Real Estate Advice

Today's real estate market is flooded with foreclosed properties, and information suggests that there may be many more foreclosures to come in the next few months. So, for many buyers, foreclosed properties represent a way to get a really good deal on a new home.

Foreclosures can offer great value to home buyers, but they can come with hassles, delays and hidden costs. It's really important to work with a real estate professional whenever you're considering the purchase of a foreclosure.

There are three primary ways to purchase foreclosures. Here's a brief overview of how each works.

1. Presale- During a presale, you negotiate with the homeowners who are facing foreclosure. In some cases, the bank may have agreed to a short sale, which…

If you look at real estate statistics from any given local market, you will see that there are quite a few homes out there that sell relatively quickly – or at least under the "average days on market" figure for the area.

If you're putting your home on the market, it's important that you understand what sets these homes apart, so that you can make…

If you're not a parent, evaluating a potential home's school district may be the furthest thing from your mind when you begin house hunting. But, there are many good reasons why you should take a look at the neighborhood schools before you buy. And, there are some pretty good resources to help you make your evaluation, too.

Never Say Never

Even if you don't plan to have children, it's a good idea to buy a home in a good school district…..just in case. No couple wants to have to choose between moving or settling for a poor school district if the day comes when you are a parent. Even older couples could be in the position of having a grandchild living with them and might want to ensure that the local schools would be acceptable.

Consider Resale Value

Even…

Short sales can be good for all the parties involved. However, as a buyer there are a few things you should know before you begin the short sale process.

1. Many approvals may be required. If the homeowner has a second mortgage on the home, the second lender must also approve the short…

I’ve been there before when you've outgrown your rental. When it’s time to move because your lease went up 30% and it's not worth it. I’ve blessed a sneezing neighbor when we were both in our appartments, and I’ve been welcomed with a thank you for my consideration. I’ve been there when the neighbor above you vacuums their entire apartment while blaring the weather channel at the crack of dawn. I even been there when the kids next-door play video games all night while you stare wildly at the alarm clock in disbelief that it’s four hours before you’re due at work. I’ve walked my groceries upstairs hoping the bags don’t break while waiting on others to move out of your way.

I’ve been there before. I know the feeling when it's…