Signs That You May Need a New Roof
July 31, 2024
We often take the roof above our heads for granted because we know it will protect us from the outside elements. Ultimately, we face the harsh reality that it will eventually age and need to be replaced. A worn and damaged roof can cause significant interior and exterior damage to your home if left unattended. Some roofs last longer ...
BUYERS - Understanding the Exclusive Buyers Agreement…
July 16, 2024
BUYERS - Understanding the Exclusive Buyers Agreement…Before signing an exclusive buyer agreement, do your research. You as the buyers need to be comfortable with the agreement and the agent.Buyer agreements should include…Duration of the Agreement – Providing both parties with a clear understanding of the length of their commitment. Agent responsibilities – List of ...
The benefits of using a Realtor
July 15, 2024
There are many benefits to using a Realtor when selling your real estate. Here are some of the biggest advantages:Expertise and Market Knowledge: Realtors are experts in the real estate market and have a deep understanding of local trends, pricing, and comparable properties. They can help you price your home competitively to sell quickly and for the best possible ...
Tips to Improve Curb Appeal Before Selling
July 15, 2024
Tips to Improve Curb Appeal Before SellingHere are some helpful tips to enhance the curb appeal to your home before you put it on the market ready for Buyers to walk through!Remove ClutterMove parked cars (especially prior to a showing)Hide trash cansPut away bikes and outdoor toys if possible.Throw away rusty patio furnitureDiscard dirty or broken dé...
Mold In Your Home
July 15, 2024
Today, we discuss what mold is, health risks, & how to keep your family safe.About Mold and MoistureMolds are living organisms that grow in damp places in your home. They stain or discolor surfaces and smell musty. There are hundreds of thousands of different types of mold. Mold can grow almost anywhere: on walls, ceilings, carpets, ...
Should you wait to buy until rates drop significantly?
July 15, 2024
Waiting for those ultra-low mortgage rates to come back might not be the best move for home buyers. Here’s why:First, those super-low rates were a result of unique, temporary conditions, like the economic measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's unlikely we’ll see them again anytime soon. Meanwhile, home prices are still going up, so any ...
Summer Home Maintenance Tips
July 15, 2024
Summer is here and it’s time for fun in the sun! But, before you dive into your summer activities, make sure your home is just as ready for the season as you are. Ensure your summer is a relaxing one with these timely home maintenance tips. We hope these maintenance tips will help give you peace of ...
8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Vacation Home
July 14, 2024
Owning a vacation home may seem like a dream, but there are rental challenges and the housing market to consider.Buying a vacation home seems like a dream investment, but it’s a big decision that requires a lot to think about first.“A second home has countless life-enriching benefits, as it specifically gives you that place to ...
Gus Macker helping boost local businesses in Jackson
July 12, 2024
By Marz AndersonPublished: Jun. 23, 2024 at 7:47 PM EDTJACKSON, Mich. (WILX) - One of Jackson’s largest events came to an end Sunday, the Gus Macker touring basketball tournament.People of all ages got to show their stuff on the court over the weekend and small businesses even showed off their goods too.Gus Macker has returned to ...
Buying property using a gift
July 10, 2024
Using a gift to purchase. If a home buyer is planning on receiving a gift towards their down payment or closing costs, then the lender needs to know the source of these funds.This can be shown in 3 ways. A gift letter stating that the donor is not expecting repayment.Or evidence that the gift donor ...
Thinking About Buying an Investment Property for Your Child to Live in While at College? Ask Yourself These Questions First…
July 09, 2024
You don’t even need to have a child going to college to know that it costs a ton of money! But when you do have a student about to enter college or already there, you become extremely aware of how much it actually costs.For those who aren’t quite there yet, when you hear how much tuition ...
The Importance of a Seller's Asking Price in Today's Real Estate Market
July 09, 2024
In the dynamic realm of real estate, the seller's asking price remains a crucial factor that can significantly influence the outcome of a sale. Even in what is considered a seller's market, where demand typically outpaces supply, setting the right asking price is not merely a formality but a strategic decision with substantial implications.Changing Market DynamicsWhile ...
HUD Expands 203K Program
July 09, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), has published a newly updated set of policies for its 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program. These changes enhance and update the funding terms.FHA offers two variations of the 203(k) program: the Standard 203(k), which may be used for substantial remodeling and repairs, ...
HUD Expands Home Rehab Program
July 09, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), has published a newly updated set of policies for its 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program.The changes announced in Mortgagee Letter 2024-13 will modernize the program and enhance its usefulness for individuals and families seeking affordable financing for renovating or rehabilitating a single-family ...
In Defense of Consumer Choice in the Settlement
July 09, 2024
NAR members and REALTOR® associations must implement the practice changes stemming from NAR’s proposed settlement agreement fully and in good faith.Consumer choice is paramount, particularly when it comes to determining the nature and cost of professional representation in a real estate transaction. As such, it is deeply concerning to see others take positions on listing agreements and ...
BUYER AGENT CONTRACTS-WHY YOU NEED THE
July 05, 2024
Buyer Agent Contracts-Why You Need Them!By Tom Nelson, HUD LLB-Real Estate One-Rochester, MIBuying a HUD Property Series July 2024Surgery may be expensive, but would you rather have a medical professional perform it, or buy your own scalpel and sutures and try it yourself? The answer is obvious. This is why you need a Buyer Agency Contract ...
The Power of Details in Real Estate: Why Every Little Thing Matters
July 04, 2024
Title: The Power of Details in Real Estate: Why Every Little Thing MattersIn real estate, success often hinges on the smallest details. Whether buying or selling, attention to detail can significantly impact outcomes. Let's explore how focusing on the finer points can elevate your real estate experience.### First Impressions MatterFirst impressions are crucial. From well-maintained landscaping to ...
Mortgage Rates and Higher Home Prices Continue to Hinder Affordability in April 2024
July 02, 2024
At the national level, housing affordability faded in April compared to the previous month, according to NAR’s Housing Affordability Index. Compared to the prior month, the monthly mortgage payment increased by 5.7%, while the median price of single-family homes increased by 0.1%. The monthly mortgage payment increased by $119 from last month.Compared to one year ...
HOME RENOVATIONS WITH THE BEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT
July 02, 2024
Home Renovations with the Best Return on InvestmentWondering which renovations will give you the best return on investment? Top of the list: kitchens and bathrooms. Pools sink to the bottom, though.By Carl VogelIt’s the fundamental question facing anyone who has ever embarked on a home renovation: How likely am I to get the money back when I ...
U.S. FORECLOSURE ACTIVITY INCREASES QUARTERLY IN Q1 2024
July 02, 2024
Foreclosure Starts See Quarterly Increase of 2 Percent; Bank Repossessions Up 7 Percent from Previous Quarter IRVINE, Calif. — April 11, 2024 — ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property, and real estate data, today released its Q1 2024 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows a total of 95,349 U.S. properties with a ...
How Does Exterior Paint Increase Home Value?
July 02, 2024
How Does Exterior Paint Increase Home Value?First impressions can make or break a house sale — enhance your home’s curb appeal with new exterior paint. When painting the exterior, realtors recommend sticking to neutrals. Homebuyers want to visualize themselves owning the house, so selecting a calm, neutral shade can give them an attractive, stylish exterior to base ...
Avoid These Buyer Pitfalls
July 01, 2024
Buying a home is an exciting milestone that comes with its fair share of challenges. It's essential to navigate the real estate market with knowledge and caution to avoid some common buyer mistakes. In this blog, we will discuss a few pitfalls that buyers often encounter and provide helpful tips to steer clear of them.One common mistake ...
Avoid These Buyer Pitfalls
July 01, 2024
Buying a home is an exciting milestone that comes with its fair share of challenges. It's essential to navigate the real estate market with knowledge and caution to avoid some common buyer mistakes. In this blog, we will discuss a few pitfalls that buyers often encounter and provide helpful tips to steer clear of them.One common mistake ...
Consider butcher block for your countertops
June 28, 2024
Butcher block countertops... they look beautiful in almost any kitchen, but are they the right choice for you?They're naturally anti-bacterial, durable, biodegradable, and affordable- particularly compared to granite or quartz countertops.To ensure they last, you'll need to sand and apply oil bi-annually to protect the wood.To maintain their beauty, wipe clean with damp cloth ...
Buying Your First Home? Here’s How to Boost Your Credit Score
June 27, 2024
When you’re buying your first home, you want to put yourself in a position to get the best interest rate possible on your mortgage, and your credit score will play a major role in that process.If you want to land a competitive interest rate, you need a competitive credit score. But how, exactly, can you push your ...
