Blog Entries in August
Debt-to-Income Ratio Needed to Buy a House
When preparing to buy a home, lenders look at several key factors: your credit score, your savings, and your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). While credit and savings show your history and readiness, your DTI reveals how much of your monthly income is already committed to paying debts. This percentage often plays a big role in determining not only whether you’ll qualify for a mortgage but also ho
Real Estate Terms You Should Know: What is a Short Sale?
By Chris Petry If you were around for the global financial crisis back in 08,’ you’re probably somewhat familiar with the term “short sale.” You may have even read Michael Lewis’s 2010 New York Times Best Seller, The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine, considered by many to be the definitive cultural statement on the topic. Or watched the 2015 film adaption. So
What You Need to Do to Prepare Your House for Fall
By Chris Petry Don’t panic but the first day of Fall is one month from today. Okay, one month plus three days but regardless, Fall is on the way. So that means, as a homeowner, you have a lot to do to prepare your home for the change of seasons. Clean the gutters Even throughout the summer, leaves and twigs and debris have an incredible habit of making their way into your gu
How to Win a Bidding War in Real Estate: Smart Tips for Homebuyers
In today’s competitive real estate market, bidding wars are increasingly common, and they can pressure buyers into overpaying. But smart strategies can help you win without compromising your financial limits. Here’s how to make your offer stand out—strategically and confidently. Research Market Insights Before Entering a Bidding War The first step in making a smart
What Credit Score Do You Really Need to Buy a Home?
If you’re thinking about buying your first home, one question probably looms larger than any other: "Is my credit score good enough?" It’s a source of major anxiety for many, but the good news is that there isn't one single "magic number" you have to hit. While your credit score is a major factor, it’s not a simple pass/fail test. The score you need can
Are Mortgage Interest Rates on the Decline?
By Chris Petry Interest rates, interest rates, interest rates. It seems no single topic has elicited more debate over the last four years, particularly in the world of real estate. First came the pandemic. Which, understandably, stoked a great deal of uncertainty in the market. That said, the calendar years of 2020 and 2021 saw record numbers of transactions. Listings and sales, upsizings, down
The Hidden Costs of Buying a Home
Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, whether it’s your first place or your forever home. But amid the joy of house hunting, making offers, and closing the deal, many homebuyers are caught off guard by expenses they didn’t expect. These hidden costs of buying a home, from closing fees to maintenance surprises, can add
How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment on a House?
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and one of the first questions is often: How much do I need for a down payment? Many buyers still believe the 20% down rule is required, but that’s far from the truth. Today, flexible programs and creative financing options make homeownership possible with far less than you might think. This guide explains what
What Does it Mean to Promote Wellness in Home Design?
By Chris Petry Over the last few years, there’s been an increasing emphasis on home designs and trends that promote wellness and wellbeing. So, what does that mean exactly? The stock answer is to build or stage homes and rooms that prioritize the all-around health of residents that inhabit it. Personally, I find that kind of vague. Is it the raw construction materials themselves t
The Ultimate Home Staging Checklist: Making Buyers Fall in Love with Your Home
Did you know that most homebuyers form a critical first impression of a property within the first 7 to 10 seconds of seeing it? In that tiny window of time, they’re already deciding if they can picture themselves living there. That's where home staging comes in. So, what exactly is home staging? It’s the art of preparing your home for the real estate market by highlighting its b
