Deciding whether to consult a real estate agent or mortgage lender first when buying a home is a common dilemma for first-time homebuyers. Working with a lender upfront provides clarity on your budget, and getting preapproved shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. However, connecting early with a knowledgeable real estate agent can offer invaluable guidance for the complex home shopping process. So, which one should you talk to first? If you are laser-focused on sticking to a budget, maybe a lender first

Deciding whether to consult a real estate agent or mortgage lender first when buying a home is a common dilemma for first-time homebuyers. Working with a lender upfront provides clarity on your budget, and getting preapproved shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. However, connecting early with a knowledgeable real estate agent can offer invaluable guidance for the complex home shopping process. So, which one should you talk to first? If you are laser-focused on sticking to a budget, maybe a lender first is wise. Do you want an expert by your side to tour homes to see what’s available before you go through the loan application process? Perhaps starting with an agent is best. Rather than see this as an “either/or” decision, let’s look at it as each professional fulfilling a unique role in the process. In an ideal world, the two work hand-in-hand. A good agent has a trusted … Continued

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What if you could cut your agent commission in half – or even down to 1%? On a $500,000 house, that’s handing over $25,000-$30,000 of your equity. But over the last few years, a disruptive new model has emerged – agents who offer full service for commissions as low as 1%. In the real estate industry, the concept sounds almost too good to be true, especially for the same real estate services. Yet an emerging group of real estate agents and discount real estate brokers are offering full-service real

What if you could cut your agent commission in half – or even down to 1%? On a $500,000 house, that’s handing over $25,000-$30,000 of your equity. But over the last few years, a disruptive new model has emerged – agents who offer full service for commissions as low as 1%. In the real estate industry, the concept sounds almost too good to be true, especially for the same real estate services. Yet an emerging group of real estate agents and discount real estate brokers are offering full-service real estate transaction support for a fraction of the typical cost. These real estate companies claim to provide full-service services to list properties for commissions as low as 1% of the sales price. The major players in this space include: While availability and minimums vary, each discount real estate brokerage gives sellers nationwide an option to sell their property with lower real estate commissions, but … Continued

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If you’re looking to buy a house in the Bay Area, you’ll probably be a little sticker-shocked, even more so if you’re from out of the area. Housing prices throughout the region are more than double the nation’s median home price. The San Francisco Bay Area is home to Silicon Valley and some of the world’s most valuable companies, with new tech startups forming daily. Beyond tech, there are significant opportunities in biotech, education, finance, and the arts, making it an attractive

If you’re looking to buy a house in the Bay Area, you’ll probably be a little sticker-shocked, even more so if you’re from out of the area. Housing prices throughout the region are more than double the nation’s median home price. The San Francisco Bay Area is home to Silicon Valley and some of the world’s most valuable companies, with new tech startups forming daily. Beyond tech, there are significant opportunities in biotech, education, finance, and the arts, making it an attractive place for professionals from various fields. That means that job opportunities are strong, there’s a ton of high-earning talent in the region, and their incomes drive up housing prices, especially in desirable areas. For example, in San Francisco, home buyers are looking at a median home price of over $1.2 million. To the north, in Marin County, the median home price jumps to $1.3M. Across the bay in Oakland, the … Continued

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A garage can be a fantastic feature in a home. Not only does it act as added parking, but for many, it’s valued for its additional storage space. For others, they turn space into a home gym, office, or even a studio. A garage has become more than just a practical space for parking vehicles. Its functional and aesthetic appeal offers more than convenience but helps increase buyer demand and enhance a home’s overall market value. But how much value does a garage add to a house? Benefits of Having

A garage can be a fantastic feature in a home. Not only does it act as added parking, but for many, it’s valued for its additional storage space. For others, they turn space into a home gym, office, or even a studio. A garage has become more than just a practical space for parking vehicles. Its functional and aesthetic appeal offers more than convenience but helps increase buyer demand and enhance a home’s overall market value. But how much value does a garage add to a house? Benefits of Having a Garage The garage is often overlooked in the grand scheme of home features. When buying a house, most buyers focus on the kitchen, bathrooms, and living spaces well before directing their attention to the garage. But a garage is, in fact, a powerhouse of added value for homeowners and potential buyers alike. Its benefits extend well beyond the essential … Continued

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The Hawaiian islands conjure images of endless beaches, clear water, and tropical forests. They are a popular destination for escaping the mainland United States to spend a few days (or weeks) under the sun. However, living in Hawaii is a different story. It frequently tops lists as the most expensive state to live in, which places financial stress on residents. The limited space drives up land prices while everything from groceries to gas needs to be imported, which means everything has a higher cost. 

The

The Hawaiian islands conjure images of endless beaches, clear water, and tropical forests. They are a popular destination for escaping the mainland United States to spend a few days (or weeks) under the sun. However, living in Hawaii is a different story. It frequently tops lists as the most expensive state to live in, which places financial stress on residents. The limited space drives up land prices while everything from groceries to gas needs to be imported, which means everything has a higher cost. 

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The U.S. has some of the world's largest homes by square footage. Since the Great Recession, the average size of new single-family homes in America is now 2,537 square feet, an increase of 6.3%. As a result, one of the most common questions is, “Are basements included in square footage?”

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The U.S. has some of the world's largest homes by square footage. Since the Great Recession, the average size of new single-family homes in America is now 2,537 square feet, an increase of 6.3%. As a result, one of the most common questions is, “Are basements included in square footage?”

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Climate change is one of our most pressing global issues, with far-reaching impacts on many aspects of our lives, including the real estate sector. Yet, surprisingly, most property buyers don't grasp just how significant climate change is to the real estate industry.

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Climate change is one of our most pressing global issues, with far-reaching impacts on many aspects of our lives, including the real estate sector. Yet, surprisingly, most property buyers don't grasp just how significant climate change is to the real estate industry.

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Selling your home can be one of the most stressful things you can do. It's only natural for people to struggle with big life changes, even when they are favorable. Moving out of a home where you’ve created memories with loved ones is a major life event that could cause some anxiety, sadness, or uncertainty.

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Selling your home can be one of the most stressful things you can do. It's only natural for people to struggle with big life changes, even when they are favorable. Moving out of a home where you’ve created memories with loved ones is a major life event that could cause some anxiety, sadness, or uncertainty.

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