Things You Shouldn’t Overlook When House Hunting
Looking for a house can be an exciting time full of possibilities. You have your list of needs and wants and you are hoping to find your dream home that checks all the boxes. When you are touring potential options, whether at an open house or at a showing with your...
Renew Your Lease or Buy a Home-How Do You Know It’s Time?
It’s almost time to renew your lease and you have been watching a lot of House Hunters on HGTV. It looks easy enough on TV to buy a house and you think you are ready to take the big step, but how do you know if now is the right time? The very first thing you need to...
Earnest Money 101
What is earnest money? Earnest money is the amount of money a buyer puts down to accompany an offer to purchase real estate. Basic contract law requires “consideration” as an element of a valid contract. The earnest money deposit is that consideration when a buyer...
Are You Ready For A Second Home?
It’s winter in northern Illinois and you have been thinking this might be the year to start looking to buy that second home. Whether the warmth of the Florida beaches, the Arizona golf courses or the mountains of Colorado are calling you, there are some things to...
FICO Score Message From MICHAEL W ERWIN
The trend now is that if a potential buyer does not have perfect credit they are less likely to even try getting preapproved. If you know of someone who might be in this boat please forward this communication to them to let them know, it’s ok to try! They might get...
Tips on Buying Investment Property
Since the housing market crash has made home ownership difficult for many people, the demand for rental property has increased. If you are thinking about becoming a real estate investor there are some things you will need to consider. Before you start looking for...
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY A HOME
Get Pre-approved! Unless you are paying cash you need to get approved for a mortgage before you start looking at homes. You will know exactly how much you can afford so you can look in the correct price range and you will need to submit a pre-approval with any offer....
TIPS FOR THE HOMEBUYER
You should look at several homes before choosing one so you have a basis for comparison. Don't be turned off by paint colors- itís an easy & cheap fix. Don't forget to check the basement- check the age of the furnace and water heater, look for evidence of water...
10 STEPS TO PREPARE FOR HOME OWNERSHIP
Get Pre-Approved for a mortgage. Do this before you start looking for a home so you know what price range you can afford. When you are ready to make an offer, you will need a written pre approval. Once you have your letter you will be ready to make an offer when you...
What to Expect at a Real Estate Closing
The final step in a real estate transaction is called the closing. When you are buying a house, this is when all the papers are signed and the ownership transfers into your name. If all goes well, you walk out with the keys to your new home! If you have never...