1. What Is Dual Agency, Exactly? In a typical home sale, one agent represents the buyer, and another represents the seller. With dual agency, a single agent represents both sides. That means: The agent writes up your offer… …but also advises the seller on how to respond Legally, the agent must remain neutral—but practically, it can be hard […]
1. House Hacking Means Living in Your Investment House hacking simply means buying a property and renting out part of it while you live in the other part. This can look like: A duplex or triplex where you live in one unit and rent out the others A single-family home with a basement apartment or garage suite Renting out individual rooms in your
1. A Special Assessment Is a One-Time Fee for Unexpected HOA Expenses While monthly HOA dues cover regular expenses like landscaping or pool maintenance, a special assessment is an extra charge that covers major, unplanned costs. These might include: Emergency roof or plumbing repairs Big upgrades to shared spaces (like elevators, fences, or driveways) Legal fees or insurance shortfalls after storms
1. A Short Sale Happens When the Seller Owes More Than the Home Is Worth In a short sale, the homeowner is trying to avoid foreclosure by selling the home for less than what they owe on their mortgage. The lender must approve the sale (since they’re taking a loss) It can take weeks—or even months—for approval There’s usually
1. A Bridge Loan Helps You “Bridge” the Gap Between Homes A bridge loan is a short-term financing tool that lets you use the equity in your current home to help purchase your next one. Here’s how it works: You borrow against the equity in your current home Use that money as a down payment on your new home Pay the loan
1. Pre-Qualification Is Just an Estimate Getting pre-qualified is like a financial snapshot. You tell the lender about your income, debt, and basic financial situation, and they give you a ballpark number for how much home you could afford. It’s quick, easy, and useful for planning — but it’s not based on verified information, so
1. Mortgage Interest and Property Tax Deductions Can Lower Your Taxable Income One of the biggest tax benefits of owning a home is the ability to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from your taxable income. Mortgage interest deduction: You can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage loan, which can add up to significant savings, especially in
1. A VA Loan Is Guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs A VA loan is a government-backed mortgage that provides exclusive benefits for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guarantees the loan, which means lenders are more likely to offer favorable terms with lower risks. Key benefits of VA loans include: No
1. Plan Your Move-In Day Like a Pro Before you pull up with the moving truck, make sure you’ve set up your utilities—electricity, water, internet, and gas should be up and running. Pack a “day-one” essentials box with things like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, phone chargers, and snacks. Trust us: the little things matter when
First-Time Buyer Guide: Understanding FHA vs. Conventional Loans and Which One Is Right for You 💡 When you’re choosing a mortgage, understanding the difference between FHA loans and conventional loans can have a significant impact on your home-buying experience. As a first-time homebuyer, it’s crucial to understand the advantages and potential drawbacks of the mortgage
1. Refinancing Can Lower Your Interest Rate or Monthly Payments One of the most common reasons homeowners refinance is to lower their interest rate, which can reduce their monthly payments. How refinancing helps: A lower interest rate means less interest paid over time, saving you money. Lower monthly payments can free up extra cash each month for other