Deciding whether or not to downsize your family home can be difficult. However, delaying too long could leave you with too much house or expenses to manage – especially if you’re nearing retirement. According to a Merrill Lynch survey of retirees aged 50 and over, 51%...
Year: 2020
4 qualities of a good home inspector
Working with a home inspector is one way to have a successful home purchase. Still, some inspectors are better than others. When you are interviewing potential home inspectors, you may want to look for a few essential qualities. Here are four of them. 1. Knowledge and...
3 things that can go wrong when closing on a home
You’ve found a place you love and is within your price range. All that’s left to do is to sign the closing paperwork and you’re good to go. However, several things can derail a closing at the last minute. Here are some common things that can go wrong during the...
Protect your property with title insurance
For most people, buying a home is one of the most significant and most fulfilling financial investments they will ever make. Whether you recently purchased a home or just about to close, you may be considering whether you need to buy title insurance. Here's how title...
Florida’s new laws recognize rising shorelines
Florida’s real estate is a popular acquisition for older Americans. The warm weather and beautiful beaches make Florida an attractive retirement destination. Additionally, many seniors purchase these properties to secure consistent income to fund the fun of their...
Is title insurance necessary?
Title insurance protects homebuyers and mortgage lenders from title defects during the purchase. About one-third of all real estate sales involve a defective title. This can jeopardize the valid ownership of the property, its value, and involve other legal damages....
What is a title defect?
When real estate professionals talk about a “title,” they discuss who has legal ownership of a property or the right to use a property. As with a title for a car, this is the actual document listing the owner or ownership arrangement. The conversation usually revolves...
How does hurricane season affect residential real estate?
Hurricane season is in full swing, and it will not be over until November. Hurricanes can have a major impact on every facet of the economy, including the real estate. If you are considering purchasing a home or a condo, you may wonder how hurricane season—or a...
What is mortgage insurance?
Some home buyers got an unpleasant surprise if they put down less than 20%. It comes when the lender informs the buyer that they need to buy mortgage insurance. Also known as private mortgage insurance (PMI), it adds expense to those likely stretched a little thin as...
The pros and cons of condominium living
Condominiums are not just for Baby Boomers. While condos do offer ease of living because typically someone else does the heavy lifting (yard, sidewalk and exterior maintenance) these benefits are also appealing to people who travel and those with young families....