Category Archives: Home Buyers

Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Real Estate

Buying Out of State, Virtually, Without Overpaying

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By: Agnes A. Gaddis on Oct 26

Man searching for a home to buy out of state, virtually.

Can you believe that it is possible to live in California today, make an offer on your dream home in Springfield, Missouri tomorrow, and close within a month? The prevalence of remote work and state-of-the-art real estate technology has made it easier than ever to search for homes without concern for geographical limits.

Millions of Americans now work remotely, far from corporate HQ, and sometimes from the flurry and fuss of city life. In fact, during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, one in five Americans moved or know someone who moved, especially from big cities. One of the primary reasons for this exodus was affordable housing. People relocated to suburbs and vacation hotspots in search of larger, less expensive homes as more companies became remote-work-friendly.

Buying a home in one state while living in another, whether it be for more affordable living, work reasons, or as a second home, might not be as straightforward as buying in your current state. It can be challenging to purchase in a place you are not familiar with- housing laws, walkability of the community, home maintenance concerns, etc. can be vastly different from one state to another. This article is a step-by-step guide to follow if you are considering buying out of state.

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Home Buyers, Home Design, Home Sellers, Homeowners

Use Landscaping to Increase Home Value

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grass, rock, and gravel, representing the how landscaping can increase home value

In the recent years, multiple studies have shown that landscaped homes sell at a higher price than similar homes with poor landscaping. Today this is more accurate than ever, with home sales figures rising 13%, depending on the extent of the renovations to the yard.

Homeowners are developing their backyards and front yards, and the house clean-up boom is driving that engine. However, deciding what to do on your property can be a difficult decision.

Let’s learn more about what improvements are beneficial to increase your home value.

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Executives in the News, Home Buyers, Real Estate Agents, Top Producer Spotlights

There’s a Yard Sign… So Why Are We Driving Past It?

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homes on a street with yard signs in front of them

As Realty Executives’ Jeff Ross and Renee Gaun were driving clients around their well-loved city of Flagstaff, Arizona, they were asked a common question:

Why don’t buyers’ agents show every property displaying a yard sign?

It’s a legitimate question from many prospective buyers, and an often-unrecognized service provided by the realtor. Read on to learn why a realtor may skip some homes, and how working with an Executive simplifies your home search.

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Health & Safety, Home Buyers, Home Design

7 Features Senior Buyers Should Look for in a House

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An older man looking out the window of his home that includes the features senior buyers should look for.

Before 1960, when urban development began, senior homebuyers had a difficult time locating builders that could meet their unique requirements or build to suit. Today, there are still plenty of retirees looking to find their forever home. Seeing how more and more people choose to grow older in their own homes, it’s imperative that these homes meet their particular needs. Luckily, the market offers many options to help senior homeowners to live a quality life. With that said, let’s discuss the 7 features senior homebuyers should look for in a house.

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Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Homeowners

Making Sense of Home Automation in the Real Estate Market

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phone with icons showing home automation

Every year there seems to be a new phone, gadget or product that is a must-have on everyone’s shopping list. But when it comes to shopping for a home, how does the newest home technology influence the buying and selling process? Do homeowners need to add smart home features to sell their homes? Should buyers be on the lookout for automation in their new home? If, like most people, you have questions about home automation and the real estate market, we have a few answers that may help you out.

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Holidays, Home Buyers, Homeowners, Real Estate, Travel

So…You Want to Buy a Cottage!?

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A cottage by the water with a gray dock.
Whether in the mountains or by the water, there are fabulous cottage options available for those looking for a seasonal home!

Seasonal homes are known by many different names, and the names often vary depending upon location. You may hear them called camps, cottages, beach houses, cabins, or chalets. Many are located near the water, but sometimes they are secluded in the woods or in the mountains. No matter what we name them, these properties call to us and remind us of the carefree holidays of our youth. Seasonal homes are the root of fond memories that include days on a beach and in the water, and evenings by a campfire, roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and eating s’mores.

Nonetheless, buying a vacation home is not for the faint of heart. It is important to do your research before deciding to make an investment. Read on for some considerations when searching for the perfect cottage.

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Family Home, Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Real Estate

Buying a Condo vs. Buying a House: Key Differences

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a condo building next to a single family home, representing buying a condo vs. buying a house

Buying your first home is an exciting time. You’ve decided to step out of the comfort of renting or staying somewhere rent-free and step into a place you can truly call your own. But if you’re not interested in a large space, is owning a condo the same thing as owning a house?

Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, but it ultimately comes down to what you value in a home. You must choose which option fits you correctly, or you might find yourself thinking the grass is greener on your neighbor’s lawn.

We’ll walk you through the process and differences of buying a condo vs. buying a house.

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eNews, Home Buyers, Homeowners, Travel

How to Find Your Perfect Vacation Home

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a vacation home on the coast overlooking the ocean

As vaccines continue to roll out and a light appears at the end of the pandemic tunnel, many people are giving themselves permission to imagine their post COVID-19 lives. For some, this means planning wonderful vacations and time away. For others, it’s looking for a new spot to call home, even if only for a few weekends a year. Regardless, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the getaways you have been dreaming about!

There are few better ways to ensure vacations are accessible on your terms than buying a vacation home. Here’s a look at what you need to know to find the perfect property.

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Family Home, Home Buyers, Homeowners

How to Resuscitate Your Bank Account After Buying a Home

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A piggy bank symbolizing the need to boost your bank account after buying a home.

Buying property is a huge investment, and it often comes with additional, unplanned expenses. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself in a less than desirable financial position. Before you realize it, your budget is forgotten, you’ve spent money on all sorts of things you’d never imagined needing, and you’re feeling somewhat out of pocket. For this reason, it’s important to know how to balance homeownership and breathe new life into your bank balance. To help you out, we’ve compiled eight handy tips to boost your bank account.

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Home Buyers, Real Estate

Monitoring the Latest Mortgage Rates

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calculator for determining your monthly payment with the current mortgage rate

Mortgage rates have been at their historic lows since the pandemic started last year and many have taken advantage of this to buy a home. Will the rates keep going down or will they go back up? This is one of the most frequent questions. People want to buy at the moment but in some parts of the country, there is a shortage of homes. As we all know, there are many factors that go into the performance of the real estate market which impacts the supply & demand. 

Whether you’re buying a property now or at a later time, checking the latest mortgage rates can help you to make the best decision for yourself and your family. In addition, you can plan and estimate how rates can impact your budget (when it comes to the monthly payment) with a mortgage calculator. Being prepared and equipped with the correct information can save you time and money when the time comes to buy your home.

Visit Money.com and speak to your local real estate agent and mortgage lender for more information.