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EffectiveAgents.com® Reviews Official

  Meet some of our customers, read their stories, and imagine what an Effective Agent can do for you. EffectiveAgents.com has received thousands of reviews from users on platforms like Google®, ShopperApproved®, the BBB and more. We've Consolidated these reviews to provide a snapshot of the experiences of our users. November 29, 2020 by

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A Greener Future: Eco-Friendly Real Estate
From construction to design features, the future of real estate is pointing in the direction of increased sustainability and eco-friendly features. What was once viewed as perhaps trends in home building and design are now clearly here to stay.  What was once a niche is now the norm, and according to a survey by Nielsen,
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Before and After: How to Prepare for a Big Move
Preparing for and executing a move can be a huge source of stress. In fact, many people rank it right up there with the most stressful things they deal with in life.  Why is it so stressful? Different reasons, but there are the costs, the planning and then there is the emotional component of leaving one space where we’ve created memories and moving to another.  While you can’t comp
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Buying a Foreclosed Home: What You Need to Know
A foreclosure happens when a property owner stops paying their mortgage or other financial obligations to the lender. The lender (typically the bank) will take back the rights to the home, evict the owner, and try to resell the house to someone who will be able to pay for it.  Foreclosed homes are often seen as a deal for homebuyers. The bank or financial lender is highly motivated to sell the property so they can gain som
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Using Social Media Buzz to Sell a Home
Social media is our go-to for just about anything, so why not use it to sell a house? Social media is one of the best ways to get the word out about a listing, and according to Adweek, Millennials now make up 66% of the first-time home buying market. 99% of those Millennials use the internet to research properties.  The following are some of the
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How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (And Why You Should)
The home buying process is an exciting time for individuals and families who are stepping into the next chapter of their lives. However, it also requires a lot of paperwork and technical knowledge that most homebuyers don’t have. Your Realtor® will be an invaluable resource in guiding you through this process, but there are also steps you can take before you look at houses to make it easier.  One option you have is to get
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Sell Your Home Faster and For More Money with Staging
Don’t overlook the importance of staging your home because it can be a mistake that costs you both time and money. Despite the statistics and research on the topic, some buyers feel they can get by without staging their home, and they leave it empty or don’t take steps to make it appealing to a buyer. These sellers typically find out the hard way this wasn’t the right decision. 
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Wants vs. Needs: Balancing Your Homebuying Checklist
When you’re in the process of buying a new home, or you’re just considering it, it’s easy to start with a wish-list that includes just about everything. Your list may seem like it’s a mile long, and that’s normal. We all want that perfect home, but when it’s time to start your search, there will undoubtedly be areas where you have to sacrifice.  Why Do You Need a List to Buy a Home?
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What Happens at Closing? What Buyers and Sellers Can Expect
The closing is the final step of the home buying and selling process. Many sellers or Realtors® will refer to closing as the finish line in the overall process, but that doesn’t provide a lot of detail about what goes on – or what a buyer needs to do to prepare.  Just because you’re done with most of the work doesn’t mean the closing isn’t important. Let’s look at what happens at closing for both the buyer and seller so yo
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Are You Prepared for These Hidden Homebuying Costs?
If you’re contemplating it, or in the midst of buying a home, you probably already know it’s a big undertaking. There’s a lot to think about, particularly when it comes to financial decisions. A home is likely one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make.  You have to look beyond the price of the home itself, as well. When you’re budgeting to buy, there are hidden homebuying costs you may not be aware of, and they can sig
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What’s Your Ideal Home Décor Style?
When you’re in the market to buy a new home, or you’re planning a renovation of your current home, it’s helpful to have a general idea of what you’re drawn to in terms of décor and design style. You may like a little of everything or not have one set style, but most people do have a general décor concept they
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The Impact of Technology in the Real Estate Industry
Technology is an unavoidable, pervasive part of life for most of us. There’s not any part of life where technology isn’t a staple of our daily routines, and this is true in the real estate industry and for real estate professionals.  Technology has not only changed the entire real estate industry, but it makes things different from the perspective of buyers and sellers as well.  Ev
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Do's And Dont's For Uploading Listing Photos
When it is time to sell your home, you must obtain the best professional help available. The first line of business is to hire the most qualified agent possible who knows a real estate photographer to take listing photos sure to get fast results. When it is time to find the perfect realtor®, you will need some help. Considering the amount of money at stake, it is important to review a realtor's background to find the
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Best Interior Paint Colors to Help Sell Your House
When it comes to selling a home quickly, some of the biggest deterrents are not using a top-selling realtor®, overpricing the house, and according to Better Homes and Garden, the lack of neutral tones in the décor of the home. While your home may have many amazing features that make it a sound investment, some buyers have a difficulty seeing beyond the present flooring, furniture, and wall colors. Your primary goal is to increase
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The First 5 Things to Do When You Inherit a Home
You may already know that you are going to inherit a home (like the house your parents live in), or the inheritance may come as a complete surprise to you (like learning that a distant relative named you as the heir to their home). Either way, there are a lot of things to do when you officially take over someone else’s property. To help you through the process, following these five steps as soon as you inherit a home. 
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The Top 6 Questions About Home Inspections
A home inspection is an important part of the buying process. Potential buyers bring in an inspector to check the foundation, wiring, plumbing, and overall structure of the house. The inspector will look at everything from the tiles on the roof to the support systems in the kitchen cabinets.  Understanding the home inspection process is important if you are a home buyer or seller. Here are a few common questions people ask
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How To Get Your Home Ready For Open House
Buying a house can be exciting, but it requires you to sell your current house. If that’s your situation, you’ll want to do everything within your power to sell it quickly and for a great price. That means you’ll have an open house, which is something that should not be taken lightly. There are things you can do to make sure your open house is successful. There is
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6 Ways To Make Your Offer Stand Out In A Competitive Market
If you are trying to buy property in a hot real estate market, you need to make exceptional offers. Zillow describes a hot market as a seller’s market, which means there are more buyers than sellers--a situation that is being experienced in most cities across the nation in 2021. In this situation, buyers need to write strong offers because many of the best real estate agents in your city will be making offers on that same piece of property. Here are the top six strategies to make your offer stan
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Covid-era Philanthropy Design by St. Petersburg-based Tech Company
EffectiveAgents.com has forged partnerships with several nonprofit organizations, offering a percentage of real estate transaction proceeds to fund various programs with these partners. In the wake of Covid-19, donations to causes such as disaster recovery, cancer treatments and research, and affordable housing have reduced dramatically. Therefore, EffectiveAgents.com has developed a system that leverages donations, increasing resources in a way that
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Navigating the Real Estate Market as a New Investor
While real estate investing can be an excellent way to see high returns on your initial investment or earn passive income, it’s overwhelming to know where to begin in the industry. To prepare yourself, there are some general things to know and keep in mind.  Think About How You Want to Invest Real estate investing is a very broad term, and it can refer to a lot of different sp
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What Happens to a House When the Homeowner Dies?
The days and weeks following a death can be a blur. Family and friends come and go, people travel to attend the funeral, and there are a million things to do long after the celebration of life. Along with settling medical bills and other financial loose ends, many families are often at a loss for what to do with the house. Multiple family members might have inherited a home, and sometimes, the beneficiary might live several states awa
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Negotiating Like a Real Estate Pro
Good negotiation is an art form, and you’ll often hear it said that the best deals allow both people to walk away feeling as if they’ve gotten what they want, or at least part of it.  While it can take time and practice to hone your negotiation skills, whether you’re on the buying or selling end, keep the following tips in mind.  Always Be Prepared to Walk Away
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5 Ways to Sell Your Home for Top Dollar
When you plan to put your home on the market, aside from selling it, you probably have a couple of other overarching goals. You likely want to sell it as fast as possible, but perhaps even more importantly, you want to sell it for top dollar. Certain steps can help you achieve all three goals, but especially maximizing how much you can sell your home for. 1. Carefully Consider Ho
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Top 7 Updates to Increase Your Home Value
When you’re planning to sell your home, you want to get the most money for it and ensure it stays on the market for the shortest amount of time possible. A big part of achieving both of these objectives is working with an experienced real estate professional and setting the price so that it’s aggressive and competitive.  Beyond that, you might wonder whether you should make updates
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When Is the Best Time To Sell a House?
When someone sells a house, they want to get as much money as they can while selling as quickly as possible. In order to achieve this, the home sale needs to be done strategically -- and at the right time. Placing a home on the market during a bad season or time of year can result in lower offers, less interest, and a longer window to sell. So when is the best time to sell a house? Is there a magical day or month to list your h
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7 Fixes You Should Do Before Listing Your Home for Sale
To repair or not? You may be preparing to list your home for sale, and you’re not sure which of those lingering repairs and fixes you should make before doing so, and which you should let go. As you decide what to repair and how much time and money to spend, consider a few things.  First, what’s the market like? Will you be likely to see a return on your investment if you make the repairs? What are buyers most likely to no
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The Pros and Cons of Buying a Fixer-Upper
Every neighborhood has a few fixer-upper houses that are run-down, outdated, or abandoned. A creative homebuyer might drive past these properties and think how great they could look with a little work and a fresh coat of paint.  However, buying a fixer-upper is a significant investment, both in time and money. While you have the chance to buy your dream house, you could also be in for a lot more work. Here are the pros and
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Down Payments: How Much Money Should You Put Down?
One of the biggest barriers to home ownership is the down payment. Many people want to own homes but aren’t able to afford the 20% down payment they think they need to have to buy. But, the truth is down payment amounts actually fluctuate greatly depending on various factors, and this means homeownership might be closer than you think. Here’s what you need to know about making down payments and how you can determine how much home you can afford. What Is a Down Payment? A down payme
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5 Sustainable Home Improvements That Add Value to a House
More buyers are looking for sustainable homes than ever before. This is great news for home sellers, who can make their homes more appealing with a few small upgrades. Also, sustainable home improvements have a higher resale value than others so it can bring in a higher price for the seller. If you’re considering adding a few environmentally-friendly features to your home, check out a few of these top options that will
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Maximize Your Garage: Tips for Organizing and Using It
Have you ever taken a look around your garage and thought there had to be a better way to use the space? Maybe you don’t use it for vehicles at all, and you have plenty of unused space, or you might use part of it to park a vehicle, but then the rest goes to waste.  Your garage can be anything from fun to functional, and the following are some inspiration for how to use it more effectively, as well as organizational tips. 
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Taking Out the Toxins: How to Make Your Home Healthier
We spend a significant portion of our lives in our homes, and that means if they’re filled with toxins, it may affect our health. If you make an effort to have a healthier, fresher home and remove potential toxins, it may help improve your family’s health. The following are some ways to cut toxins out of your home and make a healthier space for everyone.  Clean Air Indoor air
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Browse These 15 Home Styles To Find Your Dream Home
When you first start shopping for a house, you might be surprised by how many different home styles are available to you. Many homes have similar styles but also come with certain nuances that set them apart. There are dozens of home styles out there, but here are the top 15 in-demand options that you can consider when buying a house. #1) Ranch Ranch-style homes are modeled after houses built in the histori
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A Public Affair: How Being Near Transit Boosts Property Values
When it comes to real estate, location is everything as the old saying goes. While neighborhood amenities like shops, restaurants and good schools are important, so is public transportation. Of course, in suburban and rural areas, this may not be available or relevant, but in urban areas, buyers seem to be willing to pay a premium for proximity to transit.  So what should you know about proximity to transportation and how
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Making a List and Checking It Twice: Winter Maintenance to Do This Year
Winter is here and along with the holidays, family time, and coziness many of us associate with the season, there’s something else lurking on our to-do list: winter maintenance. Winter maintenance keeps your home working the way it sure during the cold weather months, protects you and your family, and ensures you’re ready for the spring thaw. The following are some things to include on this year’s winter maintenance checklist. 1.      Seal Leaks First and foremost, make your way aroun
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Selling Your Home As-Is: The Pros and Cons
As you prepare to sell your house and look at comparable home listings, you may come across the term “as-is” to refer to the state of a home on the market. At face value, this might seem like a strategic way to sell your house without having to invest much into curb appeal or repairs. However, there are drawbacks to selling your home as-is. Let’s look at what this real estate term means and who can benefit from it. What Does it Mean to Sell Your Home “As-Is”? Selling a home as-is m
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How To Find a Realtor Who Has Your Back
When you’re ready to buy or sell a home, it’s a big and often overwhelming decision. There are a lot of factors that go into the process, and the best thing you can do for yourself in the long and short-term is choose a professional realtor who’s going to be your partner through this process. When you buy or sell a home, it’s not only a big lifestyle decision, but it’s also a massive financial decision.  There are so many
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5 Places in the United States to Invest in a Vacation Home
There are plenty of compelling reasons to invest in a vacation home. There are personal reasons of course, but there can also be financial advantages. If you’re a first-time real estate investor thinking about buying a vacation property, you can rent it out when you’re not using it and cover the costs and hopefully make a profit as well.  Real estate investments help you build value through appreciation, which frequently h
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6 Top Tips for Selling a Home in the Winter
Most homes hit the real estate market in the spring or summer, which is often considered the best time to sell a house. Homeowners try to use the curb appeal of flowering plants and lush, green trees to make their house seem more picturesque. However, not everyone has the luxury of waiting for summer to sell their home. You may need to move your home quickly because of a relocation or because you want to get an
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How to Read a Home Insurance Quote: 3 Factors to Consider
Home insurance is an essential part of buying a house. However, many homebuyers end up feeling so overwhelmed by the buying and closing process that they simply accept whichever home insurance provider their Realtor® recommends. While your Realtor® may recommend an insurance provider that has drafted good quotes for their clients in the past, the agent might not be right for you. The best way to choose the right home insurance provider is to shop around and see what kind of offers are availab
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Do I Need Flood Insurance For My House?
The most common questions that buyers ask when they shop for home insurance coverage are: Do I need flood insurance for my house? Should I get flood insurance if I’m not in a flood zone? Does hurricane coverage also handle flood damage?  If you find yourself wondering the same thing, keep reading. We can address different situations for when you would want this type of coverage, when you wouldn’t, and what you can expect to pay for it. You Need Flood Insurance if Your Live In a
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5 Tips for Selling Your Home During the Holidays
Selling your home during the holidays might not feel ideal, but you may need to do it for one reason or another. There are actually some pros and cons to having your home on the market during the holiday season. For example, there are often buyers who very much need to buy a property, regardless of whether or not it’s the holidays.  There may be
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How to Refresh Without a Renovation
It’s officially the holiday season, which might mean you’re hosting friends and family. In the spirit of the season, you may want to update and refresh your home without the time and financial investment that comes with a full remodel. Luckily, there are some things you can do to breathe new life into your home without taking on a complete renovation.   RELATED CONTENT:
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Making It Work: Tips for Long-Distance House-Hunting
Long-distance—just the phrase might make you feel apprehensive. It’s not just long-distance relationships that get a bad reputation. Long-distance house-hunting is challenging in so many ways. When you’re looking for a house long-distance, there are the obvious logistical challenges, as well as the fact that you may not be familiar with the area where you’re moving. Of course, people successfully find houses from across the country or even the world every day, and
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7 Decorating Trends that Deserve to Resurface
Decorating is a fickle thing. One moment, something’s all the rage, and the next, it’s an instant sign of a dated home. Sometimes, however, as is the case with fashion there are decorating and interior design trends that come back around. The following are some of the trends that we’d like to see making a comeback in 2020.  1. The 50s-Style Den Before everyone had a massive fl
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Don’t Overdo It: Steps to Make Sure You Don’t Over-Improve Your Home
Whether your home is currently on the market, or you’re thinking about putting it up for sale soon, you may want to make some improvements. Improvements can be a good thing, but you have to balance any improvements you make with the potential that you’re going overboard. Over-improving is something a lot of homeowners do. They put so much into upgrades and renovations that they essentially have little equity left in their homes, and they reduce its general marketa
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How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a House?
Some homeowners are drawn to the idea of buying a fixer-upper that they can completely renovate. What they save on the home cost, they want to invest in creating the kitchen, family area, and backyard of their dreams. However, it’s not easy to estimate the cost to renovate a house, and many people go over budget with the labor and materials needed to make their home livable. Here’s what you need to keep in mind to budget properly.
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How to Find a Realtor® Who Is a Perfect Fit for Your Needs 
When you look to find a Realtor®, you’ll quickly realize the real estate profession is incredibly diverse. Realtors® work within specific niches and specialize in unique client bases and home type. Some Realtors® sell condos to newly retired residents, while others work with first-time homebuyers to navigate the whole process. Unfortunately, a simple Google search won’t tell you these nuances. You might read dozens of review
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6 Reasons You Might Hire a Real Estate Lawyer
A real estate lawyer is a professional who you may have to work with for various reasons. In some states, you can’t complete a real estate transaction, including buying or selling without a real estate lawyer being present.  If you don’t live in one of those states, there are still different reasons you might end up needing to work with an attorney who specializes in real estate law.
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Find the Perfect Place to Build a Home: 4 Factors to Consider
Building your dream home is an opportunity for you to create something personal that meets all of your needs. You can choose the layout and the number of rooms, and you don’t have to worry about renovating around someone else’s design aesthetic. While this sounds like an exciting prospect, choosing the right place to build your home can determine how successful your efforts will be. There are several factors that you should consider if you plan to build a home. Use this guide to make sure
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What Should You Do When Mortgage Rates Are Low?
Every news outlet has remarked on the mortgage rates of 2020 hitting record lows multiple times, which has resulted in an interesting situation for real estate during a global pandemic. People are thinking more about where they spend time with their families and friends. Many are moving out of the tight-quarters of the cities and out into the suburbs with more greenspace and more square footage for families to spread out, where kids and parents can make a better attempt at working and going to s
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Home Warranty vs. Home Insurance: How Do They Compare and What Should You Know?
Warranty and insurance are two terms that can sound quite a bit alike in their purpose and function, but that’s not necessarily the case. A home warranty and home insurance are two concepts, both offering a level of protection and peace of mind for homeowners, but doing so in different ways.  What is a Home Warranty? A home warranty is somewhat like a form of insurance for you
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What Do Real Estate Agents Do? (And Why You Probably Need One)
Between for sale by owner properties and websites and apps that claim to sell your house within a few days, some people may wonder why they need to hire real estate professionals. What does a Realtor® do that a homeowner couldn’t do themselves or that technology can’t automate? You may not notice the work your real estate agent does for you because so much of it is done at their office. You don’t see them working in front of you
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What to Expect (and Do) During Your First Meeting with a Realtor®
When you’re looking to move, either by selling your home or buying a new one, one of the first steps involves meeting with a Realtor®. Your agent will be the person who guides you through the process and acts as your lifeline throughout the buying or selling process. They will offer advice and work hard to put you in the best financial position possible. During your first meeting with a Realtor®, make sure you come prepared with the right question
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Make the Jump From Investor to Landlord With these Tips
Once you’ve invested in property, it can leave you feeling like you’re ready to take on the world. There’s just one problem—an investment implies you’re going to be making a return. For many people who are property investors, they become landlords and rent out the properties they own. Being a landlord can be financially rewarding, but it also comes with a set of challenges. The following are some tips to help you navigate the complex world of being a first-time la
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Don’t Get Stuck in a Bad Neighborhood with These Tips
When you buy a house, you’re also buying the neighborhood and the neighbors. Location and all that comes with it can be one of the biggest selling points of a property, but it can also cause property values to drop even if the house itself is great.  Before you buy a home, you want to delve into the neighbors and the neighborhood. You want to ensure that everything, and not just the home you’re buying, works for your prior
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10 Home Staging Tips That Sell a House Fast
Home staging is the process of setting up a house with furniture and décor so it will be more likely to sell -- and sell for more money. Professional Realtors® know how to evaluate a home and make changes so it is more appealing to buyers. Even the most well-designed homes may undergo staging to prepare them for the market. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a lot of time or money staging your home. You can prepare it for an open house and
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Parents Can Buy a Family-Friendly Home by Considering These 6 Factors
If your family is expanding, then it may be time to buy a new home. Whether you are giving up the condo or townhouse that served you well as a couple or looking for a home with more rooms, searching for a family-friendly home is a major step in your life as people and as parents. Along with the features of the house, you also need to consider long-term factors like nearby schools and the other kids in the neighborhood. So befor
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5 Things to Consider When Buying a House With Parent's Help
There are many benefits to buying a house. You can build up your credit history with regular payments while also investing in your future finances. Instead of paying rent, you can put money into a home that you one day might sell for a profit.  While buying a house can be financially beneficial, it is often out of reach for many young people who don’t have much saved, aren’t in high-paying positions, or need to pay student
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List Your Home: 10 Things to Do When You Want to Sell
Even in the hottest markets, getting ready to list your home is a process. You want to do everything you can to make sure you get the best offers and can move your house quickly for a great price. If you are considering selling your house, make sure you are prepared. Follow these 10 tips to list your home successfully to make the most out of your investment. #1) Gather Your Paperwork Even before your first meetin
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4 Things You Need to Know About Real Estate Negotiation
Real estate negotiation is tough. Sellers want to get the most for their home based on its perceived value, and buyers want to negotiate down to get a good price. It can lead to a tough battle for the best deal. Negotiation doesn’t come easy for most people, and it requires practice, which is why many people hire real estate agents to do the negotiating for them. It’s one of the top benefits of using a Realtor®. But
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5 Must-Have Tax Tips When You Sell a House
When it comes to tax-saving tips for selling a house, there is a lot to know. Whether you’re selling your house because you want to up- or downsize, or you’re moving to a different part of the country, the last thing you likely want is to be stuck with a big tax bill.  In general, as f
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Real Estate Market Analysis: How To Research a Neighborhood
The first part of selling your home is to conduct a real estate market analysis. If you are considering selling your home, you may have an idea for what you want to list it for. Most homeowners expect people to pay top-dollar for their house, or at least more than they paid for it. But, you shouldn’t guess at a price. It’s important to take your subjective belief and adjust it with an objective insight. A real estate market analysis
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Things to Know When Selling an Inherited Home
If you inherited a house from a loved one, it can initially feel like a very generous gift. However, if you’re inheriting a house, it likely means it’s an emotional time and you’ve lost someone you love. It can also be challenging to know what the best financial decisions are. There are both legal and tax considerations to keep in mind, as well as implications that come with selling any house, inherited or otherwise.  Wh
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6 Tips to Reduce Costs (& Profit More) When Selling a Home
When you’re selling your home, you might only be thinking about the money you’re going to make. There can be costs, however. By being strategic from the start, there are ways to reduce costs when selling a home, including these following tips.  1. Hire a Qualified Realtor Yes, some people think that if you don’t hire a Realtor to help you
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What’s It Worth? How to Determine the Value of Your Home
If you’re thinking of selling your home anytime soon, one of the most important things you’ll need to consider is its value. As you’re asking yourself the value of your home, there are specific factors that should be considered.  Even if you’re not sure that you’re ready to sell your home, you might be curious as to the value because it’s likely your biggest investment.  What You
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What's a Seller's Market? How to Tell When It's Time to Sell
The housing market is constantly fluctuating. Changes in supply and demand determine whether the market favors people who are ready to sell or people who are ready to buy. The market shifts between being a seller’s market and a buyer’s market and the state of the market can determine a home’s selling price. The coronavirus pandemic continues to impact businesses around the globe, and real estate is no different. Let’s look at one of these shifts in particular: the seller’s market. This art
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Top Selling Phoenix Realtor Dishes Advice to Sellers for 2021
In our series interviewing top real estate agents around the country, we spoke with veteran Realtor® Bruno Aropovic, the top selling agent in the Phoenix, Arizona region, closing over 100 transactions January-March, 2020. Within his 14-year career, Bruno has sold $112+ Million in real estate. EffectiveAgents.com (EA): Bruno, thanks so much for joining me and for granting this interview for EffectiveAgents.com. I have a
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Top 5 myths people have about buying a house
You need a big down payment
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2020 Average Realtor® Commission Rates & Fees
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"]Each year the EffectiveAgents® team looks at a large sample of US home transactions to determine the average
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6 Ways to Create an Outdoor Oasis
One of the primary preferences many homebuyers have right now is plenty of outdoor space. In fact, some buyers and, in particular, millennials are willing to forego that extra bedroom for a bigger yard. There’s a preference for outdoor living spaces and usable outdoor areas that allow homeowners to bring their lives inside or out. If you have outdoor space but you’re not sure how to maximize its use, the following are some ways to get started. 
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How Snow and Ice Can Damage Your Home (& What to Do About It)
The first few snowfalls of the year conjure images of cozy nights inside, snowball fights, and light, fluffy flakes covering the town. While snow can be fun for kids and beautiful for adults, it can also be dangerous for homeowners. Even a few inches can significantly impact your home. Learn about the different types of house damage from snow and how you can prevent them with wint
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Clever Space-Saving Solutions for the New Year
A new year is almost here, which means most of us are tackling those things we put off for most of the year otherwise. One thing that might be on your New Year’s to-do list? Organizing. With some clever organization tips, you can maximize the available space in your home.  Wall-Mounted Storage
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Soundproofing Your Home from the Outside In
When you think about your home, you want it to be your refuge and a place where you can go to enjoy a sense of peace and tranquility. Dealing with loud noises probably isn’t in-line with that concept, particularly noise related to traffic or other sounds coming from outside.  Homes can feel even noisier these days because they’re often constructed with open floorplans, and we rely extensively on things like home entertainm
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Fabulous Floors: The Trends in Flooring for 2021
Whether you’re planning to be a home buyer in the future and you’re searching for your dream home, you’re making upgrades to your existing home to prepare to sell it, or you simply want to give your current home a facelift, flooring can be a great place to start.  In fact, new flooring can br
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5 Interior Trends to Look Out For in 2021
Keeping up with interior trends can help you sell your home. A few key choices in your paint and styling can present your home as a modern, updated option for buyers. You can present a desirable lifestyle and attract specific demographics to place bids on your home. Updating your home to accommodate the latest interior trends is all part of the staging process. Home staging can help you get more offers and drive more interest in a ho
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Making Cents of It: What Do Mortgage Rates Mean for You?
Mortgage rates impact buyers and sellers significantly, but it’s a concept frequently misunderstood. With the importance of mortgage rates in real estate, it’s a topic worth exploring.  The Basics: What Are Mortgage Rates? When you buy a home and you borrow money in the form of a mortgage, the bank typically agrees to pay around 80% of the total cost. The remaining 20% is your
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Real Estate Tech Company Founder Talks Covid-era Trends and Solutions for Municipalities
As published in Florida Politics article by Daphne Taylor Street, senior writer EffectiveAgents.com EffectiveAgents.com is a St. Petersburg, FL-based tech company that was born during the mortgage crisis of 2009 as a solution to finding the best agents to buy or sell real estate when everything seemed im
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Facing Recession Fears: What Does It Mean for Real Estate?
On nearly every media outlet, there’s an ongoing discussion about when the next recession will be. As we’re already approaching the end of 2020, some wonder if the next economic downturn will be in 2021. The national economy is slowing down and could enter into a recession next year due to the "disorienting, distracting and dizzying" events of 2020, according to Bernard Baumohl the chief global economist for the The Economic Outlook Group. He then said that a recession is “90% likely if there
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What To Expect: Fees When Selling a House
When you plan to sell your home, you may be thinking only about the profit you’ll make and perhaps what you’re going to spend on your next home. There’s something else to think about as well, though.  The fees.  When you sell a house, you have to pay different fees, and in some cases, they can be relative
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Buy Your First Rental Property: 5 Factors to Consider
If you are looking for a long-term investment that can provide passive income, then you may want to think about buying your first rental property. When managed well, a rental property can house tenants for several years with minimal turnover. Keeping the house in good working order and staying proactive about maintenance can prevent major issues and make your tenants feel comfortable. However, there are a few things to consider if this is your first foray into the world of property investment
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Buyer's Market or Seller's Market: How Can You Tell?
When you decide to buy or sell a home, you might discover that everyone thinks they are a real estate expert when it comes to determining whether it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. Your coworker may warn you that it’s a seller’s market while your mom cautions against the buyer’s market. Stuck in the middle, you might not know what kind of market it is and what it means for your real estate prospects. Many people list their homes regardless of the type of market they are in. However,
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How To Make an Offer on a House: Walk Through the Process
When you get ready to make an offer on a house, it can be nerve-wracking. Buying a house is one of the biggest events of your life. It’s a big investment and commitment. But, there is no reason to worry if you are prepared and aware of your options during the offer process. Use the following information to understand what happens when you make an offer on a house so you feel confident going into the process and you can improve your chances of having your offer accepted. #1) Choose a Good
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Real Estate Forecast for Tampa Bay in 2021
Each week, we bring you real-time information for real estate markets around the nation. We interview our Top Agents and this week we spoke with veteran Realtor© Jason Pithers, one of the top selling agents in the Tampa Bay region, selling over 60 million dollars in real estate, just last year.   Effective Agents: Jason, thanks so much for joining me and for granting this interview for EffectiveAgents.com
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The 8 Real Estate Contingencies Both Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
When buying or selling a house, you will need to go through a negotiation process that sets the final price on the home and all related real estate contingencies. Knowing what contingencies are and how to use them to get the best and most secure deal will make the process easier and less stressful. Learn more about real estate contingencies and how you can use them when buying or selling a house. What Is a Real Estate
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How Long Does It Take to Sell a House on Average
One of the top questions that people ask when they decide to list a property is, “how long does it take to sell a house?” Sellers want to know how long they will have to wait to unload a property and when they should consider listing their home. There are a lot of moving factors involved in home sales. Here are a few things to consider when deciding how long it takes to sell a house and how you can increase the chances that you sell your home fast. The Average Number of Days Fluctuates W
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Buy or sell a home with an EffectiveAgent and we'll donate thousands to Habitat for Humanity
EffectiveAgents.com has forged a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties to create a custom platform that donates a percentage of real estate transactions to help fight the battle for affordable housing. The leadership at EffectiveAgents.com understands that in the wake of Covid-19, donations to causes such as housing initiatives have reduced. Therefore, they have developed a system to leverage donations, increasing resources for Habitat for Humanity, benefittin
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A New Way to Give Back, to the American Cancer Society
EffectiveAgents.com has forged a partnership with The American Cancer Society to create a custom platform that donates a percentage of real estate transactions to the battle against cancer. The leadership at EffectiveAgents.com understands that in the wake of Covid-19, donations to causes such as cancer research and treatment have reduced. Therefore, they have developed a system to leverage donations, increasing resources to fight this disease that a
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Is 2020 the Year to Sell Your Home?
2020 has been a doozy! Unemployment is rocky and the Coronavirus has really shaken the economy. At the same time, mortgage rates recently hit a historic low and the stock market is soaring.  Historically Low Mortgage Rates According to Freddie Mac, the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage just went down to 3.45%.
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What Impact Will Covid-19 Have On The US Real Estate Market?
As investors and homeowners grapple with concerns over the value of their investments, many are asking the question; "How will Covid-19 impact the value of my home or investment properties?". While it's still early EffectiveAgents.com does have some insight on how Coronavirus might impact the US real estate market. The Impact Of Covid-19 on Real Estate Markets Won't Be Clear Until Summer 2020 The sales cycle in real estate is so drawn out that it's difficult to tell how the novel viru
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2020 Vision: What to Expect In Real Estate For the New Year
We’re on the brink of a new year, which means a new focus on real estate. The United States real estate market is fast-moving, and there is a myriad of variables that play a role in where the trends go, but the following are some general things you might be able to expect in 2020.  Mortgage Rate Lows With current
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Do the Colors of the Year Tell Us About the Mindset of America?
Every year, Pantone Color Institute chooses a color of the year. Individual paint companies often have their own color of the year as well. For 2020, some are saying the chosen colors of the year reflect the mindset and overall priorities of the American people. For example, the colors are moving away from bright and bold. Instead, they are inspired by nature and create a sense of tranquility and peace, which can be so important in a hectic, increasingly stressful
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2020 Vision: What to Expect In Real Estate For the New Year
We’re on the brink of a new year, which means a new focus on real estate. The United States real estate market is fast-moving, and there is a myriad of variables that play a role in where the trends go, but the following are some general things you might be able to expect in 2020.  Mortgage Rate Lows With current mortgage rates hovering a
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Nature’s Unpredictability: How It Affects the Real Estate Market
Natural disasters seem to happen almost constantly across the country. For example, there are currently wildfires burning in California. In 2019 so far, around 160,000 acres have burned in the state, and the worst may not be over yet. Typically, the most destructive California wildfires
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Spooky Season: Spirited Halloween-Themed Marketing Tips
For real estate agents and real estate professionals, it’s advantageous to use seasonal trends and upcoming holidays as part of your marketing. It gives you a way to get creative as you appeal to buyers and sellers, and of course, the festivity is fun as well.  Consider the following Halloween-themed marketing events to grow your business and take advantage of a fun holiday that’s often overlooked. 
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7 Ways to Bring Your Fall and Halloween Décor to the Next Level
Fall is the perfect time to integrate some seasonal décor into your home, both inside and out. You can go for a warm, cozy feeling or something a little spookier. The following are some general tips for fall and Halloween décor that’s chic but also fun and festive.  Reconsider the Traditional Pumpkin Instead of going with t
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Do I Qualify for Any First-Time Home Buyer Programs?
Many young adults want to buy homes, but face overwhelming barriers when it comes to affording down payments and navigating the complex world of financing. Fortunately, there are many first-time home buyer programs that are meant to give people the leg up they need.  If you want to buy a home but aren’t sure if you are financially ready, consider whether any of these loans,
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How Much Is My House Worth? 4 Ways to Find Out
Technology has revolutionized the real estate industry and there are several great options available to homeowners that need to know how much their home is worth. Understanding home value is especially critical for sellers who are tasked with establishing a price that will generate sufficient demand to sell their home quickly.  Knowing your home's value will also help you budget for your next move. If you’re scratching
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How To Find and Qualify Top Real Estate Agents
Working with a good Realtor® is essential when trying to buy or sell a home at the best price. If a Realtor® doesn’t give your deal enough time or energy, you could end up having an awful experience and suffering financially.  Most people know they need to find a good real estate agent, but few know where to find one – or how to properly qualify them. We’re here to help.  Check out
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How to Choose a Realtor® When the Options Are Overwhelming
It can be difficult to know how to choose a Realtor®. There are an estimated two million real estate agents around the country.  In June of this year, National Association of Realtors® membership reached an all-time
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Home Design Tips to Fall For This Season
Fall can be a favorite season for a lot of us. It represents the time where we’re maybe spending more time at home with family, cooking and enjoying the events of the season. You’re back from your summer travels, and you might be in nesting mode once again. This makes it the ideal time cozy-up your home décor and your exterior décor as well. The following are essential fall decorating and design ideas to implement in the coming weeks. 
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How Can Home Buyers Make Sense of Interest Rates?
Interest rates have been on somewhat of a wild ride since the end of 2015. At that time, the Federal Reserve started raising rates, and since then, there have been several rate hikes. Before the end of 2015, rates were steadily low at points near zero for years following the Great Recession as part of an effort to promote recovery and spark growth. The Fed doesn’t determine moves in mortgage rates, at least not directly, because they deal with short-term rates. Ho
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Hurricanes and Housing: How Storm Season Affects Real Estate
Unfortunately, natural disasters are part of life, and we’re currently in the middle of hurricane season. June is the start of hurricane season, and it goes through the fall, ending November 30. According to the Office for Coastal Management, Hurricane Harvey damage led to costs of $125 billion, and the total cost of the 16 weather events in the U.S. in 2017 was
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USAA® Real Estate Rewards Network Status & Options
The USAA® Real Estate Rewards program has been discontinued, however, rewards options remain.  EffectiveAgents® is committed to providing real estate rewards benefits to all active duty and retired military members and their families.
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8 Types of Mortgages: Which Home Loan Is Right for You?
People often refer to a mortgage as a single entity. However, there are multiple types of mortgages that potential homebuyers can choose.  While some mortgage options might not be right for you, you could be able to afford a home with an alternative choice. While these are more than a dozen types of mortgages out there, we are going to review the eight most common that you can use to
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2019 Average Realtor® Commission Rates & Fees
Click Here For Average Real Estate Commissions in 2020. The EffectiveAgents® team took a hard look at average Realtor® commission rates so far in 2019 to determine how much the average real estate agent receives in gross compensation for a full-service listing. A lot has changed in the real estate world over the last several years.  New services have emerged that offer homeowners discounted listing packa
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How Can I Sell My House Fast?
People often ask two questions when they want to put their homes on the market: how can I make the most money and how can I sell my house fast?  While the price of your home is often dependent on the market and its condition, there are some ways to control the speed with which you sell your house
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Home-Buying Lingo: The Terms You Should Know
If you’re on the path to buying a home, it can be overwhelming. You are making one of the biggest purchases you have ever or perhaps will ever make. Terms are being thrown around, and you’re not entirely sure what they mean. Are you worried you’re going to make the wrong decision because you aren’t clear on the language of home-buying? If so, you’re not alone. While certainly not exhaustive, the following are some of the
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Real Estate Scams Even the Savviest Buyers and Sellers Should Watch For
As a real estate buyer or seller, if you’ve done your homework and you’re prepared you may feel there’s no way you could be the target of a scam. Even the most proactive and prepared sellers and buyers can fall victim to certain scams, however.  Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest transactions you might ever make in your life, so it makes sense to be vigilant and on-guard throughout the process. 
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Should I Sell My House for Cash?
We have answers for you if you're wondering, "Should I sell my house for cash?" There are multiple websites, groups, and promotions that claim to buy your house for cash, letting you move quickly and skip the showing, negotiating, and financing processes. This is a different process from listing and selling your house for a cash offer. This is a process when a person or group (usually an equity purchase company) buys your house for a cash offer, often with all
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When Are The Best Seasons To Sell Your Home?
Selling a home can be a very demanding task especially when you are looking to sell one quickly. Whenever you are looking to sell a home, it will be important to sell at the right time. By selling a home at the right time, you will be in position to sell your home within a matter of weeks as well as get a higher sale price. When it comes to selling a home, there are better times than others. Those who plan on selling a home will benefit most when they are looking
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5 Tips For Buyers Working With A Real Estate Agent
If you are a first-time home buyer, you may not know what working with a real estate agent is like. How do you hire one? What do they do? How do Realtors® get paid? These are all questions that new buyers ask when they first start out, and many rely on the real estate agents themselves to provide the information. But, an informed buyer is a smart buyer. So use these tips for working with a real estate agent so you can make y
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Looking Forward: What Can We Expect in Real Estate?
Currently, the United States is in the midst of the longest period of economic expansion in history, many economists believe that this isn’t likely to hold on much longer. Most economists predict a recession in 2020 or possibly even sooner at the end of 2019,
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For Sale By Owner: Is It a Good Idea?
Most people have seen “For Sale By Owner” signs as they drive around town. These are home sales where the listing, negotiations, and closing costs are controlled by the owner, without a Realtor® to help.  At first, this may seem like a good idea. You get control over the sale and don’t
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Essential Tips To Give You An Edge In The Home Selling Process
The process of selling a home is incredibly complex. This is one of the largest financial transactions you will likely make in your lifetime, making it a process that deserves a great amount of focus. There are many things you can do to make the most of the home-selling process in order to receive the best offer possible and make the process as least stressful as possible. These five tips will help give you a leg up wh
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Where To Start With Home Owners Insurance
When you are in the process of buying a home or simply looking into buying a home, the lender you work with will likely require that you purchase homeowners insurance. Unfortunately, many homeowners simply buy the policy their lender recommends without fully understanding the options they have and all the intricate features that home insurance can provide if they take the time to do their research. Below are five crucial t
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First Time Buyers Checklist
Interested in buying a home for the first time? Becoming a first-time home buyer can be quite exciting. But it can also be a downright stressful and challenging process. You should avoid making an impulse purchase in which you end up with a costly mortgage. Here are five tips for first-time home buyers as enter the market. Come Up With a Budget & Stick to It Maybe there's a home you're already interested in, but you're not sure if you can afford it. This can be a problem if you do
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5 Ways to Sell Your House for More Money
Selling your home is a way to recoup your investment. You want to earn back the money you paid for the property, invested in upgrades, and earned through growth in the housing market. Unfortunately, not everyone gets this money back. Some people undersell their home or aren’t strategic in how they market it. If you want to turn a profit on your home sale, make sure you are taking advantage of everything offered to you. Check out these five ways to sell your house for more money. #1) I
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Where to Spend the Most On a Home Renovation Before You Sell?
Let's face it. You want the most bang for your buck when looking to sell your home. However, not every spot in your home is created equal. Some renovations can dramatically increase the value of our homes more than others. If you are selling a house, this is very important to know. If you are looking at buying a home, it could be a great opportunity to increase the value of
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Navigating Interest Rates, Acquiring a Loan, and How Much to Put Down?
Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you can make. But finding the right financing at an affordable interest rate can be tricky. To make the process just a little easier, we've put together a checklist of everything you need to keep in mind before you close the deal. The Mortgage Process Before we delve into securing a great interest rate, let's talk about the mortgage process first. Knowing how muc
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The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Home Owner’s Association (HOA)
When it comes to purchasing a home, they may be nothing as contentious as a homeowner's association. Some people swear against the concept of an HOA; however, this type of organization can provide benefits that other homeowners prefer. In this article, we will present to you the drawbacks and benefits of considering a neighborhood with a Home Owner's Association.  Drawbacks of a Homeowner's Association The obvious
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How Important is a Quality Home Appraiser?
Whether buying or refinancing a home, find a quality home appraiser does require knowledge to navigate and find the right one.  A home appraiser inspects a home, assessing construction, amenities, location, and anything that might have an impact on the home’s value. Banks use them prior to issuing a mortgage, insurance com
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The Biggest First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes and Misconceptions
Even the most prepared first-time home buyer can make a mistake in the buying process.  There are so many steps involved in buying a home and so many intricacies to consider that it is nearly impossible for one person to consider everything the first time around. Fortunately, there are people and resources that can help.  The right Realtor® can guide you through the buying, and onl
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How Do You Know If Your Agent Is Doing The Most For You?
Real estate agents are a valuable asset to house hunters, but many people often feel like their agent isn't delivering. If you've been working with your housing agent for a while and have yet to find your new place, the problem may lie in your realtor. Does this mean they are entirely ill-equipped for their job? Not necessarily. It could be a matter of poor communication, or you and your agent simply might not be the right fit. They Make Promises They
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How to Understand Your Local Housing Market
Understanding your local housing market is crucial if you own property and are looking to sell it or if you are actively in the market looking for a new home. You don't want to overpay for a new home but you also don't want to fire sell the home you currently have. We're going to break down how to find out if you are in a good or bad real estate market and what you can do about it. Good or Bad Market? Typically in
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Townhouse vs. House: Find Out What’s Best for You
You have many choices to consider when buying a house. How many bedrooms do you want? What key features are most important to you? Where do you want to live? And, what type of home do you want -- a townhouse or a free-standing house? Townhouses are like most other houses, except that they are narrow, multi-storied, and attached to other houses on the street. You might see a row of 10 townhouses attached to each other on a
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How to Find Accurate House Prices Where You Want to Buy
Knowing house prices is one of the most important aspects of buying a home. If you can’t find affordable homes in your area or underestimate how much homes cost then you could end up living paycheck-to-paycheck in order to keep up your investment. One of the first steps that come with buying a house is determining what you can afford and where those homes are in your area. Use these steps to find accurate house pri
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Understanding Closing Costs: What's Included & What to Expect
When buying a new house, many people consider the cost of the home but forget to think about the closing costs. To make sure you’re prepared as you go into the home-buying process, use this guide to understand what closing costs are, what is covered, and what you need to pay. What Are Closing Costs? The closing process is when the title of the property is passed from the previous owner to the buyer. It is at this time that homeowners pay the expected closing costs. Closing costs re
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What Home Renovations Give You The Best ROI When Selling
Let's face it. You want the most bang for your buck when looking to sell your home. However, not every spot in your home is created equal. Some renovations can dramatically increase the value of your home over others. Some repairs can be a major expense and others can be done for a fraction of the cost but still leave a major impact. You want to get the most bang for your buck. If you are in the market of selling a house, this is very important to know. If you are looking at buying a home, consi
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Pros & Cons: Real Estate Teams vs. Individual Agents
Finding the right real estate agent can be intimidating and unfamiliar territory for most home buyers and sellers. Do you go with the agent that just sold your neighbors home? Do you choose the one whose face is plastered on every bench within a 5 mile radius of your home? Or, do you lean towards the recommendation from your sister-in-law's mom who sold her home 7 years ago? It's normal to not want to offend anyone, but ultimately you just need to find a Realtor® who makes you feel comfortable,
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30 Yr Mortgage Interest Rate Plunges Under 4% In First Half of 2019
There has been a lot of background noise regarding affordability issues in the housing market - we've been hearing about it for a few years now.  In some major markets home prices fell slightly in the first quarter of 2019.  At the same time, housing inventories have been growing to healthier levels, giving home buyers more options.  All of this is good news and the housing market is finding equilibrium. Against this backdrop we have a new pool of potential first time buyers, under 35, who ar
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How to Find The Best Performing Realtors® in Any City
There are a thousand factors to consider when buying or selling a house. What’s your budget? Is the market timing right? Should you repaint the kitchen to brighten it up? One question you should never have to worry about is whether or not you have a capable real estate agent. Knowing that you have an experienced agent will give you the peace of mind and guidance necessary to manage a complicated transaction.
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Invest in Curb Appeal to Sell Your Home Quicker and for More Money
First Impressions are EVERYTHING when selling your home. According The National Association of Realtors®, 63% of buyers will drive by a listing if they like it online. Most likely, if you are ready to put your home on the market you have probably made some pretty impressive changes to the interior
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Leverage Current Design Trends to Help Sell Your Home Quicker
The thought of selling a home can seem exhausting and stressful. Whether it's a home you have spent the majority of your life in, or a starter home you're just ready to move on from, the process can actually be rewarding and exciting. Many homeowners are conflicted about updating a home they'll soon be leaving, but try to keep an open mind. The questions over whether throwing more money into a property just to sell it are valid and understandable. The truth is, even minor design refresh can be t
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5 Things To Do When Buying and Selling a Home at the Same Time
Buying or selling a house is stressful enough when the steps are taken one at a time, but most people aren’t that lucky. Homeowners follow their jobs or their dreams to move to different cities and states, which leaves them trying to juggle the simultaneous home buying and selling process. If this sounds like you, don’t worry. You aren’t the first person to try buying and selling a home at the same time, and you won’t be
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5 Tips for Buying a House in a New City
Picking up and moving to a new city is exciting, but also comes with a variety of concerns and worries. Making a rushed decision can leave you in the wrong neighborhood or far from the city amenities you wanted to live near. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of a successful move. Follow these tips if you are buying a house in a new city so yo
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How to Sell a House Out of State: 6 Tips to Streamline Your Sale
If you have recently inherited a house or needed to move quickly for a new job, then you could be in the complicated position of trying to sell a house out of state. It’s not easy to be in another state while juggling duties like sorting through offers, managing showings, and handling the legalities of home selling. There’s an easy way to sell a house out of state and a hard way.
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Meet The 6 People Involved In a Real Estate Transaction
There are several moving pieces involved in selling or buying a house. Banks and financial institutions are involved, legal representatives arrive to appraise the land, and insurers review the risk and value of the space. With so many people and organizations to work with, it can be hard to keep up with everything and everyone. Use this handy guide as you start the home buying process.
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8 Benefits of Using a Realtor® to Buy or Sell Your House
As people get ready to buy or sell a home, some wonder why they need to hire a Realtor®. What do Realtors® do other than showing you homes and arranging paperwork? We'll explore how an agent can make your transaction easier and give you the market access necessary to get the job done. Consumer sentiment about the value of an agent is clear - the overwhelming majority of the public believe that agents are overpaid and do not deliver the sort of added value that the costs suggest.  One thing to
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Paint a Room Fast: 5 Tips for Making Touch-Ups Before You Sell
If you’re looking to sell your house, you likely have a list of minor touch-ups and home improvement tasks you need to finish. These items might not seem like much, but once they’re compiled together in a list, you have hours of work ahead of you. One task, in particular, that mo
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Realtors®, Is Your Pricing Strategy Hurting Your Clients?
What's The Best Strategy For Pricing A Home? It's a long held belief that pricing a home at $249,999 is superior to simply rounding to the nearest ten or hundredth thousand (preferably a factor of 10k, 25k or 50k).  Ending a price in .99 is based on the firmly held belief that, since we read from left to right, the first few digits in the price will resonate with us the most.  This is absolutely true...but the modern repercussions are often unexpected.  We need to consider how buyers c
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How to Buy a House: 8 Steps to Find Your Dream Home
If you’re tired of paying rent every month or need to find a bigger place to live to accommodate your family, then you may need to enter the home buying process. Looking for a home and exploring what’s out there is fun, but the actual buying process isn’t always easy. Follow this guide to learn how to buy a house when you’re ready to settle down in a place you love. #1) Meet Wi
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Skip The "Realtors Near Me" Search If You Want To Find The Best Agent
More than 93% of all online experiences begin with a search engine and 81% of customers conduct research online before making a major purchase. This is true with the home buying or selling process. The first thing many people do it search for “realtors near me.” Unfortunately, a generic search
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What Increases (and Decreases) The Appraised Value of a Home?
During the home selling process, you will likely work with an appraiser who evaluates the value of your home. Their job is to make sure that you the buyer isn’t overpaying and potentially putting the holder of the mortgage at risk.  If you ever decide to refinance your mortgage you'll get to meet an appraiser for that as well. However, it is always in your best interest to help the appraiser see your home in it's best ligh
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How to Sell A House In 7 Simple Steps
Buying a house is complex, but selling it is easy, right? Not so much. There are still processes that homeowners need to follow if they are going to get a good top dollar for their house and sell it in a relatively quickly. If this is your first time selling a home, we are here to help. Follow these seven steps to learn how to sell a house. #1) Understand the Cost of Selling Yo
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How Much House Can I Afford? 4 Ways to Set a Budget
You may have your eye on a dream house around the corner, a bungalow by the lake, or a chic city condo, but your budget may have other plans. One of the biggest questions that homeowners have is “how much house can I afford?” How Do I Know How Much House Can I Afford? Buyers want to live comfortably in a
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7 Ways To Increase Home Value Before You Sell
You may think your home is priceless, but buyers and Realtors® in your area have a more realistic view. Realtors® want to show off homes with the best value, while home buyers want to know that they’re making a good investment. If you want to profit (or at least break even) when selling your home, you need to prove that its value has increased since you bought it.
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I'm Ready to Sell My House: Now What?
When you're thinking, "I'm ready to sell my house," there are a few steps you can take before your home hits the market to increase its value and the speed at which it sells. Start making a checklist, because this is what you need to do to get your home sold.   1. Get to Know the Housing Market Sta
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Clever Ways to Make the Most of Your Home’s Space
Whether you’ve just bought a new home or you’re looking for ways to make better use of the space in your existing home, it can be a challenge. Most of us would like more space for storage and livability, but we’re not sure how to make that happen.  The following are some tips and hacks to maximize what you have available. The Kitchen T
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