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When you’re buying a home, you may come across terms that are unfamiliar. One of those terms may be “earnest money.” Exactly what is earnest money, and how does it help you buy a home? In order to save you some time and frustration, here are the most frequently asked questions we’ve received about earnest money.

What is earnest money?

First of all, let’s be clear about what an earnest money deposit actually is. It is the money you put down towards a home that signals to the seller you are serious about your offer. It is also sometimes called a “good faith deposit” because it shows that you really do want to buy the house.

How much is an earnest money deposit?

You can expect to pay between 1-5 percent of the purchase price of the home as an earnest money deposit. The amount of your deposit will depend on where you live and how competitive the real estate market is. When in doubt, consult with your real estate agent about how much to offer. Their expertise and knowledge of the local market can help guide you to offer the appropriate amount.

When do you make the earnest money deposit?

The earnest money deposit is paid after your offer is accepted and you have signed a purchase agreement.

What happens to the earnest money deposit?

The earnest money deposit is not paid directly to the seller. Instead, it is deposited in an escrow account until closing. At that time, the earnest money deposit is typically applied to the down payment and closing costs for the buyer.

When is earnest money refundable?

There are several situations where an earnest money deposit would be refundable if contingencies are stated in the purchase agreement. They include:

• During an option period – The option period is the timeframe where a buyer can cancel the purchase agreement and get the earnest money deposit back.
• Home appraisal contingency – If the home does not appraise for the agreed-upon selling price and the buyer backs out of the contract as a result, then the earnest money deposit is refundable.
• Title contingency – If a title search uncovers a lien on the title or a dispute of ownership, then the earnest money deposit is refundable.
• Home inspection contingency – If the home inspection reveals serious problems that force a buyer to back out of the purchase agreement, then the money is refundable.
• Financing contingency – If your financing for the home falls through, then you can cancel the contract and get your earnest money returned.
• Seller backing out – If the seller gets cold feet and terminates a contract, then the earnest money deposit is refundable.

When is earnest money not refundable?

As a buyer, if you pull out of a contract for a reason that is not clearly stated in the agreement, then you will forfeit your earnest money deposit to the seller.

Should I remove contract contingencies?

Although it may be tempting to remove contract contingencies to make your offer more attractive, it can seriously cost you. Unless you are 100 percent certain you will be able to close on the home, don’t give up your right to cancel the purchase agreement.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

We’re nearing the end of the summer season. This means that many homebuyers have already put in an offer on a house and finished the closing process. But if you’re still house hunting, does that mean you’re out of luck? Fortunately, buying a home at the end of the summer can be a great benefit for those who are still looking. Here’s a look at what you should keep in mind when you’re out there house hunting right now.

There are fewer buyers

The spring and summer real estate market can be very competitive, especially in places with great school districts. When you’re looking for a home in May, there are going to be many buyers looking at the same time. You could put offers in on several homes, only to be outbid by another buyer. But when you’re searching for a home at the end of the summer, there are fewer buyers, which means less competition for you.

Sellers are more motivated

If you’re looking for a bargain, then the end of the summer can be a great time to look for a home. With fewer buyers in the market, many sellers will be more motivated to accept your offer so they can close before the end of the year. And you may be able to find a great deal on a home you love. Be sure to look at listings that have been on the market for more than a month. Those sellers may be more motivated to offer a price reduction or to negotiate on other terms. In many cases, these sellers priced their homes too high to begin with, which caused them to stay on the market for too long. This is a great benefit for end-of-summer homebuyers.

Have patience

One of the disadvantages of house hunting at the end of summer is that there can be lower inventory. Other buyers have snatched up many of the homes that were on the market. But don’t worry – new homes come on the market all the time. If you haven’t found the home that’s right for you, don’t throw in the towel just yet. Have a little patience and keep checking in with your real estate agent. Chances are, more new houses will come on the market each week. Stay persistent with your search.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

No matter what time of year you are looking for a home, it’s essential that you are pre-approved for a mortgage. This signals to the seller that you are serious about your offer to buy their home. During the end of the summer, you should have your mortgage pre-approval letter ready so that when you do find a home you love you’re ready to make your offer.

Know that it isn’t too late

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not too late to be looking for a home at the end of summer. If you want to complete your home purchase before the end of the year, then you still have plenty of time. On average, it takes approximately 50 days to close on a home. This means you could be celebrating the holidays this year in your new place!

Courtesy of Virtual Results

Are you getting ready to put your split-level home on the market? While once a mainstay of builders for several decades, they are a less common design for newer homes. Because of this, you may be concerned about how attractive your home will be to potential buyers. Fortunately, it is entirely possible to sell your split-level home quickly and for a good price. Here’s everything you need to know about selling your split-level home.

What is a split-level home?

First of all, let’s get clear about what a split-level home actually is. Split-level homes first became popular in the 1950s. Buyers liked their innovative design that allowed a larger home on a small lot. In a split-level home, the floors are staggered. They have more levels than a traditional home, usually three, that are connected with short flights of stairs.

Types of split-level homes

When most people think of a split-level home, they conjure up images of The Brady Bunch house. But split-level homes can have a variety of layouts and designs. Many split-level homes are visible from the front, where half of the home is one story and the other half is two stories. However, you can also have a home that appears to be one story in the front, but the back is two stories. Most split-levels homes are three levels. But some can contain as many as five or six levels.

Emphasize the unique floor plan

For many years now, homebuyers have shown a preference for homes with open floor plans. But many experts believe that buyers are starting to become less interested in open-concept homes and their lack of definition. Split-level homes are a great compromise between an open-concept home and one with a more traditional layout. They still retain an open feeling but areas are defined and have more privacy. They also make great homes for entertaining, as the rooms are large enough to hold a crowd, but various areas allow people to enjoy different things at the same time.

Make some cosmetic updates

Some buyers may think of split-level homes as outdated. That’s generally because the ones they remember were decorated with a distinctly 1970s vibe. If you’re getting ready to sell your split-level home, it’s worth it to make some modern cosmetic upgrades. This could include replacing kitchen linoleum with hardwood or ceramic tile or removing the wood paneling from the family room. If you’ve made these updates, be sure to highlight them in your listing photos.

Upgrade your curb appeal

Finally, take some time to update the curb appeal of your split-level home before listing it for sale. Some buyers feel the front door is too difficult to see, so add some visual interest such as a canopy. You can use this timber canopy kit for your canopy windows. You may also add potted plants and flowers. Consider painting the front door a strong contrasting color so it stands out from the rest of the house. You may also improve your roofing system by hiring roofing contractors to conduct some repairs. Beautiful plantings around the front can also help to take attention away from the garage, which is often quite prominent in a split-level home.

If you’re ready to sell your split-level home, then don’t stress! These charming houses are making a comeback, and putting a little extra effort into your home’s appearance can pay back big when it comes time to sell.

Buying a home can be a stressful process. But if you and your spouse can’t agree on which house to buy, your stress levels can go through the roof. In a competitive market, you need to act quickly when you find a home you love. So what do you do if you both can’t agree? Check out these valuable tips on how to compromise when you and your spouse disagree about which home to buy.

Make lists

Before you begin your search, you should each sit down independently and make your own lists of what you need to have in a home. Once you’ve both finished your lists, rank each item in order of importance. Compare lists to see which items you both agree on. This could include the location, the number of bedrooms, or even the size of the yard. When you begin your search, look for homes that feature these items that you both agree are important.

Don’t let your emotions rule

Yes, buying a home can be a very emotional decision. After all, this is the place where you will make many memories. It’s easy to get swept up and forget that this is also one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Make a pact with your partner that you will each do your best to keep your emotions in check. Even if you fall in love at first sight, remember to take the financial aspects into consideration. Does the home cost more than you can afford? Are you going to have to put thousands of dollars into renovating it? Will you have trouble selling it down the line? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you should seriously rethink whether or not it is the home for you.

Be willing to walk away

If you love a home but your partner has serious reservations, is it worth trying to make your case? Try to put yourself in your partner’s shoes. Do you want them to live in a home that they don’t like? Honestly, fighting over a home purchase can put a serious strain on even the most steadfast partnership. Be willing to walk away if your spouse says this home isn’t the one for them.

Take time off

If you continue to have disagreements with your spouse about which home to buy, then it may be time to take a break. New homes are always coming onto the market. Unless you have a hard deadline, such as moving for a job, you can afford to take a little time off from your home search. This will allow you and your partner some more time to reflect on what your needs and wants really are. The time off may be just what you need to reaffirm why you want to move and to get more specific about what each of you wants.

Work with a professional

Finally, the best thing you can do when you and your spouse don’t agree is to work with a professional real estate agent. An expert agent will have invaluable advice about the neighborhood and the local market. Their expertise can help you and your partner find common ground so that you can both be satisfied with your home purchase.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

Is that outdated wallpaper getting you down? Whether you’ve just bought a new home or you’re getting ready to sell, removing old wallpaper can seriously refresh an otherwise dated room. While removing old wallpaper can be a time-consuming job, it is actually not that difficult. With a little bit of know-how and some elbow grease, you can easily remove that wallpaper yourself. Here’s what you need to know to get the job done right.

Prepare the area

First things first – you need to prep the area where you’ll be removing the wallpaper. This means protecting the floors, trim, woodwork and furniture in the room. Removing wallpaper requires a good amount of water, so you’ll want to protect all your surfaces with drop cloths and painter’s tape.

Start peeling

Once you’ve prepped the room, you can begin peeling off the wallpaper. In some cases, the wallpaper may already be pulling away from the wall. Start there and see how much you can remove by hand without water. Newer wallpapers are easier to strip than older ones. If you’re lucky, you may be able to remove whole sheets of wallpaper this way.

Use water

After you’ve pulled off as much as you can by hand, it’s time to use some water. Spray the wallpaper with warm water. At this point, you can also add a liquid stripper concentrate to the water. This is particularly helpful if the wallpaper is firmly stuck to the wall. Apply the water solution liberally to patches of wallpaper – about much as you can tackle in 15 minutes. You don’t want the paper to dry out before you have a chance to remove it. Let the solution soak into the paper.

Scrape it off

Once the wallpaper is soaked, you can use a taping or joint knife to scrape off the wallpaper. If the wallpaper still isn’t coming off, spray it again and let it soak in. When you’re scraping, be careful that you don’t scratch the wall or remove the top layer of drywall. It’s possible you may find another layer of wallpaper under the top layer. Remove one layer at a time. Keep a trashcan handy so you can easily dispose of the wallpaper you have removed.

Remove paste

After you’ve removed all the wallpaper, you’ll still have bits of paper and paste left behind. The best way to remove this residue is with a sponge. Dip it in the water solution and give the walls a good wash. You may have to repeat this step a few times to make sure all the residue is completely gone. If you don’t, then you may have problems later when you try to paint or apply new wallpaper.

Removing stubborn wallpaper

There are some wallpapers that just won’t budge, even after you’ve tried the steps above. In those cases, you can try removing the wallpaper with a steam stripper. This device uses boiling water to soften that stubborn glue. This can be a strenuous job, so it’s helpful to have two people.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

Are you one of the millions of Americans who financed the purchase of your home? Taking out a mortgage is a great way to become a homeowner. But if you’re able to pay off that debt quickly, you can free up money for other things such as an early retirement or a dream vacation. While it may seem impossible to pay off your mortgage early, it can be done. Here are some expert tips on how to pay off your home loan faster.

Buy an affordable home

While it may go without saying, we will say it anyway. The easiest way to pay off your mortgage faster is to buy a home you can afford. Stretching to make your mortgage payments each month is stressful. It can also make it tough to put any extra money towards those payments. Instead, stay well within your budget.

Pay bi-weekly

Instead of making your full mortgage payment once a month, pay half of it every two weeks. Because there are 52 weeks in a year, this results in making one extra monthly payment a year. Believe it or not, that can reduce your 30-year loan by as much as six years. Check with your mortgage company to see if they have a bi-weekly payment plan. Some will allow you to enroll in these plans for a small fee.

Make extra payments

If you’re not able to set up a bi-weekly payment plan, there are still options for you. You can make an extra payment each quarter, for example. This could shave up to 11 years off the term of your loan and save you thousands of dollars in interest. If that is too steep for you, consider making one extra payment each year. Be sure to earmark the payment to be used toward the principal balance. This could reduce the time of your loan by as much as seven years.

Use your tax refund

If you don’t have the extra money from month to month to swing an additional payment, there is another way to find that money. Are you expecting a tax refund next year? Then use that money to make the extra payment toward your mortgage. Since the average tax refund in 2018 was $2,899, you could end up paying off your mortgage several years early.

Make a bigger down payment

If you have the means, then make a bigger down payment when you purchase your home. You can save money on private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you put down at least 20 percent. The more money you put down, the smaller your monthly payments will be. If your payments are manageable, it will be much easier to pay extra and pay off your mortgage faster.

Pay down other debts first

You may not realize it, but you may be able to pay off your mortgage faster if you pay down your other debts first. This is especially true if you have high-interest credit cards. If you can pay those debts off first, you will save yourself from making high interest payments. Those savings can eventually be applied toward payments on your mortgage.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

The first day of school is always a little tough on kids. It’s doubly so when you’re the new kid in town. If you moved to a new school district over the summer, then you may be wondering how to help your child transition into their new school. For instance, parents in Katy or Woodlands Tx can still use this Spring Private School.

Here are some of the most helpful tips we’ve found when it comes to helping your child get settled in.

Stay in touch with friends

First of all, moving to a new school doesn’t have to mean giving up all your old friends. In fact, it’s the idea of moving away from friends that is often most difficult for kids. With our digital age, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with anyone, no matter how far away they live. Schedule regular FaceTime or Skype dates with your kid’s friends from their old school to help make the transition easier. It will be helpful for them to have someone to talk to and support them on their new adventure.

Take a tour

Walking into a new school on the first day can be very intimidating. Help make it a little less so by scheduling a tour of the school before classes begin. Most schools are happy to accommodate these types of requests. Your child may even get the opportunity to meet their teacher and other school staff. This can certainly help to alleviate a little of the anxiety your child may be feeling about their new school.

Practice getting there

Another way to help your child get settled faster is to practice the route to school. Even if your child is going to take the bus or be driven to school, they should become familiar with how to get there and back. In the case of an emergency, they will be more confident if they know the way.

Plan a special first day

Do you remember what it’s like to wake up on the first day of school with the jitters? It might help to plan a special breakfast for that morning to start the day on a positive note. You can also plan a special dinner for the first day so that your child has something to look forward to. Consider packing a special lunch that includes a note telling your child just how brave they are.

Become involved

There’s no better way to get to know a new place than to get involved. This goes for both kids and parents. Kids can join special clubs at school or at a local community center to make new friends quickly. Parents can get involved by chaperoning field trips or volunteering for the PTA.

Give it time

Finally, it’s important to remember that there will most likely be some bumps in the road. Even the most well adjusted kid may take some time to get used to a new school. Don’t worry too much if your child’s grades suffer in the beginning. Most kids need time to make new friends and get a feel for a new school. Soon enough, their new school will feel like home.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

Selling a home can be a time of big change. And although you may be excited about your upcoming move, it can also bring with it a little sadness. After all – your home is where you make some of your best memories. If you’re beginning to feel the home selling blues, then here are some of our top tips on how to overcome them.

Acknowledge your feelings

You don’t have to pretend that you don’t have some apprehensions about leaving your current home. It’s completely natural to feel sad when you’re selling your house. Acknowledge your feelings and know that they are temporary.

Focus on the positive

Even though you may experience feelings of sadness from time to time as you complete the home-selling process, try not to dwell on them. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your move. Remind yourself why you are moving and find reasons to be excited about it. Maybe you’re upgrading to a bigger house or a better location. Or perhaps you’ll be closer to family members that you’ve missed.

Change your perspective

When you’re selling your home, you’re going to be completing one of the biggest financial transactions of your life. Try to think of it in business terms instead of emotional terms. Remember – you want to get a great return on your investment. It’s difficult to do that if you get too emotional. So try to distance yourself and focus instead on working to get potential buyers interested in your home.

Depersonalize your home

One of the most important things you can do when you’re getting ready to sell your home is to remove all your personal items. Not only will this help you detach from your home, but it will also make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there. If possible, try to take things with you that have sentimental value – even if it’s just a cutting from the rose bush you planted when you moved in. Knowing that you have a piece of your home to take with you can help lessen the anxious feelings you have about moving.

Take pictures

You probably already have tons of photos of your home, but it doesn’t hurt to take more. Digital photography allows us to take as many photos as we want without filling up too much space, so don’t limit yourself. If there is a certain view you’ve always loved, take pictures of it at different times of day. Photograph the kids standing next to the growth chart on the wall. Take a picture of your garden in full summer glory. This way, you will always have all those memories with you.

Take breaks

You don’t have to be in home-selling mode 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Take whatever time you need to relax and unwind. Take the family out for a pizza party or for an afternoon matinee at the movies. Go to the spa and get a massage or a pedicure. Even taking time to read a good book before bed will help you disconnect from the stress of moving.

Work with an agent

Finally, the best way to beat the home-selling blues is to work with a professional real estate agent. An agent is there to answer all your questions and to help you with the entire real estate process. Knowing that you have a professional on your side can help sideline much of the stress.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

If you’re looking for a new nest for your family, then you may be feeling a little pressure. On top of finding a home that meets your needs, you also need to choose a location that is both safe and meets the social and educational needs of your kids. But how do you know if your new neighborhood is family friendly? Read on for some tips on how to find a great new neighborhood that everyone in your family will love.

If you are looking for a new school for your child your child’s strengths, interests and specific needs will be the best guides for making the right decision. You want to find a school in which your child can learn, grow, and develop their own potential. This all has to happen in a caring, safe environment that will meet much more than your child’s basic needs. Nowadays we have many option online as OpCentral, a learning management system you can access online.

Check out the local schools

Obviously, one of the first ways to find out if a neighborhood is family friendly is to check out the local schools. You can find a wealth of information on websites such as greatschools.org. Here you can see what kind of classes are offered, the school’s test scores, parent and student living reviews, and more. You may also check if there are great student housing options in the area built and designed by student life architects.

Look for playgrounds and parks

Another way to determine if a neighborhood is good for families is to see how many playgrounds and parks are in the area. It’s especially helpful if those parks and playgrounds are within walking distance of the homes you are interested in. If you have the opportunity, then visit these places to see their condition and what types of activities they provide. Does the park seem busy? Remember, parks and playgrounds aren’t just great places for kids to enjoy. They are also a wonderful place for parents to meet other parents in the neighborhood.

See if there are kids playing outside

When you schedule appointments to visit possible homes, be sure to leave some extra time to check out the neighborhood. Notice if there are kids playing outside. If possible, visit at different times of the day, especially on weekends or after school.

Access to kid-friendly amenities

Find out what types of activities and programs are available to kids living in your neighborhood. Is there a Little League or other types of youth organizations like Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts? Does the library have story time every day? Does the local movie theater advertise matinee specials that feature kid-friendly films? Does the YMCA offer programs that are geared for kids of all ages? Does the local community center offer camps and other events in the summer that are appropriate for kids?

Research the crime rates

You know that your job as a parent is to keep your child safe. So you should definitely research the crime rates in a neighborhood before you make an offer on a home. Click here for a great round-up of websites that will provide you with specific crime rate information about the neighborhood you are moving to.

Talk to an agent

Finally, one of the best ways to find a family-friendly neighborhood is to talk with your real estate agent. Choosing an agent who is an expert in your market can help you narrow down your choices. Your agent can be an invaluable resource when it comes to schools and family-friendly amenities in your area. They can advise you where to look – and which neighborhoods to avoid. In the end, they can help you choose both the home and the neighborhood that will fit the needs of everyone in your family.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

If you are buying or selling a home, then you may have come into contact with some real estate lingo that isn’t familiar to you. In fact, some of these terms may not only be unfamiliar, they may also be downright confusing. But as someone who is entering into the real estate market, it is essential that you understand the language. Here are some of the most common terms you’ll encounter when buying or selling a home as well as their definitions.

Buyer’s Agent

As the term suggests, the buyer’s agent is the real estate professional who is representing the buyer during a home purchase. A buyer’s agent is responsible for helping buyers find homes to visit and assisting during the entire closing process. The seller typically pays the commission for the buyer’s agent.

Listing Agent

A listing agent is the real estate professional who is representing the seller in a real estate transaction. They help the seller prep their home for the market and assist with the closing process. The seller also pays the commission for the listing agent.

Pre-approval letter

If you are a buyer, then you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you determine how much you can afford and will signal to a seller that your offer is serious. When you obtain a pre-approval from a lender, they will provide you with a letter that you can submit with your offer.

Earnest money

Earnest money is the money that the buyer pays to the seller when an offer has been accepted on a home. It is usually between one and three percent of the purchase price. Earnest money helps to protect the seller should the buyer walk away from the deal. When the deal is closed, the earnest money is usually applied to the down payment.

Escrow

When a home is “in escrow” it means that it is under contract and a third party is watching over the entire transaction. The escrow agent is responsible for holding all money, documents, and instructions until closing. During closing they disburse all money and supervise the transfer of the deed.

Inspection

An inspection is part of the closing process. The buyer schedules the inspection, and a home inspector prepares a report stating the condition of the property and recommended repairs. This allows buyers to determine if they want to move forward with the purchase or negotiate with the seller because of issues that need to be addressed.

Appraisal

An appraisal also happens during the closing process. An appraiser is a third party hired by the lender who assesses the value of a home. This helps the lender to determine whether or not the home is worth the amount of the loan being offered.

Closing

The closing is the point at which the sale of the home is finalized. A closing date is set that allows the buyer to conduct their inspection and the lender to perform the underwriting process including the appraisal. During the closing, both the buyer and the seller sign all the final paperwork and the buyer receives the keys to the house.

Courtesy of Virtual Results