by Patricia Roos | Nov 19, 2024 | Uncategorized
Recent policy changes made by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) have shifted the dynamics of buyer’s agent compensation, prompting sellers to reconsider their strategies. Many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, have limited savings and may...
by Patricia Roos | Nov 12, 2024 | Uncategorized
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, known as VA, issued a policy change that now allows payment to buyer brokers on VA loans. They will be subject to certain safeguards, such as the requirement that all buyer-broker fees charged to veterans "must be...
by Patricia Roos | Nov 5, 2024 | Uncategorized
In today’s fast-paced world, home automation is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners seeking to enhance convenience and reduce energy costs. With advancements in technology, smart home devices offer innovative solutions that not only simplify daily...
by Patricia Roos | Oct 29, 2024 | Uncategorized
Pre-approval is a comprehensive process where the lender verifies the buyer’s financial information, including credit history, income, and assets. Pre-approval provides a conditional commitment from the mortgage company to lend a specific amount, pending...
by Patricia Roos | Oct 22, 2024 | Uncategorized
Traditionally in the U.S. housing market, the seller has offered the buyer’s broker and agent a share in the commission specified in the listing agreement between the seller and the listing broker and agent. In a settlement between the National Association of...
by Patricia Roos | Oct 15, 2024 | Uncategorized
Last year, U.S. homeowners faced an average property tax bill exceeding $4,000, marking the highest increase in five years, according to data from Attom Data Solutions, a real estate data firm. Property taxes nationwide amounted to over $363 billion in 2023,...
by Patricia Roos | Oct 1, 2024 | Uncategorized
There is a technique that has been attributed to Benjamin Franklin and used when faced with a decision. As the lore goes, whenever Ben was faced with a decision, like you are now, he’d take a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle of it. On the left side,...
by Patricia Roos | Sep 24, 2024 | Uncategorized
Beginning August 17, 2024, many agents will be required to enter into a written agreement with a buyer before touring a home either in-person or through a live virtual tour and buyers should be familiar with what it entails. There have been buyer agreements for...
by Patricia Roos | Sep 17, 2024 | Uncategorized
Home insurance rates have increased by almost 20% nationally between 2021 and 2023 and even more in some states like Arizona where rates have jumped 62% in some cases. The appreciation that homeowners have enjoyed, especially in the past four years, has caused...
by Patricia Roos | Sep 10, 2024 | Uncategorized
In the 1980s, home buyers faced significantly higher mortgage rates compared to today’s market. Despite this challenge, many people successfully purchased homes and made them worthwhile investments. They employed a range of strategies to manage costs and ensure...
