I’m ready to buy…how many homes should I look at?

This is another question that I get fairly frequently, especially from first-time buyers. There is no answer that is correct for everyone, but it’s something you should definitely talk to your REALTOR about as you start your search. When you sit down with your real estate professional before you look at your first homes, you… Continue reading I’m ready to buy…how many homes should I look at?

Access to 1000 Lenders

One of the most common selling features you’ll see a lot of mortgage brokers and brokerages boast is how many lenders they “have access to.”  But what does that mean, exactly? If Bob the Mortgage Broker (names changed to protect the innocent), has “access to” 35 lenders, and Melissa the Mortgage Broker has “access to”… Continue reading Access to 1000 Lenders

How Commission Works in a Real Estate Transaction

As a real estate professional, a question you get asked on a daily basis is “What is your commission rate?” Although this is a very important question to ask any agent, the question nobody ever asks/should ask  is “How is commission split and who gets what?” A solid understanding of how commission is disbursed provides… Continue reading How Commission Works in a Real Estate Transaction

The Value of Curb Appeal

This real estate term has become very common with homeowners, and is something buyers are looking for more often. The simple idea of a nicely landscaped lawn and a well-maintained exterior can make a real impact. But why is this important if you’re selling your home? The vast majority of buyers who are actively looking… Continue reading The Value of Curb Appeal

Searching….

Last week, I blogged about what real estate lawyers do. I mentioned four main components of what I do for my clients: searching title; communicating with lenders and the other lawyer; preparing documents; and registering/discharging mortgages and transfers. Today I’m going to focus on one of those points: title searches. When you purchase a new… Continue reading Searching….