Let me preface this by saying: if you are buying or selling a home, you should absolutely hire a Realtor to help you. You will save money in the long run, not to mention a huge amount of stress- they will make sure the transaction goes smoothly. However, that is all dependent on your agent being good at what they do. While almost all agents are great at their job and will communicate effectively, there are some that will exhibit warning signs that you should watch out for. Check out this article by Lisa at Mama Real Estate. If this sounds like your agent, it might be time to hire a new one:
-They don’t call or respond in a timely manner- if it takes them days or weeks to get back to you, they are not taking you seriously.
-They refuse to negotiate on your behalf.
-They tell others your confidential information without your express consent.
-They are extremely disorganized- Are they always late? Losing or forgetting important documents? Do they seem scatterbrained and all over the place? This type of irresponsible person is probably not the one you want handling a transaction worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Most people know that it takes a lot of preparation to be able to own your own home. It requires planning and research and isn’t something that can be rushed into! To make sure that you are as prepared as possible, check out this post by 
So, you think you’re ready to buy a home! You have a steady job, you have a good amount saved for a down payment, and your credit score is good. You might even be ready to apply for mortgage pre-approval or to start looking for a Realtor. However, even if you’re very prepared, there are still some dire mistakes that may sink your prospects. If you want to be sure to be approved for a mortgage, check out this post by
In many cities, rent expenses are growing faster than actual home prices. It’s becoming cheaper to own than to rent, and people are realizing it. However, to buy a home, you do need to have some money to your name for a down payment, which is why less people are switching over. But, there are ways to buy a home with a small down payment (or even none at all!) For the pros and cons of buying a home with a smaller down payment, check out this post by
Most buyers in the current market will be faced with this situation: either the home you liked online has already been sold, or there are multiple offers on the house you want. In that case, it can be tempting to try to spend all the money you’ve been approved for on your mortgage. However, that’s not a smart move! If your offer is then accepted, you will probably end up being house poor. Check out this post by
It’s common for curious, prospective home buyers to begin their search online. I’ve done it, I admit; it’s pretty fun to look at virtual home tours and imagine myself in various houses. But, what should you do if you’re actually serious about purchasing that dream home you found online? Call the agent who listed it?
Spring and summer are the hottest home sale months; you’ll be facing intense competition, bidding wars, and will probably be pressured to make decisions quickly without fully considering them. During winter, the market slows down and is more optimal for buyers. Therefore, now is the time to be preparing! Spend the fall season improving your credit, getting in touch with a Realtor, and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. For more reasons why winter is the best time to buy a home, check out this infographic 
Closing on a home is both exciting and stressful. You’re so close to finally owning your dream home (or something close to it), but there’s still a ton of stuff to do. Before you sign that final piece of paperwork, check out this post by