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If you’re buying or selling a home, then you’re going to come across the term MLS, or Multiple Listing Service. But just what is the MLS and why is it so important to both buyers and sellers? Let’s take a closer look at this essential tool.

The MLS explained

In a nutshell, the MLS is a huge database of homes for sale. While it may seem like the MLS is one national database, it is actually comprised of hundreds of regional databases. Real estate agents use the MLS as a tool to help buyers and sellers find each other, even for homes they do no represent. The MLS helps to facilitate cooperation between agents by consolidating information in one place. Real estate agents pay to have access to their regional database. In many cases, agents may pay to have memberships to more than one MLS.

How the MLS works

The MLS is an online service that allows agents to search homes by price, features, and neighborhoods. Sellers cannot post their properties directly on the MLS – it is only accessible to those agents and brokers who have paid memberships. Agents collect all the important details about a home including the size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and other amenities. They then create a listing with this information as well as photos of the home on behalf of their client. Agents can also upload and download important documents on the MLS like HOA regulations and seller disclosures. Listings on the MLS are then exposed to thousands of agents as well as real estate websites like Zillow or Realtor.com.

How the MLS benefits buyers

We are in a seller’s market. That means it’s critical for buyers to have up-to-the-minute access to new home listings. Homes are added to the MLS in real time giving agents information about new homes for sale almost instantly. Agents are notified when new listings fitting their criteria are added to the database. As a buyer, having this information at your fingertips is critical in a competitive market.

How the MLS benefits sellers

As a home seller, the most important marketing tool is exposure. You are more likely to have multiple offers on your home when it reaches the widest possible audience. When your home is listed on the MLS it not only reaches the agents who have access to the database, but also the third party websites that aggregate this data. This means your home will be seen by exponentially more potential buyers than just a sign in your front yard or an ad in the local newspaper.

How to make the most of the MLS

When interviewing real estate agents, be sure to ask them if they have MLS access. Also inquire if they are members of more than one MLS, which will increase your reach to potential buyers or sellers. If you’re house hunting, then ask your agent to create a buyer portal. This will create email alerts that are sent to you when a home matching your criteria hits the market. As a seller, make sure that you agent has correct information about your home so that details in your listing are accurate. And, of course, be sure to use high-quality photos to make your home stand out from the competition.

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There are many benefits of buying a home, but one of the biggest is building equity. But what exactly is home equity, and how can it be used to your advantage? Let’s take a closer look at home equity and how it can be such an advantageous financial tool.

Home equity explained

In a nutshell, home equity is the amount you owe on your mortgage minus what your home is worth in today’s market. So let’s say you still owe $150,000 on your home and that it’s worth $200,000. That means you have $50,000 worth of equity in your home.

How equity increases and decreases

There are a couple of ways that you can increase your home equity. The first is to pay down your mortgage. The more you’ve paid, the more equity you have in your home. The second way is for your home value to increase. The more that value jumps, the more equity you have. On the flip side, your equity can decrease if your home decreases in value faster than you’re paying down your mortgage.

Calculating your equity

In order to understand how much equity you have in your home, you need to know its current value. The best way to determine your home’s value is to talk with a professional real estate agent. Once you know how much your home is worth, subtract the balance of your mortgage and any other home-related debts you’re carrying. The resulting number is your home equity.

Using equity to buy another home

If you currently own your home and you’re looking to upgrade, then you can use your equity to help finance the purchase. When you sell your home, your equity will be the profit you make on the sale (minus fees and closing costs). You can then use that profit to make the down payment on your next home. Find out how long does equity release take. For many homeowners, this can mean making a sizable down payment, giving you the ability to afford a larger, more expensive home and still have a smaller mortgage.

Taking out a home equity loan

You can also borrow against your home equity. One way is to take out a home equity loan, which is like a second mortgage. If you have $50,000 in equity, you may qualify for a $40,000 loan. You would receive that money in a lump-sum payment from your lender to use however you like. You would then make monthly payments on that loan, just like you would with your primary mortgage.

Using a home equity line of credit

You can also get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to use like a credit card. If you qualify for $40,000 worth of credit, then you can use that money for things like a kitchen renovation. In this scenario, you only pay back what you borrow.

Refinancing for more than you owe

Finally, with your equity you may also qualify for a cash-out refinance. In this case, you would refinance your mortgage for more than what you owe. You would receive the extra money in cash to do with as you please. You would then repay the new amount in monthly installments with interest.

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By all accounts, the real estate market hasn’t taken any hits as a result of the pandemic. In fact, the market is extremely strong right now and poised to help lead the economy out of a pandemic-induced recession. Homes are in high demand, and there is a shortage of inventory – which means we’re in a sellers’ market. But don’t let that fool you into thinking you can price your home sky high. On the contrary, you need to be smart about determining just the right asking price for your home. Here’s why it matters.

The problems with pricing too low

One of the main problems with pricing your home too low is that you’re leaving money on the table. In today’s market, you have the potential to make a handsome return on your investment. There’s no sense in pricing too low and potentially missing out on thousands of dollars – or more. In addition, potential buyers may think something is wrong with your home if it is priced below the competition. And if you’re using your home sale to help finance your next home purchase, you’re decreasing your buying power by pricing low. On the flip side, however, it’s better to price too low than too high. That’s because the price can be driven over your asking price if you receive multiple offers on your home. But there’s no guarantee your home will cause a bidding war, so why risk it?

The problems with pricing too high

Some sellers may be tempted to price high because of the current demand for homes. But this is a huge mistake. For one thing, buyers can see that your home is priced more than the competition. In today’s world, it’s easy for buyers and their agents to research comps in the area and it will be obvious there’s something off about your asking price. As a result, your home could sit on the market for too long. This can send the message that there’s actually something wrong with your house. That message can be compounded if paired with price reductions. And don’t forget about the appraisal. Your buyer could have a problem closing on their home loan if their offer is higher than the appraised value of the home. This is why it’s so essential that you price your home correctly from the start.

How to find just the right price

So just how do you find the right price for your home for sale? There are several key things to consider:

• Look at comps in your area. By researching recently sold homes, expired listings, pending sales, and active listings for homes that are similar to yours, you can get a good sense of what your home is worth.
• Ask a professional real estate agent to perform at CMA, or Comparative Market Analysis. Your agent will pull data from your local market to help determine how to best price your home.
• Take the current market into consideration. As we stated above, we’re in a sellers’ market. You may have the wiggle room to increase your asking price by as much as 10 percent over recent comps if the market is very competitive.

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One of the questions we get most often from sellers is, “How long will it take to sell my house?” While this is true in normal times, it’s even truer now. Sellers want to have some idea of how long the home-selling process is going to take, beginning with how long the house will be on the market. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in the market today and what steps you can take to get a great offer sooner.

Homes are flying off the shelves

According the National Association of Realtors (NAR) August 2020 Confidence Index, homes typically sold in 22 days in August. In addition, 68 percent of homes were on the market for less than a month. This is a record-breaking timetable. Buyers are eager to find a home and put in an offer, especially because there is currently a huge shortage of inventory. Simply put, in today’s market you can expect to move from listing to pending sale in less than a month. There has never been a better time in recent history to sell your home.

Set a realistic asking price

Just because we’re in a sellers’ market doesn’t mean that you can set an unrealistically high price on your home. Pricing your home right from the beginning is key in getting an offer quickly. Work with an agent who has experience in your market to help determine the best asking price for your home. When you overprice your home, it can sit on the market for too long. This can lead buyers to think there’s something wrong with it. Setting the right price is key. Another great option is to sell your home to House Buyers of America, they buy houses for cash regardless of their condition. You may also be wondering about how do I sell my house after a fire. There are companies that buy damaged homes with a fair price.

Make it sparkle

Being in a sellers’ market also doesn’t mean you can get lazy about showing your home. You need to make it sparkle! First, pack up your extra belongings and large pieces of furniture and keep them in storage. Include anything that is personal, such as framed photographs of family or décor from a specific sports team. Organize what’s left, keeping in mind that buyers will be looking in drawers and closets so they need to be tidy. Once you’re organized it’s time to clean every room in your house. This includes places you tend to neglect, such as baseboards, windows, cabinets, and floors. If you’re short on time, then consider hiring professional cleaners.

Address home repairs

In addition to cleaning and de-cluttering, you should attend to minor repairs. This includes patching drywall, touching-up paint, repairing loose doorknobs, and tightening leaky faucets. You should also consider giving rooms a fresh coat of neutral paint, installing new hardware in bathrooms and kitchens, and upgrading lighting fixtures. These small repairs can go a long way. But if a major plumbing repair is needed, never hesitate to call a plumber just like this plumber in Adelaide.

You should also look out for major damages. For instance, if your metal roof needs to have a roof replacement or repair work done immediately, you may order the materials you need from a metal roofing supplier and work on the roof before listing your home. You may contact an expert roofing contractor for professional roofing services.

Stage and add curb appeal

More and more buyers are doing their preliminary shopping online. Make your home stand out amongst the competition by staging it to sell. Determine what the best feature is of each room and stage your furniture and décor to highlight it. You could also hire a professional stager who will bring in new furniture and décor to make your home look polished. Give some attention to the outside of your home as well. Clean up the yard, replace broken lights, and add some seasonal décor.

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The global coronavirus pandemic has had serious financial consequences for many Americans. High unemployment caused by the shutdown has made it difficult for some to make their monthly payments. Unfortunately, missing payments can have a negative affect on your credit score, which can impact your ability to buy a home in the future. If your credit has suffered as a result of the pandemic, then here’s what you need to do begin rebuilding it.

Check your credit report

First things first – if you’re concerned about your credit, then get a copy of your credit report. By looking at your report, you can see firsthand what factors are negatively impacting your credit. This will help you prioritize how you tackle repairing your credit. Consider what will make the biggest impact. Your payment history makes up the largest portion of your score, so this is often where you’ll want to start.

Make payments on time

Late payments can stay on your report for up to seven years. Making your payments on time will help you to keep your credit score up. It also helps to eliminate late fees, which can quickly eat up extra funds. If you’re able, then sign-up for automatic payments. This helps you to avoid forgetting to make a payment. Look into ways to reduce your spending, such as cooking at home or finding ways to lower your Internet or cell phone bill.

Don’t dig a deeper hole

Avoid taking on new debt while you’re repairing your credit. Another factor that determines your credit score is your credit utilization ratio. This is the ratio of how much credit you’re using divided by how much revolving credit you have. You want to keep this number as low as possible. The only type of loan that you should consider getting is a debt consolidation loan. This kind of loan helps you to pay off and close your existing credit.

Keep your accounts open

Your credit history also plays into your score. You should keep your accounts open even if they are paid off. Just remember to keep your accounts active by periodically making small purchases. Make sure to pay off those purchases in full each month.

Check into deferment plans

You’re not the only one experiencing financial problems as a result of the pandemic. For this reason, many lenders are extending deferment plans for credit cards and mortgages. This can be a good way to protect your credit while still being able to miss payments. Just be sure to check your credit report occasionally to ensure that it’s being reported correctly, or it could negatively impact your score.

Ask for lower interest rates

You don’t get what you don’t ask for. And this is often true with low interest rates. Did you know that you can simply call your lender to ask for a lower rate? While there is no guarantee it will work, it is always worth a try. The money you save on interest payments can then be applied to the principal balance, which will allow you to pay it off faster.

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Everybody has advice for first-time homebuyers. But what about those who are buying a home for the second time? While wading into the real estate market for the first time can be intimidating, that doesn’t mean you’re suddenly a pro when it’s time to buy your second home. In fact, being a second-time homebuyer presents its own set of unique challenges. If you’re preparing to buy your second home, then here are some tips you should keep in mind.

Figure out what to do with your current home

Buying a home for the first time can be scary. But when you do it for the second time, you also have to figure out what to do with your current home. Will you sell it or rent it? If you’re selling, will you try to sell at the same time as buying a home, or wait until after you’ve made your purchase? There are many factors to consider when making this choice, including how much money you have saved, local market conditions, and how much you feel you can handle at one time.

Don’t rule out an FHA loan

While most people think that FHA loans are specifically for first-time homebuyers, second-time homebuyers can utilize them as well. However, you must meet all the criteria including credit and down payment requirements. Generally, you cannot use an FHA loan for an investment property or vacation home. But if you are looking to relocate permanently in your next home, it’s worth looking into this type of loan.

Determine how you’ll make the down payment

How will you make the down payment for your second home? For many second-time buyers, they rely on the sale of their first home to make the down payment on their next home. But if you’re waiting to sell your current home, you’ll need to make sure you have enough saved for your down payment. And take into consideration that unless you have at least 20 percent of the purchase price saved, you’ll be paying PMI (private mortgage insurance).

Evaluate your current needs

Your needs have probably changed since you bought your first home. For this reason, you should take time to reevaluate what you are looking for in a home. This year, many homeowners have decided to upsize since they are now working from home or they have children who are attending school online. Sit down and make a list of your priorities so that you can focus your search on homes that meet your current needs.

Think long-term

Even if you think you’ll be living in your new home for the rest of your life, things can change. After all, nobody really expected that we’d all be staying at home for almost all of 2020. We don’t know what the future holds, which is why it is important for you to consider how easy it will be to sell this home down the line. There may come a day when you thank yourself for it.

Work with a professional

Finally, take some of the stress off your second-time home purchase by working with a professional real estate agent. They can offer advice and expertise every step of the way to make your second-time home-buying experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Traditionally, summer has been the best time to sell a home. It’s the time of year when families with children most often choose to move so that their kids will be settled in for the new school year. But the pandemic has totally upended the housing market, and we’re living in a new paradigm. For this reason, fall 2020 has turned into an exceptional time to sell your home. Here’s why.

Interest rates are at record lows

If you tune into the news, then you’re well aware that interest rates have hit an all-time low. Rates have fallen below three percent during the summer and may even fall lower than that by the end of the year. And while we’ll probably see these historically low rates for the foreseeable future, they will eventually go away. This is driving up demand as buyers flock to the market to take advantage of these incredible rates.

Millennials are finally entering the market

For years, experts have been trying to predict when Millennials would enter the housing market in a big way. While this generation has been unable to buy in previous years for reasons such as sizable student loan debt, it seems that many are now ready to become homeowners. This internet-savvy age group has been searching online listings for months or even years, waiting for the right time to make their move. For many, this perfect storm of wanting more space because of the pandemic and the current economics of buying a home make it the best time to take the leap.

Home prices are on the rise

Because of this surge in demand, home prices have held steady and even gone up in competitive markets. Selling your home at a time when prices are high is always going to be a good idea as you will have an easier time getting a good return on your initial investment. Economists predict that home prices will continue to rise in the near future.

More homeowners are able to move up

The pandemic has made us all realize how important our homes are to our health and well-being. And now that many of us are working or going to school from home, having extra space for these activities is essential. Many homeowners who have equity in their homes are deciding that now is a good time to upsize their living situation by using the equity in their current homes to help finance their purchase.

There is a shortage of homes for sale

Finally, fall 2020 is a great time to sell because there continues to be a shortage of homes for sale. The pandemic spooked many home sellers who were both afraid of having strangers in their homes and worried they wouldn’t be able to find buyers. While more sellers are returning to the market after putting off their sale, there is still a shortage of inventory. When inventory is low and demand is high, you’ve got all the ingredients you need for a sellers’ market. If you put your home on the market now, then you can feel confident that there are many buyers out there who will be interested in making a competitive offer.

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At a time when most of us are concerned about inviting strangers into our homes, handling unexpected repairs can be a challenge. After all, that burst pipe doesn’t really care if you want to call a Plumber Katy TX or not. Extensive roof damages will most likely require a roof replacement done by professional residential roofing services. However, there are several home repairs you can complete yourself with the right knowledge and tools, making it unnecessary to call in the pros. Here are some tips for tackling DIY home repairs during a pandemic.

Repair drywall

Did that picture-hanging process leave you with a big hole in your wall? Fortunately, repairing holes in your drywall is an easy fix with a little spackle. Scrape off any loose bits with a taping knife and then spread on some spackle. If the hole is too large for this kind of spot fix then use a mesh patch. This will give you a smooth surface on which you can apply the spackle. Let dry for 24 hours and then sand off any rough edges. It’s always handy to keep leftover paint so that you can touch-up small fixes like this as well.

Fix a running toilet

Do you have a problem with a toilet that just won’t stop running? Not only can that noise become irritating, but it can also run up your water bill. The good news is that this is another repair that you can easily tackle by yourself. If your toilet won’t stop running, then it’s probably a faulty flapper. This is the small rubber piece that separates the tank from the toilet bowl. Start by turning off the water behind the toilet. Remove the tank lid and flush to empty out the tank. Remove the old flapper and replace it with a new one. Attach the chain to the trip lever and make sure the flapper can fully close. Turn the water back on and try a test flush. If the toilet is quiet after the tank fills, then you did it! If the problem persists, then it might be time to call Appleton Plumbing Services – Valentine and while you are getting it repaired or replaced, you should get a portable toilet rental.

Replace caulk

While you’re working on your toilet you may realize that the caulk in your bathtub has seen better days. If your caulk is cracked, broken, or peeling, then it could cause water damage and mold. But have no fear, replacing caulk is a job that you can DIY as well. First, completely remove all the old caulk with a putty knife or razor blade. Then fill the tub with water. The water weighs down the tub and expands the gaps so you’re sure to get good coverage. Now thoroughly clean the surface by vacuuming up debris and then wiping with a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol. Then apply the new caulk. It’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality caulk, as it will last much longer than the cheaper versions. Finally, dip your finger in water and run it along the caulk line. This will smooth the caulk and force it into the gap. Patch any holes with new caulk and smooth using the same process. Follow the directions on the caulk container for drying time – usually it’s about 24 hours.

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If you’re diving into the real estate market for the first time, then you’ve probably realized there’s a bit of a learning curve. When researching homes and mortgages you may have come across some terms that are unfamiliar to you. Acronyms are especially popular in real estate, and it’s helpful to know what all these abbreviations stand for. Here are 10 of the most common real estate acronyms that you’re likely to come across when you’re buying or selling a home.

HOA

Many homes and condos are part of an HOA, or homeowners association. This is the governing body that oversees your community and establishes standards to help maintain property values. If you purchase a home that’s in an HOA, then you’ll be paying monthly fees to them for things like the maintenance of public spaces.

FHA

A popular type of loan is an FHA loan. FHA stands for the Federal Housing Administration, which has a program that guarantees loans for buyers who qualify. They typically require very low down payments and are great for first-time buyers.

VA

VA loans are another common type of home loan. They are guaranteed by the Veterans Administration and are available to those who have served in the military. One great benefit of VA loans is that they require no down payment at all.

CMA

Are you preparing to sell your home? Then you’ll probably want to get a CMA from a real estate agent. This stands for Certified Market Analysis, and it is a comprehensive report that helps to determine the value of your home. Finding just the right asking price for your home is a crucial step when selling.

FSBO

When you search listings, you may come across the acronym FSBO. This means the home is For Sale By Owner. If you want to purchase a home that is FSBO, then be aware that the seller will not be working with a professional real estate agent and you or your agent will be dealing with them directly.

MLS

MLS stand for Multiple Listing Service. This is the collection of all the homes that are for sale at any given time. When you put your home up for sale your agent will list it in the MLS. If you’re looking for a home, your agent will search the MLS for properties that fulfill your needs.

ROI

Are you in the market for an investment property, or are you thinking about how much your home will be worth down the line? Then you’re considering the home’s ROI – return on investment. The ROI represents how much you stand to profit over your original investment.

APR

As you begin to shop around for a mortgage, you’ll come across the term APR. This stands for annual percentage rate and refers to the cost per year over the term of your loan. It is a combination of your interest rate as well as other fees.

DTI

Another term you’ll probably encounter when applying for a mortgage is DTI, or debt-to-income ratio. This is the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward paying your debts. The smaller your DTI, the better.

PMI

Finally, if you’re playing less that 20% of the purchase price for your down payment, then you’ll probably be paying PMI, or private mortgage insurance. This is a fee that covers your lender in case you default on your loan.

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Just about everything has gone virtual in the age of the coronavirus, even home sales. In an effort to stay as safe as possible, many homebuyers are opting to see homes online instead of in person. As a home seller, it’s essential that you take this “new normal” into consideration when you put your home on the market. That’s why it’s important to create “screen appeal” to entice potential buyers. Here’s how.

Focus on staging

Staging your home for sale is a great strategy during normal times. But it’s even more important now. Homes that are staged allow potential buyers to see the property in the best possible light. Start by de-cluttering and removing all personal items. Remember – you want buyers to be able to imagine living in the home. Do a thorough cleaning and repaint rooms in neutral colors if needed. Replace light bulbs so every room has ample light. Rearrange furniture to maximize flow, and remove any bulky items that take up too much space. For some it may be wise to rent a storage unit temporarily so you have a safe place to store your stuff until you move.

Take a test run

Now that your home is de-cluttered, cleaned, and staged, do a test run. Take photos of each room and see how they look on screen. Is each room living up to its potential? Are the room’s best features being highlighted? For some rooms, that may be a beautiful view just outside the windows. Or maybe it’s a great architectural feature like a vintage fireplace. Taking preliminary photos before a professional comes in to take them gives you the chance to fine-tune your staging. That way you know you’re getting the best possible results.

Consider virtual staging

Virtual staging can be a great choice for sellers who have empty homes they are putting on the market. Instead of bringing actual furniture into the space, technology does all the work. Virtual staging services are available in most markets and these professionals can digitally add furniture and décor to your photos. You can also try a DIY approach with virtual staging apps that are now available.

Practice the video tour

If you know that your home is going to be shown via video tours, then take a practice run to get a sense of what buyers will be seeing. Get your agent or a friend on the line and take them on a walk-through of your home. This will help you determine which features you want to make sure buyers see and can alert you to any problem areas that you hadn’t noticed. And remember to keep all the paths clear. Whoever is giving the video tour will be trying to juggle several things at once and you don’t want them to trip.

Don’t skimp on curb appeal

Finally, you should also be focusing some time on increasing your home’s curb appeal. Now more than ever the outside of your home is an important part of the picture because it’s the first thing most buyers will see. Clean up the yard and add some seasonal décor to make your home look cozy and improve your home design. You may also consider adding a Hardscaping Accent Installation to increase your home’s curb appeal.