Buyers and Sellers Blog – BHHS Premier Properties

Do You Still Need a 20% Down Payment to Buy a Home?

If you talk with anyone 50 or older about buying a house, they’ll likely tell you that you need to put at least 20% down. That’s a traditional down payment amount needed to secure a mortgage. It may be conventional, but it’s not necessarily reality in this day and age.

Should You Renovate Your Home? Or Sell It?

Ah, the age-old question: to sell or fix up? If your home is no longer serving you, whether your family has grown since you first bought it, you can’t afford a new house in this market, or you’re looking to downsize, you may have thought about both options.

Home Improvements That Add Value and Curb Appeal

If you plan to put your home on the market soon, it’s in your best interest to make some home improvements first so you can command an even higher price in this hot market. Sellers should do all they can to make a great first impression on buyers as they drive up to the home.

Can You Avoid a Bidding War When Buying a Home?

A bidding war can arise when the real estate market is oversaturated with inventory, so much so that multiple buyers are clamoring over one property. Avoiding a bidding war under current market conditions will be tough.

How to Manage Multiple Offers From Buyers

With not enough homes up for sale to satisfy demand, sellers can almost be guaranteed these days to get many bids from multiple buyers. Not a bad problem to have, is it? But it can be tough knowing which offer to choose. Here are some tips on how to manage multiple offers from buyers.

5 Hidden Home Buying Costs

When buying a home, it may seem overwhelming to consider affording the asking price, but when you factor in all the hidden costs of buying a house, the realization hits home that this is an expensive prospect! The most common hidden costs that buyers should be aware of include:

Downsizing Considerations

There are so many advantages to downsizing. If you’ve been in your existing home for many years or decades, it’s likely that it’s increased quite a bit in value and you will have a lot of equity built into it. You may even be pretty close to paying off your mortgage, if you haven’t already.

Should You Renovate or Sell “As Is”?

Sometimes, making some renovations before selling will put your home in a more attractive light and allow you to command a asking list price. You have two options in this situation: • You can sell it as is, in its current condition, with no updates. • You can perform some renovations or upgrades to pull in more money when selling.

Find out all about PMI from Tyler Johnson

Tyler Johnson from Prosperity Home Mortgage discusses PMI- Mortgage Insurance. Check it out!

How Realtors Work

Some people think Realtors make a lot of money for very little work. This simply isn’t true. Yes, real estate can be a lucrative career for those who work hard at it full time. But there’s a whole other side of this career that people don’t see.

Buying vs. Renting in 2021

For many years, the go-to advice for people looking to buy or rent was that buying was the better choice. You’re making an investment in your future, you’re building equity and you’re paying your own mortgage, not your landlord’s.

4 Helpful Staging Tips to Impress Buyers

Preparing your home for sale? Well, part of that process is staging it so it can appeal to as many buyers as possible. It takes some design expertise, patience and of course attention to detail. But not everyone understands how staging works and how it’s done. Check out what the National Association of Realtors has to say about staging in 2021:

4 Reasons Why You Need a Buyer’s Agent

It may be clear if you’re a seller that hiring a real estate agent is a no-brainer. But when you’re on the hunt to buy a house, do you also need an agent? Before you sign on the dotted line, a dedicated buyer’s agent who knows what they’re doing will have already done a multitude of things for you, from sending you listings of properties in your price range to negotiating with sellers.

What Millennials Want in a New Home

Millennials are starting to buy homes more and more. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, millennials comprise the largest share of home buyers today. They know what they want, and they have it on their radar.

Digital House Hunting Tips

Looking to buy a home? If you’re on the hunt for a new house, whether it’s your first time or fifth, there’s a new way of finding the abode of your dreams. And in many cases, you don’t even have to step foot inside the structure.

Dealing With Multiple Offers When Selling Your Home

Highest offers with the fewest amount of contingencies: this describes the current sellers’ market in a nutshell. Sellers definitely have the upper hand right now, which is a good thing if you’re selling – not such a good thing if you’re buying.

Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved Mortgages

A pre-qualification, which as we said is based on data the borrower submits to the lender, is not a guarantee. Lenders won’t usually look closer at a borrower’s ability to obtain a mortgage until the pre-approval stage, which is when they will consider financial history and credit checks. This is a relatively quick process, taking just a day or two.

Best Home Improvements to Make Before Selling

Thinking about selling your home? Want to list it right away? Think again. There are a lot of things you should consider before putting your home on the market. You want your home to appear as attractive as possible to potential buyers so you can get the most out of your asking price as possible.

Why Buying a Home is Still Your Best Investment

It’s been said that 90% of millionaires achieved their wealth by investing in real estate. Is this still true today? The answer, we have found, is yes. While it may not make you a millionaire, for most people, buying a home is a sound investment. Here are some of the reasons why.

How Will the Work-From-Home Trend Impact Home Sales?

According to a study appearing on Forbes, 75 percent of employers plan to increase the number of permanent remote employees. The work-from-home trend was increasing even before the pandemic hit last year. But of course COVID-19 protocols forced the hand of many employers and the number of work-from-homers skyrocketed.

How Quickly Will My Home Sell?

The ideal method of influencing how fast your house will sell is by setting the right price in the first place. Your agent may advise you to price your home at or below market value, which is based on comparable homes in the neighborhood. If you price much higher than that, then your home could sit on the market for a while.

Tips For Buying a New Home in a Tight Market

With such a competitive sellers’ market out there today, it can be frustrating if you’re looking to buy. There’s a very low inventory, which means the houses that do go on the market are snagged up almost immediately by eager buyers.

How Much is Enough for a Down Payment?

First off, a down payment is what you will pay upfront for your home, usually as a percentage of the total price. For example, a 10 percent down payment on a $400,000 home is $40,000. You are responsible for the down payment that is agreed upon, and the lender pays the remainder. Then, you make payments to the lender to eventually pay off that borrowed amount.

What Home Buyers Want in 2021

If you plan to sell your home in the new year, you’ll want to know what is at the top of the typical home buyer’s wish list for 2021. The market is extremely competitive right now. In many parts of the country, the inventory is very low but the demand is sky high.

Is Downsizing in Your Future?

Perhaps your kids have flown the coop and you don’t need quite such a large home. Maybe you’re at retirement age and would prefer moving into a retirement community where all the landscaping and other chores are taken care of. Or maybe you bit off more than you could chew last time and need to reign in your budget with a smaller property.

Checklist For House Hunters

Are you on the hunt for a new home to call your own? As a buyer, you are in a tough spot right now, as there is too much demand for the amount of homes on the market. Competition is fierce, and you will have to make big compromises in terms of what you’re looking for in a house, as well as what you’re willing to pay.

Tips for Packing and Moving

When you’re selling your home, packing and moving is an inevitable part of the process – the least favorite part of any relocation. Not sure who to hire for help? Your real estate agent can refer you to reputable moving companies in the area. Meanwhile, start packing with these tips.

Homeowner’s Insurance 101

If you are a home buyer facing buying your first house, you may have a lot of questions about where homeowner’s insurance fits into the process. Here are some basics about this critical type of insurance.

How Staging Can Help Sell Your Home

Selling a home takes a lot more than just throwing up a sign on the lawn, listing it on the MLS and hosting an open house. Many homes need to be properly staged first so they can appeal to a wide range of buyers. Staging is the softer side of real estate. It’s an art form, really. A professional home stager has the design talent, knowledge of local trends, and resources to make sure all areas of your home are being presented in a way that showcases the greatest value and appeal.

Mortgage Forbearance In Difficult Times

If you are currently experiencing a short-term hardship and are having trouble meeting your monthly mortgage payments, forbearance can offer temporary payment relief in helping homeowners deal with job loss, disability, illness, divorce, a recent disaster, death of a wage earner or other unique circumstances, including COVID-19.

Home Sales Rebound After Pandemic

One would think a pandemic would bring the real estate industry to a grinding halt. But that does not appear to be the case. In fact, real estate in Houston is enjoying quite a boom right now. Existing home sales have rebounded quite strongly in June – up from pandemic-driven lows earlier in the year.

How Mortgage Interest Rates Impact Your Monthly Payment

It can be tough determining how much you’ll pay for your mortgage when buying a home. But your agent and lender should be able to tell you the basics so you don’t feel overwhelmed, especially if this is your first time.

Cost vs. Value on Home Improvements

Not all home improvements deliver the same value to homeowners. Some offer a better ROI than others. If you’re looking to sell your Houston home soon but want to make some improvements first, here are some of the best to consider.

Home Buyer’s Wish List

From dream kitchens and plenty of storage to extra rooms and dedicated laundry space, every home buyer has “the list” – things they really, really want to see in any new home they purchase. As a real estate company in business for many years, we have seen a lot of wish lists, and here are the most common among buyers. Sellers should pay attention!

Tips on Selling a Home Virtually

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact many facets of business, including real estate. If you are selling your home and don’t feel comfortable holding in-person open houses or showings, you still have options.

Tips on Buying a Home Virtually

While the home buying industry seems to be recovering quickly from the disruption caused by the coronavirus, it has changed the way people look for and buy homes. It’s time to get creative!

Which Mortgage is Right For You?

Shopping for a mortgage is an unavoidable part of buying a home. It can be confusing, though, especially if you’re doing this for the first time. That’s why you need a qualified real estate agent on your side to help you navigate. Here are some steps to take to find out which mortgage is right for you.

10 Steps to Get Your Home Ready for Sale

Enlisting the help of a qualified real estate agent is the first step in the process of getting your home ready to sell. There are many several steps involved in the process of prepping you home for sale. Here are some of the main ones:

First Time Home Buyer Problems to Avoid

Buying your first home can be both stressful and exciting, and it certainly comes with many major decisions. It’s easy to get carried away in the whirlwind of home shopping, which could allow you to make mistakes and leave you with buyer’s remorse. Here are some first-time homebuyer mistakes to avoid.

Assessed, Appraised and Market Value

If you’re in the market for buying or selling a home, you may frequently hear three key terms about home value. They are all different, but how? Your Berkshire Hathaway Premier Properties real estate agent will be able to tell you the differences, but here’s a brief outline of what each one means.

Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others

Have you ever wondered why there are some homes in your area that sell in a weekend, while others seem to be on the market forever? From curb appeal and quality photos to proper pricing and staging, there are many things that spur the quick sale of a home. Here are some of them.

Avoiding Buyer’s Remorse

Buyer’s remorse: That sinking, slowly encroaching feeling you get after making a purchase that makes you question your sanity. What was I thinking? Did I really think that through? Can I take it all back? Buyer’s remorse is common at the store.

How Much is Your Home REALLY Worth?

If you’re looking to sell your home, your first thought is probably: how much is my home really worth and what can I reasonably get for it? This isn’t always easy on first glance. It’s always best to hire a real estate professional to figure this out for you. They take into account local market conditions, sale prices from homes in your neighborhood, the age and condition of your home, its location, and much more.

Different Types of Mortgages

If you’re considering buying your first home, you may be wondering about all the mortgage options available to you. There are many types, and not every one will be right for you. Your real estate professional and lender will be able to guide you in this decision based on your credit history, budget and more. From FHA to conventional to VA, here we will go over the various mortgage types.

Why Hire a Property Manager For Your Rental Property?

If you've ever owned income property, you know that managing a rental can be financially rewarding but stressful at the same time, demanding a large commitment of time and effort. If you’re a handy person or live close to the property, you may consider taking the DIY approach when it comes to management.

Moving with Children

It can be very exciting to move to a brand new home and community, especially when you’re upgrading from your current living situation. But while you may look forward to this change, your children may feel the opposite way. The idea of uprooting and relocating to a new school far from their friends can bring on anxiety in kids and teens.

What a Seller Should Expect During an Open House

When selling your home, an open house is usually a typical part of the process. This is your chance to show off your home in its best light to as many people as possible within a short time frame. An open house usually occurs the weekend after listing your property, to generate interest right out of the gate.

A Quick Guide to the Home Buying Process

If you’re looking to buy a home in the near future, you may understandably feel overwhelmed by the process. But if you’re prepared and know what to expect, the process can be smooth and stress-free. Plus, it doesn’t hurt if you have experienced Realtors® on your side to talk you through everything!

What is PMI?

Generally, most lenders require PMI when it comes to conventional loans with a down payment less than 20 percent. Like anything else, though, there are exceptions to the rule. You’ll have to do your homework if you want to forgo paying PMI. Some banks out there offer low down-payment, PMI-free conventional loans. These providers will waive PMI for borrowers with less than 20 percent down, but you’ll pay a higher interest rate. Knowing when this option makes sense in the end is up to you – you’ll have to do the math on that.

Advantages of Working with a Realtor®

If you plan to buy or sell a home soon, you may be considering using a Realtor. This is a smart idea. A Realtor is a licensed real estate sales person belonging to the National Association of REALTORS®, the largest trade group in the nation. It’s important to note that every agent is not a Realtor but most are. They adhere to a higher ethical standard than licensed agents, following a strict Code of Ethics.

How to Work with a Buyer Agent

If you’re in the market to buy a property, you need a Buyer’s agent that will work for you with your best interests in mind. Your Buyer’s Agent is an Agent who represents you throughout all phases of the buying process, saving you time and money along away.

How to Look at Homes

Discovering the right home should be an exciting event. As a Berkshire Hathaway Home Services sales professional, my commitment is to make your home search as stress-free as possible.

Identifying Your Needs

Finding and buying the right home is a highly personalized process, and it all begins by identifying your needs.

Our Comprehensive Marketing Plan

Our marketing program for your home is built on three activities: Promote to Prospective Buyers, Market To Other Real Estate Professionals, Maintain Communication With You.

Setting Expectations for the Sale of Your Property

Let's review and prioritize the following topics to help us understand what's most important to you in the sale of your property.

Important Real Estate Terms You Should Know

It’s important to have a basic understanding of important real estate concepts before you begin the home buying process. Not only could this knowledge give you peace of mind, it can save you time, money and hassle. Get familiar with these key real estate terms you should know before hunting for a home.

Home Seller Checklist

Are you selling your home? It’s helpful to come up with a home seller checklist to help you keep track of the essential tasks that must be done before listing.