Wednesday, November 13, 2024 / by Ameil Gill
WHAT A FREE HOME VALUATION REALLY MEANS
Friendly reminder: the estimate you found online is *probably* NOT accurate… and getting your listing price wrong when selling could end up costing you thousands (if not more).
The only way to know for sure what your home is worth is by connecting with a local agent. Unlike a Zestimate, my home valuation isn’t just a number; it’s a comprehensive analysis derived from my years of experience and in-depth market knowledge.
What my free, no-strings-attached home valuation really includes:
Comparable Sales Analysis
I’ll help you understand how your home compares to other homes nearby that have recently sold with similar features and benefits.
Market Trends Report
I will give you insights into how our local market and your particular neighborhood are performing.
Home Prep Recommendations
I’ll provide guidance on how to prepare your home for sale, including any updates you can mak ...
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Monday, November 4, 2024 / by Ameil Gill
THINKING ABOUT PRESSING PAUSE ON YOUR HOME SEARCH? HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD RECONSIDER…
Thinking about hitting pause on your home search and waiting until after the holidays or for interest rates to drop? You may want to reconsider…
While the right decision for you will depend on several factors, here are a few reasons why keeping your home search going might be a smarter move than hitting pause:
1. There’s typically less competition during the holidays and winter.
Many buyers take a break during the holidays, which means fewer people are competing for the same homes. This could give you an advantage and help you avoid bidding wars—or even score a great deal!
2. Sellers are motivated.
Sellers who list during the winter are often more motivated to close a deal, whether it’s due to timing or personal reasons. This could mean better negotiations and a chance to score a great price on your new home.
! ...
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Tuesday, October 29, 2024 / by Ameil Gill
WHAT YOUR LENDER REALLY WANTS YOU TO KNOW
News flash: your lender isn’t just there to approve loans and take care of the paperwork (and there is a LOT of paperwork). They actually want to help you make the process smoother and stress-free. Because when you’re dealing with your life savings and a large loan, things tend to get a little stressful.
1.You have options
There are more loan options out there than you might realize. From FHA to conventional to VA loans, your lender can help you find the best fit based on your situation.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
2. Budget for more than just the downpayment
It’s not just about the down payment. You also need to take into account closing costs, which can range from 2-5% of your loan amount.
Not to mention inspections and moving costs, and it’s always a good idea to have a little cushion for unexpected expenses.
3. Your credit score is key
Your credit score has a huge impact on the int. ...
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Monday, October 21, 2024 / by Ameil Gill
HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD?
Wondering how much you can *actually* afford? Online mortgage calculators are a great starting point for a rough estimate, but they’re just that—a start.
The first step in buying a home is getting pre-approved… but if you’re not quite ready to talk to a lender, I’ve outlined a few simple guidelines to help you figure out if buying a home is within reach right now:
1.An easy way to figure it out is to calculate your debt-to-income ratio.
Start by adding up all your monthly debt payments, including credit cards, student loan payments, car loans, and any other ongoing recurring debts.
Next, divide this total by your gross monthly income (your income before taxes and deductions). Multiply the result by 100 to get your debt-to-income (DTI) percentage.
2. Now, let’s review the 28/36 “rule”
The 28/36 rule is a simple guideline to help you understand how much money you! ...
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Friday, October 18, 2024 / by Ameil Gill
IMPORTANCE OF A HOME INSPECTION (EVEN IF IT’S AFTER YOU MOVE-IN)
Even if you decide to skip the inspection when making your offer, it’s still super important to gather as much information as you can about your new home, even if it ends up being after you’ve moved in. After all, how long do you plan on living there? Having all the details helps you budget and plan effectively—knowledge is power, and let’s be honest, ignorance is NOT bliss.
If you waived the home inspection during the buying process, you might think it’s too late for one now. But here’s why getting an inspection after you move in is still essential:
1.Prevent costly repairs / budget for future projects
Catching issues early can save you from a much larger bill down the line. A small problem identified now can prevent a big headache (and expense) later!
2. Uncover hidden issues
An inspection can reveal plumbing leaks, electrical issues, or even structural concern! ...
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