Lighter Side of Real Estate

MARCH 11, 2025

If you wait until the market is already in full swing, you may struggle to secure the right real estate agent, miss out on great homes, or find yourself caught in a frenzy of competing buyers. Thats why its a good idea to get the ball rolling with your real estate agent before the spring market kicks off.

Pre-approval

The Close

NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Build a network of reliable professionals like real estate agents, contractors, and property managers. Expand your reach by partnering with real estate agents and passive investors by having them locate off-market properties. Personal savings: Using your money can be the cheapest way to finance real estate deals.

Hard money loan

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

What To Expect From Your Listing Agent Why For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) Fail Blog Featured Articles Home Buying Home Selling LOCAL Rochester NY Articles Should I Waive My Home Inspection When Buying A House? Should I Have A Home Inspection When Buying A House Buying a home is a significant investment and one you want to be happy with.

Inspection

BAM Media

DECEMBER 19, 2024

If you ask buyers, sellers, and agents what 2025 holds for the housing market, youll get one clear answer: Its complicated. A new report from Clever Real Estate reveals insights into buyer and seller expectations, challenges, and the ongoing role of real estate agents in navigating the market. Now, lets get into what consumers think.

Marketing

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

The Top 5 Types Of Home Inspections Buyers Should Consider If you are considering buying a home, it is essential for buyers to understand the importance of a home inspection. A property inspection is conducted by a licensed professional home inspector. (585) 704-7095 Contact Now Search Homes Home Fair Housing S.O.P.

Inspection

Redfin

AUGUST 6, 2025

In simple terms, if your agent says “we’re in escrow,” it means the transaction is formal and underway, with funds and paperwork safely held while both buyers and sellers complete their responsibilities, such as inspections , appraisals , and final loan approvals.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 15, 2025

The reality check of the home inspection can be a decisive point in the homebuying process—it’s when hidden issues come to light that can make or break whether or not a home is still the right choice. If you’re wondering how long buyers have to respond after the inspection report comes in, you’re not alone.

Inspection

The Close

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

When looking into your finances, consider the following factors: Closing costs: These are generally 2% to 5% of the property’s sales price and include lender fees, title insurance, property insurance, and property taxes. Hard money: A hard money loan is a short loan backed by real estate rather than the buyer’s finances.

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

OCTOBER 11, 2024

A Top Agent Can Help You Find A House You Can Afford We analyze millions of home sales to find buyer’s agents who will show you the right home at the right price. Agents don’t pay us to be listed, so you get the best match. Our service is 100% free, with no catch.

MLS

BAM Media

MAY 21, 2025

Installing new roofing 37% of agents say this adds buyer confidence and addresses potential inspection issues before they come up. New roofing 43% of agents say this is a growing priority. A new roof gives buyers peace of mind and helps avoid financing hiccups tied to condition. Equity access is a major driver.

Renovation

BAM Media

MARCH 5, 2025

If the seller needs a quick close, line up financing to accommodate. Waive Inspections (With Caution) Waiving inspections is high risk, high reward. Set a Threshold for Inspection Repairs If waiving inspections isnt an option, a threshold-based inspection can be a great middle ground.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 18, 2025

This Redfin Real Estate article outlines practical steps every buyer should follow, from budgeting and touring homes to inspections and closing. Make sure to estimate these totals so you’re not stretching your finances too thin. Ask friends or family for referrals, or research agents with strong experience in your target areas.

Pre-approval

Windemere Buying

MAY 19, 2025

Buyers are responsible for securing financing , scheduling a home inspection, and getting the property appraised. Common Real Estate Contingencies Home Inspection Contingency After youve made an offer, a professional home inspector will thoroughly examine the property before the deal is finalized.

Home sale contingency

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

As you’re looking to buy a home, it’s possible that you may not have a real estate agent. Whether you weren’t planning on buying a home and suddenly found a home you want to make an offer on, or maybe you worked in real estate, there are reasons that you may be buying a home without an agent. Combine inspections.

Pre-approval

The Living Room

JUNE 13, 2025

The Real Estate Agent: Your Project Manager First and foremost is your real estate agent. Think of your agent as the project manager of your home buying process. Here’s what you can expect from your real estate agent: Scheduling Tours : Arranging viewings for properties you’re interested in.

Pre-approval

AAOA

JANUARY 27, 2025

When buying a rental property, there are local price trends, zoning rules and vacancy rates to consider in addition to financing and renovation costs. Consult with a real estate agent Find a realtor who specializes in the acquisition and disposition of multifamily assets in your target area.

Property Management

Redfin

JULY 28, 2025

You can sell a house as-is without an inspection, and a lot of sellers do when they’re hoping for a quicker sale. While encouraging buyers to waive an inspection contingency can save time and money upfront, it could come with some trade-offs: like fewer offers or legal repercussions if you’re not honest with buyers.

Inspection

HomeLight

AUGUST 6, 2025

You’re trying to move quickly while maintaining your balance on everything from finances to moving trucks. We spoke with Jennifer Hupke , a top-rated real estate agent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who sells homes nearly 60% faster than the average local agent. Connect with your top agent matches today at no cost.

Closing

The Close

NOVEMBER 12, 2024

This article breaks down seven steps to help you learn how to buy land—covering everything from the pros and cons to financing and closing the sale. Inspect the land: Take a stroll on the property—bring your favorite boots. Hire a pro: Think about getting a real estate agent or a land assessor in your corner. Let’s get into it!

Land

Redfin

JUNE 23, 2025

You can schedule inspections, review the title, secure an appraisal, and check for any red flags that could affect your decision to buy. This timeframe grants the buyer permission to thoroughly inspect the property. It’s typically refundable if the buyer backs out for a valid reason like inspection or financing issues.

Due diligence

Redfin

JULY 18, 2025

The owner will begin the home selling process with a real estate agent after their lender approves the short sale. Find an experienced real estate agent Buying a short sale home requires help from a qualified real estate agent who understands all aspects of the process, including how a short sale works for the seller and the homebuyer.

Short sale

Redfin

JULY 21, 2025

How to find fixer-upper homes What to look for when buying a fixer-upper How to buy a fixer-upper in 7 steps Financing options for fixer-uppers FAQs What is a fixer-upper house? Financing: Loans for fixer-uppers can get a little more complicated than an average home loan. Most also require permits, inspections, and contractors.

Renovation

The Living Room

AUGUST 1, 2025

Here’s a step-by-step approach: Analyzing Capital Expenditures Assess Major Systems : Thoroughly inspect the roof, water heater, HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical components. For more accurate estimates, consult with a general contractor or your real estate agent.

Renovation

Redfin

JULY 2, 2025

The below are common reasons that buyers back out of a home sale: Home inspection: If a professional home inspection uncovers structural defects, mold, pest infestations, or safety hazards, the buyer can invoke the inspection contingency. Financing: Even with pre-approval, buyers might fail to secure a mortgage.

Purchase and sale agreement

AAOA

JULY 17, 2025

Luckily, the same principles apply: keep units occupied, tenants engaged, operations running efficiently, and finances under control. Build a proactive seasonal schedule to stay ahead of costly breakdowns: Spring: Service HVAC units, clear gutters, inspect landscaping and irrigation systems. Build a strong network of reliable vendors.

Property Management

Redfin

JULY 10, 2025

Earnest money is a refundable deposit held in escrow to show your serious intent to buy, while due diligence fees are usually non-refundable payments made directly to the seller to secure time for inspections and evaluations. Due diligence fees: Compensate the seller for taking the property off the market during the buyer’s inspection period.

Due diligence

The Close

JULY 31, 2025

Related Articles Realtor vs Real Estate Agent: What’s the Difference? Duties to REALTORS ® Articles 15-17 govern how agents treat each other. Agents are invited into people’s lives at some of their most stressful (and expensive!) If clients don’t believe that agents are acting in their best interest, everything falls apart fast.

Agents

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Don’t skip critical steps like the home inspection or negotiating closing costs. Choosing an inexperienced real estate agent Your real estate agent is your guide, advocate, and negotiator throughout the buying process, so having the right one matters. Stay grounded by focusing on your priorities and budget.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

JANUARY 8, 2025

Well explore practical options, from working with cash home buyers to connecting with seasoned local agents who understand Newarks dynamic housing market. The process of a cash offer in Newark In Newark, a cash sale can streamline the home-selling process, eliminating the need for traditional mortgage financing.

Inspection

HomeLight

DECEMBER 17, 2024

This guide covers practical tips and solutions for securing a fast and efficient sale in Stamford, from considering a cash offer to finding a top Stamford agent and enhancing your homes buyer appeal. The process of a cash offer in Stamford In Stamford, selling your home for cash eliminates the complexities of traditional mortgage financing.

Inspection

HomeLight

JULY 29, 2025

“As-is sales are most often seen in inherited homes, rental properties, or situations involving relocation or foreclosure,” says Jason Huerkamp , a top-performing Minneapolis agent who sells homes 75% faster than the average agent in his market. An agent also helps to set an appropriate price that reflects the home’s condition.

As-is

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

To build our easy-scan pro and con lists, we talked with Maureen Connolly , an agent with 22 years of experience in New York, and Brad Korb , a top-ranked agent in Burbank, California, with 45 years of experience. Get a home inspection: Korb suggests thinking of a rent-to-own agreement “like a long escrow period.”

Seller disclosure

HomeLight

MAY 14, 2025

But I think the real goal behind it, is that it’s generally a time-saving mechanism for the seller because, as you know, selling a home is a full-time job, says Mikail Stein , a top-selling Vermont real estate agent with over a decade of experience. Your agent should also be willing to go the extra mile on marketing.

As-is

HomeLight

MAY 15, 2025

Younger people want to get out of apartments and into a house dramatically, they want to get into a house, says Patsy Whitney , an expert real estate agent with 40 years of experience. Whitney is known for completing transactions 42% faster than the average agent in their market. The major disclosure required is regarding agency.

As-is

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 8, 2024

Consider working with a real estate agent that has experience in that specific market and understand the local trends and potential downsides. Carefully review your finances. Get a pre-inspection. A pre-inspection can help you address any potential problems before you list your home. Negotiate for favorable terms.

Marketing

Redfin

JULY 14, 2025

Performing unauthorized inspections or repairs. Changing the financing structure (like moving from a conventional loan to FHA) without written consent. They switch lenders mid-process and fail to notify the seller, which delays the loan approval and causes them to miss the financing deadline.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JUNE 13, 2025

In this Redfin article, we’ll walk you through what’s different as a second-time homebuyer, how to prep your finances, and what strategies ease the transition—whether you’re upgrading in Flagstaff, AZ , downsizing, or just making a change in Fort Worth, TX. Communicate closely with your real estate agent to align timelines and contingencies.

Debt-to-income ratio