The closing process to a real estate transaction is more than just that final meeting where the buyer signs paperwork and gets the keys. It can take weeks or months and begins when the buyer makes the initial offer. The basic timeline generally unfolds as follows:...
Residential Real Estate
5 signs it’s time to downsize and 3 tips to help
It can be difficult to know when it is time to make the transition from a home into a condominium. Those who are in the process of considering this move should discuss these five considerations to help guide their decision. #1: Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance...
Two tips before buying a second property in Florida
The term snowbird is popular for a reason. The appeal of a home near family and an escape to warmth in the cooler winter months draws many to the sunny shores of Florida every year. Estimates from 2018 find that homeowners used at least 7.5 million properties in the...
What happens if a home’s appraisal is not the same as the agreed price?
It finally happened. You found your dream home and the seller accepted your offer. Everything is moving forward. You hired an inspector to look over the property and make sure there are no concerns. You even have ideas for where furniture will go and how you will use...
What do I need to know about real estate transactions before I buy my first home?
Buying a home is often the largest transaction of a lifetime. This is a big step towards financial stability. With the right choice, you not only get a piece of property that becomes home but you also get a financial investment that grows in equity. Finding that right...
Paperwork and real estate: 3 important documents
Buying a home is likely the largest financial transaction of your life. As such, it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of the types of documents you will need to deal with when trying to buy property. Three key types of documents you will likely encounter...
What can I expect from a title report?
Buying property comes with various legal requirements in order to transfer ownership of the property. One of these requirements is the transfer of the title, but first, a potential buyer will want to carefully review the terms of the title report to ensure there are...
What can I do if a seller tries to raise the prices after accepting the offer?
The real estate market is red hot right now. A recent report out of Orlando, Florida notes that the real estate market broke records in 2021, with the average price of a home in the area up more than $65,000 compared to the same time period the previous year. With...
Can an HOA issue a speeding ticket?
The power of a homeowner’s association can vary depending on the community. In one community, an HOA is planning to start issuing speeding tickets. The process involves the use of photo radar equipment to track traffic and send automated tickets to the registered...
3 things to know about real estate contracts before buying a home
Buying a home is likely the largest financial transaction that we make in our lifetime. If we are lucky, we get one that fits our needs and provides an opportunity for financial stability. We can help to better ensure this is the case by knowing some of the basics...