August 7th, 2014 at 10:00 am
The real estate industry has been buzzing about the Zillow – Trulia merger. Separately, these are the two largest online real estate listing companies in the United States. The plan to merge swirled throughout the industry last week and have since been confirmed; causing a substantial gain in Zillow’s stock price. However, the merger will do more than boost the bank accounts of those invested in these companies, it will also affect the real estate industry as a whole.
What Likely Will Not Change
If you’ve ever used either of these sites before you’ve probably also noticed that there isn’t as much information available for a property when compared to a local real estate agency. This fact is not likely to change as neither site is an MLS. Plans to take over MLSs have not currently been discussed in terms of this merger. Consumers should not expect to get access to more listings or depend on better information, but the ease and functionality of these sites should continue to improve. Most buyers begin the process online and these two sites are the most popular places to start. Consumers expect to receive hyper-local content from local real estate companies. Although they may begin their search online, those in the market to buy a home will be looking for local information from an agent.
Likely Changes (more…)
August 5th, 2014 at 12:30 pm
No one said the home buying process was quick and easy. In fact, for most people it takes months from the time a buyer starts looking for a house until they actually close on the house. As you near closing there is no shortage of items on your to-do list – inspections, finalizing loans and setting an escrow closing date to name a few. However, you’re not done quite yet! You still need to complete your final walkthrough.
What is the final walkthrough?
The purpose of the final walkthrough is to make sure everything is as it should be for closing. This is the step where you make sure the seller has fixed anything that needs fixing, if you negotiated keeping the refrigerator, now is the time you ensure the refrigerator is there and no additional damage happened as a result of the seller moving out. Your real estate agent will coordinate your walkthrough about a week before closing and you can expect that it will take about 30-60 minutes to complete a full walkthrough.
Why does it matter?
June 27th, 2014 at 8:37 pm
The road to buying a home looks a little different for each traveler that sets out on the journey. There is no one-size-fits-all solution or a map leading you from start to finish. However, with the right knowledge and the help of the right realtor, you can enter the market equipped with the tools required to make your big purchase with ease. Part of the preparation process is knowing what types of loans and/or programs you may qualify for. One specialty loan on the market is the VA loan.
What is a VA Loan
The VA loan program was created in 1944 in an effort to help service members, veterans and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not lend money for the loans, rather it backs private lenders such as banks and mortgage companies.
Who Qualifies
The Difference (more…)
