If you’re like most people, the decision to buy a home involves a number of stresses and strains.  And even experienced homebuyers make costly mistakes that can easily be avoided.  That’s why I’ve identified the 8 best “secrets” to find the right home at the right price, and get the right financing:   Secret #1:  Understand What You NEED Analyze your basic needs before you even start looking so you don’t buy the wrong home: 1.   General price range 2.   Approximate size (in sq. footage) 3.   General location, area or subdivision 4.   Number of bedrooms 5.   Number of bathrooms 6.   Style and layout of home 7.   School requirements or districts    Secret #2:  Understand What You WANT Look at your present home and write down what you like and what you dislike.  From your list of “likes,”... 05/03/2015

Selling your home is probably one of the biggest transactions you’ll make in your life and one that will certainly affect your financial future.  Here are the secrets you need to know to sell your home for the most money the market will pay, and on your own terms and time frame.   Step #1:  Understand What The TOTAL Market Is Doing, And Get The FULL FACTS.  Don’t just rely on local market information to determine the right price for your home.  Ask your REALTOR® for a “total market overview.”   What’s happening in general and how does that compare with what’s happening in this market (are growth rates the same, lower or higher)?  Now you need the specifics about your neighborhood.  What homes are on the market and what homes have (or haven’t) sold in the last 6-12 months?  A REALTOR® w... 05/02/2015