Posts made by author 'Alan Hubbard'
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Why You Should Still Use an Agent to Sell in 2021
With homes flying off the market within days of being listed (and often for far more than the listing price), you might reason that selling your home on your own is the wise choice. Why pay a commission fee to an agent when buyers are falling over themselves just to make an offer for every available house, right?
Not quite. It may seem appealing to go the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route right now. But even in a seller's market, the benefits of working with an agent are worth their weight in gold. Here's why you should still use an agent to sell in 2021.
22
Don't Do These Things Before Closing
The big day is almost here. You got preapproved for a favorable mortgage. You scoured listings for weeks – maybe even months – to find the perfect house. You submitted an offer and the seller accepted. And now, so close to the finish line, it could all be for naught if you make one of the mistakes we're going to talk about. Instead, stay informed with your real estate agent and, above all else, don't do these things before closing on a new home.
Apply for New Credit
There is quite possibly no worse time to open a new credit card account than before you've closed your home purchase. Think of your mortgage preapproval as a snapshot of your credit, debt, and income situation at that moment. Opening a new line of credit alters that snapshot and could give you a lower credit score, causing your lender to reevaluate everything.
18
Tips for Getting a High Appraisal
Whether you're selling or refinancing, a lot rides on your home's professional appraisal. The appraiser's unbiased opinion will give buyers and lenders alike a clearer vision of your home's worth. A lower number hurts your chances of securing a loan or selling for a good price.
Many factors go into your home's appraisal, some of which you simply can't control like number of bedrooms or the neighborhood. Luckily, there are things you can do to boost your home's profile. Here are some tips for getting a high appraisal.
Look at Past Appraisals
If your home has been appraised in the past, take a look at those records. Pay close attention to the things that lowered your home's value and try to improve those issues first.
6
Why Pricing Still Matters in a Seller's Market
The real estate market has been on fire lately, and that figures to continue well into the summer. New homes are flying off the market, often within days of listing and for more than the asking price. Sellers are unquestionably in the driver's seat right now, but that doesn't mean you can get away with speeding. Here are a few reasons why pricing still matters in a seller's market.
High Prices Can Alienate Buyers
As inflating sales prices continue, it's easy to start seeing dollar signs. If the market says you can get more than your home's value, why not list at that amount?
For one, it alienates potential buyers. Buyers are already at a disadvantage in the current market, and by putting up your home for an exorbitant price above ma...
22
Hidden Gems in Florida
Florida is a magical state full of hidden gems the average visitor – or even resident, for that matter – knows exist. Everyone knows about Walt Disney World and the glistening sands of South Beach, but for every well-known destination in the Sunshine State there exists at least one under-the-radar spot worth visiting. Join us on this tour of some of the amazing hidden gems in Florida that you should absolutely check out.
There's no shortage of beauty on display at Palatka's Ravine Gardens State Park. The park's namesake ravines can be viewed from suspension bridges – a ripe opportunity for photos. And if you're visiting between December and March, you're in for a real treat: it's blooming season for the hundreds of azaleas, wash...
