Edith's Blog

   TIPS ON HOW TO PRICE YOUR HOME           Consider comparables. What have other homes in your neighborhood sold for recently? How do they compare to yours in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities?   Consider competition. How many other houses are for sale in your area? Are you competing against ...

What Is Appraised Value?   It's an objective opinion of value, but it's not an exact science so appraisals may differ. For buying and selling purposes, appraisals are usually based on market value-what the property could probably be sold for. Other types of value include insurance value, replacem...

 10 Questions to Ask a Home Inspector What are your qualifications? Are you a member of the American Association of Home Inspectors?Do you have a current license? Inspectors are not required to be licensed in every state.How many inspections of properties such as this do you do each year?Do you h...

  Hidden Home Defects to Watch For  No home is flawless, but certain physical problems can be expensive. Watch for:  Water leaks. Look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements or attics.Shifting foundations. Look for large cracks along the home's foundation.Drainage...

   10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying Find a real estate professional who's simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the practitioner you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality. Remember, there's n...

 10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers    Be picky, but don't be unrealistic. There is no perfect home. Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sur...

5 Common First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes   They don't ask enough questions of their lender and miss out on the best deal. They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house. They don't find the right real estate professional who is willing to help you through the homeb...

  7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, and some of the costs involved in buying your home. Gains. Between 1998 and 2002, national home prices increased at an average of 5.4 percent annually. And...

 10 Steps to Prepare for Homeownership   1.      Decide how much home you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income. 2.      Develop a wish list of what you'd like your home to have. Then prioritize the features on your list. 3.  ...

  5 Reasons You Need a REAL ESTATE AGENT A real estate transaction is complicated. In most cases, buying or selling a home requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page government-mandated settlement statements. A knowledgeable guide ...