There are certainly a lot of factors when reviewing what it takes to have a successful short sale in real estate.  Before we go into those factors, let's first review what is a short sale.  A short sale is exactly as it sounds.  It is when the borrower owes more than what the property is worth and the lender accepts less than what is owed on the mortgage.  So when would a homeowner need to short sale?  That question is answered by looking at their hardships.  Was there a job loss, an illness, divorce, a disaster, pandemic, something that changed their ability to pay their mortgage and other expenses?  The answer should be some or all of these mentions and that question will be asked by the lender as they require a hardship letter with the short sale package. Click here to see what are some things NOT to say in a short sale hardship letter.  Click Here to learn on what is good to include in your hardship letter.  Be sure to take not ...

For many of us, our home is our biggest investment. Losing a breadwinner can wreak family’s finances — and their ability to stay in the home they love.
So, what’s the best way to protect your home in case something happens to you? Here are two options: mortgage protection insurance and traditional term life insurance.
 
Mortgage protection insurance
If you’ve recently closed on a mortgage or home equity line, you’ve probably should consider thinking about protecting your assets.
Mortgage protection insurance (MPI) is a type of life insurance designed to pay off your mortgage if you were to pass away — and some policies also cover mortgage payments (usually for a limited period of time) if you become disabled.
Note: Don’t confuse MPI with private mortgage insurance (PMI), which protects the lender if you default on the loan. With PMI, your family would still owe the balance of the loan if you passed away.
 
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According to the National Association of Realtors, staging a home prior to listing it can result in a faster and more profitable sale.1 In fact, the Real Estate Staging Association estimates that professionally staged properties spend 73 percent less time on the market, receive more foot traffic, and typically sell for more money.2

Source: National Association of Realtors

Following are 10 tips you can use to get your home “show ready” prior to hitting the market. These easy and cost-effective ideas will help your house look its best—and help buyers visualize themselves living there. Even if you’re not currently in the market to sell, you can use these tactics to breathe new life into your existing home decor.
To get a plan customized for your particular property, give us a call to schedule a free consultation. We’d be happy to share our insider knowledge of the buyer preferences in your neighborhood … so you’ll know where to focus you ...

Whether you’re prepping your house to go on the market or looking for ways to maximize its long-term appreciation, these nine home improvement projects are great ways to add function, beauty, and real value to your home.
The best part is, once you’ve secured the materials, most of these renovations can be completed over the course of a weekend. And they don’t require a lot of specialized skills or experience. So grab your toolbox, then get ready to boost your home’s appeal AND investment potential!

1. Spruce Up Your Landscaping
Landscaping improvements can increase a home’s value by 10-12%.1 But which outdoor features do buyers care about most? According to a survey of Realtors, a healthy lawn is at the top of their list. If your lawn is lacking, overseeding or laying new sod can be a worthwhile investment—with an expected return of 417% and 143% respectively.1
Planting flowers is another great way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. And ...

These days, it seems like everyone’s looking for ways to cut costs and stretch their income further. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your household expenses without making radical changes to your standard of living. When combined, these small adjustments can add up to significant savings each month.
Here are 20 things you can start doing today to lower your bills, secure better deals, and begin working toward your financial goals.

Refinance Your Mortgage - For prime borrowers, mortgage rates are at or near historic lows. Depending on your current mortgage rate and the terms you choose, refinancing could save you a sizable amount on your monthly payments. There are fees and closing costs associated with refinancing, so you’ll need to talk to your lender to find out if refinancing is a good option for you.

Evaluate Your Insurance Policies - If it’s been a while since you priced home or auto insurance, it may be worthwhile to do s ...