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  • Florida seeing ‘downward trend’ in insurance rate filings, state says stabilization is here
    By Owen Girard Published May. 21, 2024, 2:22 p.m. ET | Updated May. 21, 2024 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation celebrated the state’s strengthening of its property and casualty insurance market on Monday, saying some firms are lowering rates. The “slight trend downward” is the first in “years,” the office said. The […]
  • Starter Home vs. Forever Home: How to Make the Right Choice for Your Future
    Written by: Simone McFarlane Purchasing a home is a universal aspiration, but first-time buyers often grapple with choosing between a starter home and a forever home. This decision impacts both financial stability and lifestyle. In this article, courtesy of Sensible Property Group, we’ll discuss the advantages and drawbacks of each, considering financial factors and long-term […]
  • How Do I Start A Business In The Middle Of A Move?
    Written by Simone McFarlane Image via Pexels So you have two major life goals right now: starting a business and finding a new home. Each of these independently presents challenges, but when you plan life transitions to happen at the same time, you may find even more hurdles. Thankfully, hurdles are never insurmountable, and today, […]
  • Essential Considerations When Moving to a New State
    written By: Simone McFarlane Moving to a new state is your chance to start life over anew. You’ll be in a new environment, with different people, maybe a new job, and a brand new routine. As fulfilling and exciting as it all likely is, it’s going to be stressful and anxiety-inducing too. You have a […]
  • Thinking About Buying a Home? Ask Yourself These Questions
    If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you’re probably paying closer attention than normal to the housing market. And you’re getting your information from a variety of channels: the news, social media, your real estate agent, conversations with friends and loved ones, the list goes on and on. Most likely, home prices and mortgage rates are coming up […]
  • Yikes! Mortgage Rates Just Jumped Again—and Here’s How High They Might Go
    By Andrea RiquierMay 26, 2023 Mortgage rates jumped higher this week, further dashing homebuyers’ hopes for an affordable spring home-shopping season. Rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.57% for the week ending May 25, according to Freddie Mac. That’s a hefty hike upward from last week’s 6.39%. As if that weren’t worrisome enough, Mortgage News Daily (which tabulates […]
  • Investors Need to be Pro-Active Entering 2023
    Originally published in REI Ink Magazine. If I could sum up the property insurance market in one word, it would be chaos. If you have been an investor for the last couple of years, you have undoubtedly had a challenging property renewal for your portfolio. You may have dealt with required increases to insurance value or […]
  • Is This the Calm Before the Mortgage-Rate Storm? Here’s Why Homebuyers Should Hurry
    By Andrea RiquierMar 24, 2023EnvelopeFacebookTwitterLinkedinPinterest Although the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates on Wednesday, mortgage rates veered in the opposite direction and tumbled. For the week ending March 23, the nationwide average for the popular 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.42%, according to Freddie Mac. That’s down from last week—and it’s the lowest level in more than a month. It’s […]
  • Is Solar Energy Renewable? Learn About This Critical Resource for Homeowners
    Published on March 1, 2023 by Jamie Forbes Renewable energy is energy from natural sources that replenish at a higher rate than we consume them. They are an essential tool to combat climate change and can create a more equitable world. Wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy are examples of renewable energy, but is solar energy renewable?  Whether you live in […]
  • The Housing Market Warms Up, but This Twist Could Plunge It Back Into a Freeze
    By Clare TrapassoFeb 13, 2023EnvelopeFacebookTwitterLinkedinPinterest Is the housing market back? A surge in mortgage interest rates last year ground the real estate market to an abrupt halt, as scores of would-be buyers could no longer afford to purchase homes. But last month, as mortgage rates dipped and home prices fell from their peaks, home shoppers dipped their toes back in. […]
  • Planning to Sell Your Home? Here’s How to Protect and Increase Home Value on a Budget
    Published on January 12, 2023 by Julia Weaver It’s true that boosting the value of your home can get expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. From embracing the natural light inside your home to improving your curb appeal, there are many home upgrades that can increase home value and make a big impact, without breaking the […]
  • It’s a Great Time to Look Into Property Investment
    By Simone McFarlane The first step when looking for an investment property is to identify your requirements. Are you looking for a place close to your home or office? Do you want an investment that has the potential for long-term income and growth? Do you need it ready-to-rent or do you prefer it self-owned? There […]
  • What to Do With Your Home When Moving Into Assisted Living
    By Simone McFarlane You realize you cannot take care of yourself anymore at a certain age. It would be best if you had assistance in moving around and performing tasks. This is the time you should consider transitioning to assisted living. Many people will feel intimidated and overwhelmed as moving may be tedious. Having to […]
  • 4 Tips for Moving Your Family on a Budget
    By Simone McFarlane 8/11/2022 Moving is almost always a stressful experience. It can be even more challenging when you’re balancing the needs of your family and trying to stick to a budget. These four tips from Sensible Property Group can help you save money while moving and make the experience as easy and stress-free as […]
  • Home Inspection Tips for Sellers
    No one likes it when a good deal dies. Especially when selling your home, it can be disappointing. Whether the property won’t sell due to financial complications or miscommunications, learning that a great offer has fallen through is always a setback in real estate. Unfortunately, home inspections are a well-known deal-killer within real estate. They’re […]
  • Finding Buyers for Real Estate: Selling Your Property Simply
    When you’ve decided to sell your house, one of the most first questions you’ll ask is how to find buyers for your home. Depending on the location and property type, finding a buyer for a real estate transaction can range from fairly simple to downright challenging. Especially for those who have never sold a house […]
  • How to Calculate Closing Costs
    When buying or selling a home, the topic of closing costs is bound to come on the horizon. It takes a village to purchase or sell a home, with several different people playing a role in the real estate transaction. Buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and inspectors are just a few of the different people […]
  • Guide to Rental Property Bookkeeping
    Real estate and rental property bookkeeping might not be the most exciting element of investing in real estate, but it’s a necessary mechanic within the real estate machine. Some real estate investors might hire an accountant or professional bookkeeper to keep track of their property expenses because understanding these figures is critical for properly running […]
  • Tankless Water Heaters vs. Storage Tank Water Heaters
    2/17/22Grainger Editorial Staff It takes only one surprise cold-water blast from your shower to appreciate the luxury that is on-demand hot water. A failing water heater can not only make for rude awakenings at home, it can also slow facility operations that require hot water for cooking, cleaning and sanitizing, among other things. When it’s […]
  • Tips for Working With Cash Buyers
    POSTED BY CT HOMES // DECEMBER 20, 2021 At face value, working with cash buyers should be simple. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and working with cash buyers can be difficult. There are a few malpractices to look out for when working with cash buyers to save time and frustration. Over the years, many cash buyers […]
  • The Process of Selling Inherited Property
    Dealing with an inherited property or a property in probate can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Because of the many laws associated, an inherited property can take months before the title changes hands. When it finally does, you can be left with a property that hasn’t been updated in years and is in dire […]
  • 8 Tips for Achieving Maximum Coziness
    Gray skies don’t have to mean a drab indoor life. As winter plods along, you may wish you could just hibernate until spring — and that may be more true than ever this year. But there is, indeed, joy to be found in the quieter months of the year. While the trend may have come […]
  • Cash for Keys: What It Means for Rental Properties
    POSTED BY TALIA // NOVEMBER 11, 2021 Cash for Keys: What It Means for Rental Properties As the owner of a rental property, eviction is never a fun prospect to have to consider. Maybe it’s an issue with a tenant adhering to their lease conditions or has numerous missed rent payments. Regardless, evicting problematic tenants is a natural […]
  • Zillow to stop flipping homes for good as it stands to lose more than $550 million, will lay off a quarter of staff
    Last Updated: Nov. 3, 2021 at 12:36 p.m. ETFirst Published: Nov. 2, 2021 at 4:21 p.m. ETBy Jon Swartz41 ‘We’ve determined the unpredictability in forecasting home prices far exceeds what we anticipated and continuing to scale Zillow Offers would result in too much earnings and balance-sheet volatility,’ CEO tells investors Zillow Group Inc. is calling it […]
  • Who Pays the Real Estate Commissions?
    Who Pays the Real Estate Commissions? POSTED BY CT HOMES // OCTOBER 14, 2021 When buying or selling a home, the logistics can get complicated pretty quickly. Tiny yet crucial details and extensive payment processes result in most individuals entering the real estate market with the help of a specialist or real estate agent. When selling a home […]
  • 10 Gorgeous Kitchen Listing Photos With Hidden Problems: Can You Spot Them?
    10 Gorgeous Kitchen Listing Photos With Hidden Problems: Can You Spot Them? By Sally JonesSep 21, 2021EnvelopeFacebookTwitterLinkedinPinterest Surfing real estate listing photos has become one of America’s most popular pastimes, and odds are no rooms get more hearts and starry-eyed emojis than clean, bright kitchens. Who hasn’t pored over listing photos of waterfall islands, gleaming backsplashes, wine fridges, […]
  • 5 Rental Properties and Real Estate Exit Strategies
    5 Rental Properties and Real Estate Exit Strategies POSTED BY CT HOMES // AUGUST 24, 2021 Rental property and real estate investments should not be a decision made lightly without the proper preparation. As with any investment, it’s crucial to consider all the moving parts before diving into a decision. Especially with the ever-fluctuating state of real estate, […]
  • 7 of the Creepiest Things Movers Have Ever Found in Homes
    By Larissa RunkleOct 20, 2020 Many of us enjoy showcasing a few spooky items around the house this time of year. But some people’s troves of creepy things aren’t merely Halloween decorations—they’re the stuff of waking nightmares. We spoke with professional movers from all over to find out some of the creepiest things they’ve ever discovered […]
  • Can You Sell A Tenant-Occupied Home?
    There are several reasons why you might be ready to sell an investment property. Perhaps it’s time to take advantage of the appreciation value, or maybe you need more time to focus on other investment opportunities. Whatever the reason is, there are a few things you should know about trying to sell a tenant-occupied home. […]
  • Minimalist Home Interior: Designing a Space that Promotes Living with Less
    June 8, 2021 by Alison Bentley Now that it’s summer, you may have forgotten about your New Year’s resolutions to keep your home organized and embrace a more minimalist home interior. As you take a look around your home, you may even start to notice miscellaneous papers strewn across the counters, or knick-knacks you can’t remember buying […]
  • The Hidden Value of Homeownership
  • Expanding Economy Makes Foreclosure Wave Less Likely
    Two-thirds of homeowners in forbearance have already started making monthly payments – and March had the best single-month improvement in delinquencies in 11 years. SAN FRANCISCO – Many homeowners granted forbearance on their mortgage payments during the pandemic will reach their 18-month program eligibility limit at the end of September. However, two-thirds of the 7.1 […]
  • Decluttering for Dummies: 6 Insider Secrets for Corralling Your Kitchen Utensil Collection
    Decluttering for Dummies: 6 Insider Secrets for Corralling Your Kitchen Utensil Collection By Larissa Runkle | Feb 9, 2021 artisteer/Getty Images The coronavirus pandemic didn’t just force us to stay home—it also forced us into the kitchen, whether we liked it or not. And we don’t know about you, but our kitchen drawers are starting to look less […]
  • Do It Together: 5 Home Projects for You and Your Household Helpers
    Spruce up your space and keep your kids from climbing the walls — double win! While the kids are out of school, the adults are doing everything they can to keep their little ones safe and healthy at home — and find creative ways to alleviate the boredom and frustration they may be feeling after […]
  • Staying Home for the Super Bowl? 9 Items To Give Your Place a Sports Bar Vibe on Game Day
    Staying Home for the Super Bowl? 9 Items To Give Your Place a Sports Bar Vibe on Game Day By Jennifer Kelly Geddes | Jan 29, 2021 fstop123/Getty Images Truth: Some folks were just fine with the fact that Thanksgiving and other holidays had to be scaled back last year due to the coronavirus. Frankly, less exposure to Aunt […]
  • What Georgia outcome means for Biden’s housing agenda
    Some version of the $15,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit is now more likely January 6, 2021, 2:45 pm By David Stevens, CMB The first week of January is usually a quiet time for housing and for policy makers in Washington D.C. Even in a transition year, despite the perfunctory obligations to certify elections, plan for inaugurations, and […]
  • 8 Tips to Sell in the Dead of Winter
    Offer your clients a list of important ways to prepare their home for a winter showing.   Winter can still be a good time to sell a house, but you may have to work a little harder to make the space appear cozy, warm, and inviting against the dreariness of the season. HomeLight(link is external), a […]
  • What to Look Out for when Working with Cash Buyers
    At face value, working with cash buyers should be easy and simple. Cash, As-Is, no appraisals….easy peasy! Unfortunately this is not always the case and working with cash buyers can be difficult. The good news is, knowing what to look out for when working with cash buyers BEFORE opening escrow can prepare you to save […]
  • Real Estate Roadblocks and what to know to avoid them.
    At face value, working with cash buyers should be easy and simple. Cash, As-Is, no appraisals….easy peasy! Unfortunately this is not always the case and working with cash buyers can be difficult. The good news is, knowing what to look out for when working with cash buyers BEFORE opening escrow can prepare you to save […]
  • Investors: A Real Estate Agent’s Most Powerful Partnership
    As any real estate agent knows, leads are the lifeblood to success. This is why it is no secret that a high percentage of most agents’ time is dedicated to uncovering possible leads via as many conduits as possible.  That being said, all leads are not created equal. Some leads roll in thanks to expensive […]
  • How Pre-Qualification Can Help You Get Your Dream Home
    Buying a home is an important – and exciting – decision. After all, having a place to call your own, to raise your family in, to do as you wish with no landlord to answer to are all motivating factors in starting the process. But, in addition to these emotional reasons, buying a home can […]
  • How to Sell your Home for Cash: The Process!
    How to Sell Your Home for Cash: The Process!
  • Navigating Rental Ownership during the Pandemic
    Navigating Rental Ownership during the Pandemic
  • The Four Most Common Reason Home Buyers Back Out of Real Estate Transactions
    The Four Most Common Reasons Home Buyers Back Out of Real Estate Transactions
  • Who Pays the Real Estate Commissions?
    Who Pays the Real Estate Commissions?   In a typical listing agreement, instructions are defined in writing for how both Listing Agent and Buyer’s Agent receive their commission at the Close of Escrow. Industry Standard suggest the Listing Agent receives about 3.5% in a normal transaction while the Buyer’s Agent receives about 2.5%. Does that […]
  • Selling Your Home? Consider These Five Drawbacks of a Lender-Financed Offer
    All offers are not created equally. It cannot be stated enough just how important it is to choose the right offer, not just the one with the highest price. The right offer is one that actually closes and allows you to move on from the transaction. The wrong offer has an unexpected problem at the […]
  • Navigating Rental Ownership during the Pandemic
      Rental property ownership is filled with ups and downs. If you currently own residential real estate you may be faced with the most difficult period of your ownership. In addition to trying to navigate your personal financial situation, you have to worry about rent coming in from your tenants. The protection of your lease […]
  • What to Look for in a Strong Cash Buyer
    A seller’s goal should be to find the highest offer with the strongest probability of closing. While a near asking price offer may look great after initial review, it may be full of unnecessary contingencies and red flags that may put you in a bad position as the seller. What if you knew what to look for […]
  • How is Inherited Property Transferred to Beneficiaries?
    As we have seen over the last few months life can change on a dime. One day we are thinking about March Madness and the next planning when we can leave our homes. If you have inherited a property over this time or making preparations, you may be dealing with an extra layer of stress you […]
  • Seeking High-Quality Contractors to Join Our Team
    An important piece of the real estate puzzle hinges on building a strong team. This is why in addition to our network of agents, lenders, attorneys, and brokers, we are always on the lookout for great contractors to partner with. Below is some more insight on what we are looking for along with a number […]
  • Are you Looking to Grow Your Real Estate Investment Opportunities?
    If you are a real estate investor looking to purchase wholesale properties or partner on joint venture projects, look no further. Our team has the experience, know-how, and infrastructure to offer you opportunities in your real estate investment endeavors. No matter if you are looking for a rehab project to work on or you are […]
  • Situations We Can Help Home Sellers With
    Homeowners find themselves in the position of having to sell their home fast for any number of reasons. For example, there are times when family obligations require you to move out of state with little warning. Maybe a job relocation takes you to a new area. Or a personal situation has arisen, putting homeowners on […]
  • Real Estate Lead Generation 101
    What are the best real estate lead generation options today? Where and how can real estate agents, investors and other related industry professionals generate more leads for buying, selling and renting properties? What are some of the little known benefits, and pitfalls of common real estate lead generation channels today? Here are 12 ways for real estate […]
  • Technology vs. People Skills: Which Real Estate Strategies Will Win?
    The real estate industry caters to independent strategies. For every investor, there is another way to go about conducting business. Some may prefer to utilize the convenience of technology while others want to maintain personal relationships. However, for one reason or another, there remains a void between these two independent strategies. Smart investors will figure […]
  • Real Estate Investing As A Business
    “Investment is most intelligent when most business like” – Warren Buffett If investing is better when conducted most business like, does it mean that more real estate investors ought to be investing in a more businesslike fashion? Should every real estate investor be investing as a business? What does that really mean? What does it look […]
  • Housing Still The Best Investment Tool Of A Lifetime
    Many people are still wondering whether or not real estate is one of the best investment strategies for long-term wealth building. Is investing in homes still a smart investment for the average individual? Is a home still the best investment of a lifetime for most Americans? If so, why are some pessimists still questioning the rebound […]