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A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home. While a home inspector reviews many things, the following items probably won’t be on their checklist: While home inspectors are generally…
Regardless of whether you’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market, using the following tips can help you sell your home quickly. First, hire the right Realtor®. You’ll want a Realtor® with a successful track record…
Have you ever wondered what happens to a mortgage when someone dies? The simple answer is that a mortgage is not forgiven when someone passes away. A mortgage is a lien against a piece of…
Visiting an open house is a great way to see what a property has to offer. Here are some tips on open house etiquette for buyers. When you enter, most open houses have a sign-in…
How can you tell if a home you’re interested in is in a flood zone? Here’s an easy way to find out! FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, assesses the risk of flooding for each…
Considering having some work done on your house? Most municipalities require building permits for a variety of projects. If a building permit is required, it must be obtained before any work begins… even if you…
A “short sale” is an alternative to prevent a foreclosure. With approval from their lender, it gives a homeowner an option for selling their home for less than the mortgage balance. In essence, the short…
Before negotiating with a contractor, it helps to map out your project, set limits for how much you intend to spend and know where the money comes from. Then, follow these tips to get yourself…
Some people experience a phenomenon known as buyer’s remorse after buying a home… a sense of regret associated with their purchase. A few days after closing, they wonder if they made the right decision, if…
Dishwashers were made to make household cleaning easier… but that doesn’t mean you can put just anything in the machine. The following items are likely to get ruined in a dishwasher: * Fine china, antiques,…
While many people prefer carpet, it does take some work to keep clean. Here are a few carpet care tips used by the pros: * First, invest in quality carpet and have it treated so…
Many sellers avoid putting their home on the market during the holidays, but real estate professionals know that the holiday season is a great time to sell. Lower inventory during the holidays means buyers have…
Before agreeing to co-sign on a loan, make sure you consider the risks and benefits to determine if it’s a good idea. A co-signer is a person who agrees to pay a borrower’s debt if…
Congratulations! You have a purchase agreement that spells out the purchase price and other terms signed by both the buyer and seller. Now it’s time to begin taking steps that will lead to closing…
Whether you are a buyer or a seller, transferring utilities should be at the top of your “to-do list” to avoid any interruption of services such as…
Before you move, it is important to know what items can’t be moved by professional movers. Here is a list of items you will have to plan to transport yourself: * Hazardous materials… like car…
A listing contract is a legal agreement between a homeowner and a real estate broker. It gives the broker the right to offer the property for sale. “Exclusive right to sell” contracts are the most…
When electrical power goes out unexpectedly it can really disrupt your life. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and your belongings during a power outage. * Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed…
Home staging is the art of preparing a home to sell quickly and for the best possible price. The goal of home staging is to maximize a home’s appearance to potential buyers. A professional home…
While homeowner’s insurance does not protect against flood damage to your home, most homeowners policies…
A well-cared-for home will have more buyer appeal and is more likely to sell faster and for a better price. First impressions are lasting, and buyers are attracted to homes that have been well maintained.…
When searching for a home, you may come across the term “as is”. This term indicates that a buyer must be willing to accept the home exactly as it is – meaning that the seller…
What is the typical life expectancy of the major components of a home? While weather conditions and the quality of materials can certainly affect longevity, here are some general rules of thumb. * Foundations are…
We were voted Best Real Estate company in Shenandoah County for 2019. It was truly an honor! A big Thank You to all that voted us!! Left is Dora Buck, Principal Broker, Co-Owner & right…
Abby Walters, Realtor®, Licensed in Virginia was voted Best Realtor® in Shenandoah County for 2019! Way to go! We are very fortunate to have her on our team!!
When most people retire, they tend to stay in the same place where they’ve spent most of their lives. But some people want a change of scenery. If you’re planning to relocate, here are some…