Are you considering renovating your home? Then you will want to add to your budget eco-friendly home improvement techniques to reduce remodeling costs, which are also beneficial for the environment. Michelle Gibson has written a detailed article about Ways to Make Eco-Friendly Home Improvements. In the article, you will information about the importance of utilizing sustainable materials during a home renovation. Other factors include utilizing solar panels which will save on energy costs. Low flow showerheads and low flush toilets will also conserve water.  All of these will help to conserve energy costs, while at the same time will benefit our planet.

What is Earnest Money in Real Estate?

Earnest money deposits is an important element of a home purchase. Bill Gassett has written a very detailed about What is Earnest Money in Real Estate?  In this article, you will find information about the definition of earnest money and why it should not be confused with a down payment. He explains that with earnest money which is held in escrow, demonstrates to sellers that the buyer is serious about going through with the home purchase. There is great information for a buyer so they can understand there can be a risk with their earnest money.

Money Needed for Purchasing a Home

It can very exciting when you are beginning your home search process. You get to decide where you are going to live, what kind of house you are going to want and much more. Jeff Nelson has written an article about Money Needed for Purchasing a Home. In this article, you will find information about the expenses associated with purchasing a home. Some of those expenses include paying for the down payment which can take some time to do. Other buyer expenses include a home inspection, appraisal, and closing costs as well.

Should You Sell Your Home in the Winter?

Generally speaking, homeowners tend to believe the best time to sell a home is in the spring. However, there are circumstances when a home should be sold in the winter. Eric Jeanette has written a great post about whether or not you Should Sell Your Home in the Winter. If you are going to be selling in the cooler winter months, then you want to be sure the home is inviting, such as making sure it is warm. Additionally, the winter months tend to be darker earlier so scheduling showings during the daylight and ensuring the lights are on. Adding kitchen accent lighting will make the kitchen appear to be brighter.

Debunking the Benefits of Renting a Home

While a renter does not have their own mortgage, they do write a check each month, and that check does go towards the landlord's mortgage. David Martin has written an excellent article about Debunking the Benefits of Renting a Home. There are some myths about renting a home including you will have fewer expenses than a homeowner such as property taxes and insurance. Other myths include you don't have to save for a 20% downpayment and overall it is cheaper to rent than to purchase a home. There are financial benefits of homeownership including appreciation.  Other benefits are the pride of ownership and being able to make changes to the home without consulting your landlord.

What to Consider When Buying a Fixer-Upper

If you consider yourself to be handy you may want to consider buying a fixer-upper home.  Check out the latest post about Considerations for Purchasing a Fixer-Upper over at RealtyTimes. There are many factors to take into account when purchasing a home in disrepair. Initially, you need to establish a budget for the expenses associated with fixing up a home. Other factors include ensuring that you have inspections completed so you can anticipate upcoming expenses. Be sure to take into account the location of the home, because regardless of the repairs, you cannot change the location.

Should You Buy A Home Directly From The Listing Agent?

Often times home buyers think they will get a better deal if they go directly to the listing agent. Paul Sian has put together an excellent post Should You Buy A Home Directly From The Listing Agent? What can happen is that the buyer may end up overpaying for the home, and the buyer did not have their own representation. Often times, the buyer ends up in a disadvantage because they do not have their own agent. Remember the listing agent's first responsibility is to the seller. A buyer’s agent will have negotiating tips for their buyer.

Can a Real Estate Agent be a Property Manager?

A property manager acts on behalf of a property’s owner and is responsible for a variety of responsibilities which include finding tenants, property maintenance, collecting rent and more.  A real estate agent will help a buyer/landlord find a home and ensuring they get the best deal they can. Geoff Southworth has written an article Can a Real Estate Agent be a Property Manager? He discusses which states require licenses for property managers. Additionally, certain brokerages in states such as California do not allow real estate agents to act as a property manager because their errors and omissions insurance does not cover it.

Top Real Estate Articles November 2019

Eileen Anderson has put together an excellent round-up of the Top Real Estate Articles for November 2019. In this round-up, she has included snippets from top bloggers across the country. You will find information about selling a vacant home, buying a fixer-upper, what not to do about getting pre-approved and more. Find other information about a home energy audit and the difference between working with a solo agent or a team. This is a fabulous article packed with great information!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this month's Top Real Estate Articles for November 2019. There is detailed information including property managers, buying directly from the listing agent, selling a vacant home and much more.  Top bloggers across the country continue to share detailed information to educate buyers and sellers. Let us know which articles you like the best, and be sure to message us on what you would like to see covered in future RealtyTimes posts!