Dakno Content Blog

Tag: US home sales

Timing Your Move: What to Know About Buying a Home Before the School Year Starts
Summer isn’t just peak vacation season—it’s also one of the most active times of year for homebuyers, especially families with school-aged children. If you’re considering a move and want to settle into a new home before the first school bell rings, now’s the time to act. Here’s what you need to know about buying a home before the school year begins—and why working with a knowledgeable real estate agent makes all the difference.

Why Timing Matters

Buying a home is always a big decision but if you’re working around a school calendar, timing can be crucial. A summer move offers:
- A Fresh Start: Starting the new year in your new home allows you to settle in and start getting to know your surroundings, establishing routines, and feeling at home in the community
- More Flexibility: Moving while school is out minimizes disruptions to your family’s schedule.
- More Inventory: Summer tends to bring more listings to the market, giving you a wider selection of homes and neighborhoods to choose from.
But there’s a flip side: the summer market can move quickly. Homes sell fast, and competition can be strong—especially in areas with top-rated schools.

The Homebuying Timeline (And Why You Should Start Now)

If your goal is to be in your new home before school starts, timing is key. Here’s a general timeline to keep in mind:
- Home Search & Offer: 2–4 weeks (sometimes longer depending on your market)
- Under Contract to Close: 30–45 days
- Move-In & Settle: 1–2 weeks
That means the clock is ticking. The earlier you get started, the better your chances of finding the right home, negotiating favorable terms, and moving in without last-minute stress.

What to Look For in a “School-Year-Ready” Home

When your timeline is tight, focusing your search can make the process more efficient. Prioritize homes that:
- Are located in your preferred school district
- Have minimal required repairs or updates
- Are move-in ready with quick possession available
- Offer features that support your lifestyle (home office, fenced yard, proximity to parks or childcare)
A seasoned buyer’s agent can help you identify listings that check all the boxes and fit your timeline.

Why You Need a Buyer’s Agent Right Now

In a fast-moving market, having a professional buyer’s agent on your side isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

An experienced agent will:
- Help you navigate the process from pre-approval to closing
- Alert you to new listings as soon as they hit the market
- Craft strong, competitive offers
- Coordinate inspections, timelines, and logistics
- Negotiate with your best interest in mind
When time is of the essence, expert guidance can save you from delays, costly mistakes, or losing out on a great home.

Ready to Make Your Move?

If you’re hoping to be in your new home before the school year begins, let’s make it happen. Whether you’re relocating, upsizing, or just starting your homeownership journey, a trusted local real estate professional can help you navigate every step with confidence.

Reach out today to connect with a buyer’s agent who understands the market, your timeline, and your goals—and can help turn your summer plans into a smooth, successful move.
May 15, 2025
The Secret to Pricing Your Home Right in a Shifting Market
Thinking about selling your home? One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is how to price it.

Set the price too high, and buyers might skip right over it. Price it too low, and you could leave money on the table. That’s why finding the right price—especially in a changing market—is so important.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. A great real estate agent knows how to price your home to help you sell quickly and get top dollar.

Why the Right Price Matters

The housing market is always changing. Buyer demand, interest rates, and inventory levels are always changing. And that’s exactly why working with a knowledgeable agent is essential to getting top dollar for your home without pricing yourself out of the market.

In a shifting market, buyers are careful. They compare prices, photos, and features before deciding which homes to see in person. If your home is priced just right, it will grab their attention and make them want to come take a look.

Our job is to help you hit that perfect price point—where your home stands out, gets noticed, and brings in strong offers.

How We Find the Right Price

When we help you price your home, we don’t guess. We analyze:
- Recent sales of homes like yours in the area
- What’s currently for sale (your competition)
- How long homes are staying on the market
- What buyers are looking for right now
Then we use all that info to recommend a smart price that gives you the best chance of a fast and successful sale.

Pricing + Marketing = More Offers

Here’s the truth: even the best price won’t work without the right marketing. That’s why we also create a full plan to get your home in front of serious buyers.

We use things like:
- Professional photos
- Eye-catching online listings
- Targeted ads and social media
- Open houses and private tours
When your home is priced well and marketed the right way, buyers take notice—and that can lead to more offers and a better sale.

Selling Your Home Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

As real estate professionals, we’ve helped lots of sellers navigate this process. We know the local market, we understand what buyers want, and we know how to price and promote your home to help you get the best outcome.

If you’re thinking about selling, let’s connect. We’ll walk you through the process, give you a custom price analysis, and work with you every step of the way.

Want to know what your home could sell for right now? Contact us today for a free pricing consultation.
April 1, 2025
Spring into Homeownership: Why Now is a Great Time to Buy

Spring is here, and with it comes longer days, blooming flowers, and the perfect opportunity to make your move. If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, this season offers some distinct advantages that could help you find the perfect place while making a smart financial decision. Here’s why spring is one of the best times to buy a home.

1. More Inventory Means More Choices

Spring traditionally brings a surge in new listings, giving buyers a wider selection of homes to choose from. Many sellers wait until spring to list their homes, knowing that warmer weather and longer days encourage more buyers to house hunt. More options mean you have a better chance of finding a home that checks all your boxes.

2. Ideal House Hunting Conditions

Let’s be honest—touring homes in the dead of winter isn’t exactly fun. Spring brings comfortable temperatures and extended daylight hours, making it easier to schedule home tours after work or on weekends without feeling rushed. The extra daylight also gives buyers more time to explore neighborhoods, check out nearby amenities, and fully experience outdoor spaces like patios, decks, and yards. If a home has great natural light, you’ll be able to see how it enhances the space throughout the day, helping you get a better sense of the home’s potential.

3. Mortgage Rates Are Still Competitive

Interest rates have fluctuated over the past year, but they remain historically reasonable. Locking in a rate now can save you thousands over the life of your loan. Plus, with more lenders offering flexible loan programs and incentives, now is a great time to explore your financing options.

4. Strong Market Activity Leads to Faster Transactions

Spring is one of the busiest times in real estate, which means everyone involved in the process—lenders, inspectors, appraisers, and title companies—are in full swing. This efficiency can help move your home purchase along faster, getting you settled in time to enjoy summer in your new space.

5. Move in Before the Summer Rush

Many families prefer to move before the next school year begins, which means competition heats up as summer approaches. Buying in the spring gives you an advantage by allowing you to close on a home before demand spikes even higher. You’ll also have time to settle in, make any necessary updates, and enjoy your new home during the warm months.

6. Build Equity Sooner

Real estate remains one of the strongest investments for long-term financial stability. If you’re a first time homebuyer, the sooner you buy, the sooner you start building equity instead of paying rent. As home values continue to rise, waiting too long could mean paying more for the same property down the line.

Let’s Find Your Perfect Home This Spring!

With the right strategy and expert guidance, buying a home this spring can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking for your next move, our team is here to help you navigate the process with confidence.

We have access to the latest listings, market insights, and negotiation strategies to help you find the right home at the right price. Ready to make the most of this spring market? Let’s connect today and start your home search!

March 15, 2025
The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for a Quick Spring Sale
Spring is one of the best times to sell a home, as buyers emerge from winter ready to make a move. If you’re planning to list your home this season, preparation is key to attracting the right buyers and securing a quick, competitive sale. Follow this guide to ensure your home is market-ready and stands out in the busy spring real estate market.

1. Declutter and Depersonalize

Buyers want to envision themselves in your home, which can be difficult if personal items and clutter dominate the space. Start by:
- Removing personal photographs and memorabilia
- Clearing off countertops and shelves
- Organizing closets and storage spaces to show off their full potential
- Donating or storing unnecessary furniture to create an open, inviting feel
A clutter-free home appears larger and more inviting, making a lasting impression on potential buyers.

2. Deep Clean Every Inch

A sparkling clean home signals to buyers that the property has been well cared for. Pay special attention to:
- Scrubbing floors, walls, and baseboards
- Cleaning windows inside and out to maximize natural light
- Refreshing kitchen and bathroom grout
- Dusting ceiling fans, vents, and light fixtures
- Eliminating pet odors and lingering smells
Consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure no detail is overlooked.

3. Boost Your Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home sets the tone for what’s inside. Improve curb appeal by:
- Power washing the driveway, walkway, and siding
- Refreshing mulch, trimming bushes, and adding seasonal flowers
- Painting the front door for a fresh, inviting look
- Cleaning or replacing old house numbers and mailbox
- Ensuring outdoor lighting is functional and welcoming
A well-maintained exterior invites buyers in and builds anticipation for what’s inside.

4. Make Minor Repairs

Small fixes can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home. Address minor repairs such as:
- Fixing leaky faucets and running toilets
- Patching up nail holes and repainting scuffed walls
- Replacing burned-out light bulbs with warm, bright lighting
- Repairing broken or squeaky doors and cabinets
- Updating outdated hardware and fixtures
These minor updates create a polished, move-in-ready feel that buyers appreciate.

5. Stage Your Home for Maximum Appeal

Staging helps buyers visualize the potential of each space. Key staging tips include:
- Arranging furniture to create flow and highlight focal points
- Using neutral decor and light, airy colors to make rooms feel bigger
- Adding fresh flowers or bowls of fruit for a welcoming touch
- Setting the dining table to evoke a cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Highlighting unique features like fireplaces, built-ins, or large windows
Professional staging can be a worthwhile investment for maximizing your home’s appeal.

6. Optimize Your Home’s Lighting

Bright, well-lit homes feel warm and inviting. Enhance your lighting by:
- Opening curtains and blinds to let in natural light
- Using mirrors to reflect light and make spaces feel larger
- Adding table and floor lamps to brighten dark corners
- Swapping outdated light fixtures for modern, energy-efficient options
The right lighting can make your home feel open and welcoming, encouraging buyers to explore every room.

7. Highlight Your Home with High-Quality Photos

Most buyers start their search online, so high-quality listing photos are essential. Before your home is photographed:
- Ensure all rooms are clean and staged
- Remove unnecessary items from kitchen and bathroom counters
- Turn on all lights and open blinds for maximum brightness
- Capture each room from the best angle to showcase space
Consider hiring a professional photographer to make your listing stand out in a competitive market.

8. Work with a Real Estate Agent

A knowledgeable real estate agent can make the selling process smoother and more successful. They provide:
- Expert pricing strategies to attract serious buyers
- Marketing expertise to showcase your home to the right audience
- Negotiation skills to help you get the best offer
- Guidance on what improvements will yield the highest return
Our team has the local expertise, industry knowledge, and dedication to help you achieve the best possible outcome. When you work with us, you’re not just hiring an agent—you’re gaining a trusted partner in your home-selling journey. Let us handle the details so you can focus on what comes next. Partnering with the right agent ensures your home is well-positioned for a fast, successful sale.

Ready to Sell This Spring?

With the spring market heating up, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for a quick and profitable sale. By decluttering, cleaning, staging, and working with an experienced real estate professional, you can attract buyers and maximize your home’s value.

We’re here to guide you every step of the way, from strategic pricing to expert marketing and negotiation. Don’t navigate the selling process alone—reach out today and let’s get your home sold quickly and for top dollar!

If you’re thinking about selling, reach out to a local real estate agent today to start the process and make the most of this exciting season!
March 1, 2025
Selling This Spring? Why Partnering with the Right Agent is Your Best Move
Spring is the season of new beginnings, and for homeowners, it’s also the hottest time to sell. If you’re considering listing your home, partnering with an experienced real estate agent is the key to maximizing your profit and minimizing stress. Here’s why working with the right agent this spring is your smartest move.

1. The Spring Market Advantage – Timing Matters

Spring has long been the best season to sell, thanks to increased buyer demand, longer daylight hours, and homes looking their best. According to real estate trends, inventory tends to rise in the spring, but so does competition among buyers eager to move before summer.

A skilled agent understands market fluctuations and can help you list your home at the optimal time for maximum exposure. They’ll analyze local market conditions—such as inventory levels, buyer demand, and interest rates—to ensure you hit the market when buyers are most active.

2. Pricing Right From the Start – Avoid Costly Mistakes

Setting the right price is crucial. Overpricing can lead to a stagnant listing, while underpricing leaves money on the table. A professional agent will conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine a competitive price that attracts serious buyers while maximizing your return.

Data shows that homes priced correctly from the start sell faster and often receive multiple offers. In fact, homes that undergo a price reduction sit on the market twice as long as those priced correctly at listing. Your agent’s expertise ensures you avoid these costly missteps.

3. Preparing Your Home – Where to Invest and Where to Save

Not all home improvements are created equal. An agent can guide you on which updates will deliver the biggest return on investment and which aren’t worth the expense.

Here’s a checklist of high-impact, budget-friendly improvements:
- Deep clean and declutter every space
- Boost curb appeal with fresh mulch, trimmed bushes, and a power-washed walkway
- Apply a fresh coat of neutral paint to walls
- Stage key rooms to highlight functionality and space
- Upgrade lighting for a warm, inviting atmosphere
An experienced agent helps you focus on what truly matters, so you don’t waste money on unnecessary renovations.

4. The Power of Professional Marketing & Negotiation

Today’s buyers start their home search online, which means high-quality photos, targeted advertising, and strategic marketing are non-negotiable. A top agent will ensure your home gets in front of the right buyers through:
- Professional photography and videography to showcase your home in its best light
- Targeted online advertising to reach the most qualified buyers
- Social media and email marketing to maximize visibility
Beyond marketing, negotiation is where a seasoned agent shines. They advocate for your best interests, ensuring you get the best possible price and terms while navigating multiple offers with skill and strategy.

5. Navigating the Selling Process – A Stress-Free Experience

Selling a home involves managing showings, buyer inquiries, offers, inspections, and legal documents. We take on these responsibilities, so you don’t have to. We’ll handle the complexities, preventing potential legal and financial pitfalls.

Get Ahead of the Competition – Work with the Best Agents for the Job

If you’re thinking of selling this spring, now is the time to start. As experienced agents, we have the expertise, marketing strategies, and negotiation skills to ensure your home sells quickly and for top dollar.

Reach out today for a free home value consultation or a personalized spring selling strategy session. Let’s make your home sale smooth, successful, and stress-free!
February 1, 2025
Spring into Success: Navigating the 2024 Real Estate Market with Strategy and Confidence

Welcome to the new year! There’s a buzz in the air as the spring real estate market seems to be starting earlier this year. Whether you’re looking to sell and aim for a top-dollar deal, or you’re on the hunt for your dream home, now’s the perfect time to gear up. Let’s dive into strategies that blend creativity and effectiveness, ensuring your journey in this vibrant market is as successful as it is exciting. It’s time to bring your 2024 real estate goals to life!

Tapping into the Market’s Rhythm

Spring in real estate is lively, offering a diverse range of options for buyers and increased interest for sellers. While more buyers may enter the market, anticipating a slight shift in interest rates, it’s important to approach this season with a blend of enthusiasm and strategy. Buyers look forward to exploring more choices, and sellers get ready to welcome serious prospects.

Sellers: Enhancing Your Home’s Appeal

This season is your chance to shine. A little effort in staging your home and boosting its curb appeal can go a long way. These thoughtful touches not only attract potential buyers but also help your property stand out. It’s about creating an inviting atmosphere that resonates with buyers. You don’t want to start making updates without knowing which are going to provide you with the best return on investment. We can help you determine what areas to focus on.

Buyers: Stepping Up with Confidence

For buyers, the key is preparation. The first step for anyone thinking about buying a home is obtaining mortgage pre-approval – it clarifies your budget and shows sellers your commitment. In a market that’s picking up pace, this preparation puts you in a position of strength, allowing you to act decisively when you find the right home. When it comes to finding a home, we can set up a property search. A property search will notify you as soon as homes that match your criteria become available. By working with a real estate agent, not only do you benefit from our knowledge and expertise, you have access to homes before the hit the market. We are available to answer all of your real estate buying questions.

Informed Decisions Lead the Way

Staying updated on market trends is crucial, whether you’re selling your home or looking to buy. A good grasp of the current real estate landscape enables you to navigate the market with confidence. Keep an eye on local trends and seek insights that align with your goals.

Clarifying Your Goals

Take a moment to outline your objectives for this spring. Sellers, once you know the value of your home, we can discuss if there are any steps that will make your property more appealing. It’s also the perfect time to think about what your move will be after the sale – are you looking to upgrade, downsize, or relocate? Buyers, think about what you’re looking for in a home and outline your wishlist. Clear goals are your roadmap in this exciting market.

Ready for a Successful Spring?

The 2024 spring market is ripe with possibilities. With thorough preparation and a clear vision of your goals, you’re well-equipped to take on the real estate opportunities this season presents. From staging tips to mortgage lender recommendations, we are here to provide you with expert guidance and support – just give us a call! We look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals in 2024!

January 16, 2024
Maximize Your Home Sale with the Power of Equity
Key Points
- Understanding your home equity can be a game-changer when deciding to sell your home, especially in today’s market of high mortgage rates.
- Nearly 70% of homeowners have significant equity, making it an opportune time to consider selling.
- Our expert real estate team is here to guide you through the process, offering free home equity assessments and answering any questions you may have.
What is Home Equity and Why Does It Matter?

Home equity is more than just a financial term; it’s your ticket to new opportunities. In simple terms, home equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and the remaining balance on your mortgage. But why should you care? Well, with today’s real estate market, understanding your home equity can be a game-changer when you decide to move.

The Equity Boom: A Silver Lining in Today’s Market

You’re not alone if you’re hesitant to sell your home due to high mortgage rates. However, there’s good news. According to data from ATTOM and the Census, nearly 68.7% of homeowners have either paid off their mortgages or have at least 50% equity in their homes. That’s right—almost 70% of homeowners are sitting on a goldmine of equity!

How Understanding Your Equity Can Ease the Selling Process

Knowing your home equity can remove a lot of the uncertainty around selling your home. With significant equity, you’ll have more flexibility in choosing your next home, negotiating deals, and even covering moving expenses. And the best part? Our expert real estate team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Leveraging Equity: Your Hidden Asset

Understanding your home equity isn’t just about knowing numbers; it’s about leveraging this asset to your advantage. With our expertise, we can help you strategize on how to use your equity for a down payment on a new home, or even as a financial cushion for future investments. It’s not just about selling your home; it’s about planning your financial future.

Take the Next Step: Unlock Your Home Equity Today

Ready to unlock the potential of your home equity? Don’t navigate this journey alone. Contact our expert real estate team today for a free home equity assessment or with any questions you may have. Your future home awaits!
October 1, 2023
What Every First Time Home Buyer Should Know About Home Loans
First-time home buyers who work with us often have the same question: Should we or shouldn’t we get a first-time home buyer loan?

In fact, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages attached to this type of loan.

So today, we thought we would take a few moments to share with you what you can expect from getting this type of loan as a first-time home buyer. That way, when it comes time for your to decide how you’re going to finance your first home, you’ll have all of the information you need right at your fingertips.

First-Time Home Buyer Loans 101

A first time home buyer loan offers financial assistance to qualified buyers by utilizing a variety of methods:
- Very low down payments or none at all
- Subsidezed interest costs
- Grants
- Forgive loans
- Defer payments
Generally speaking, the best candidates for this type of loan are home buyers who have never owned a home, although those who have not owned a home in more than three years may also qualify.

With these types of loans, certain restrictions may apply in order to qualify. Thus, it’s important to research beforehand whether you meet those restrictions.

First-time home buyers should also be aware of the specific restrictions attached to using the loan. These may or may not include:
- Being prohibited from buying homes in higher price ranges
- Being required to make the newly purchased home your primary residence
- Being prohibited from renting the home to others
These types of loans are certainly great for those buyers who otherwise might not be able to purchase the home. But there are some disadvantages to this type of loan.

Some of those drawbacks include:
- Buyers are limited to the type of home they want by price range
- Buyers may not be eligible for certain program benefits if they sell their home before a predetermined time limit.
- Buyers may have a limited number of loan types to choose from.
- Buyers may have to pay for recapture taxes in exchange for benefits they receive through the program
For these reasons and more, some first-time home buyers may find it just as beneficial to get a traditional loan, although this should be considered on a case by case basis.

We’ll Help You Through Your First Home Buying Experience

Contact us today to learn even more valuable information that is sure to help you as a first-time home buyer. We are glad to offer you our expert assistance, which includes straight-forward advice and user-friendly resources.

Until next time!
July 15, 2015
Buying a Home? 4 Things You Should Know About Home Appraisals

As you might already know, summertime is a very busy time for real estate agents. That’s why so many home buyers decide to enter the market during this time of year.

If you too are a prospective home buyer planning to enter the market soon, then you’ve visited the right real estate blog!

Today, we’re going to share four things that every home buyer should know about appraisals.

What Are Appraisals and Why Are They Important?

An appraisal is the valuation of a property by the estimate of an authorized person.

These are particularly important for those who will be taking out a loan on their next home.

And unless you’re independently wealthy (or have been successful in building a sizeable savings account), you will more than likely end up requesting a loan.

When you ask for that loan, banks reference your home’s appraisal as a way of deciding how much to give you. That’s why appraisals are so important.

Consider this example: Let’s say you make a purchase offer on a home for $120,000. You need a loan for exactly that amount.

However, when the appraisal comes back, it says the home is worth only $100,000 – and the bank isn’t willing to give you a penny more.

This means that you’re faced with a $20,000 budget gap. And that’s enough to kill many a real estate deal.

But Don’t Worry – We Can Help!

Here is some valuable information on appraisals that may help you avoid unfortunate situations like the one above:

Appraisers must meet certain criteria first. According to the Appraisal Institute, a qualified appraiser should be licensed or certified and also should be familiar with the local area. What’s more, federal regulations stipulate that the appraiser must be impartial and have no direct or indirect interest in the transaction. Fannie Mae even requires that appraisers certify that they have experience appraising similar properties in the same area.

Appraisal values are influenced by a number of factors. For instance, appraisers will consider recent sales of similar properties as well as current market trends. They’ll also factor in such things as the home’s amenities, number of bedrooms, floor plan functionality and more.

Appraisers are required to do a complete visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the home. During this time, they’re also required to note any conditions that may adversely impact the property’s value. This may include needed repairs.

Generally speaking, appraisers use Fannie Mae’s Uniform Residential Appraisal Report for single-family homes. This report asks the appraiser a number of questions, including what the home’s interior and exterior look like, what neighborhood it’s located in and what nearby comparable sales there are. Other parts of the report include: a street map showing the appraised property, an exterior building sketch, an explanation of how the square footage was calculated, and photos of the home. After providing all of this information, the appraiser offers an analysis and conclusions about the property’s value based on this information.

We’ll Help You At Every Stage of the Home Buying Process

We hope you found the above information insightful as a prospective home buyer.

Hopefully, if all goes well, the appraisal on your next home will go smoothly and you’ll be that much closer to owning your own home.

For EVERY stage of the home buying process, we want you to know that we’ll be there to assist you in order to make the experience as seamless as possible. Contact us today to learn more about the services we provide and the valuable advice and insight we can offer.

July 2, 2015
Shop Smart for Your Dream Home During the Spring Buying Season

This is the time of year that has home buyers and home sellers alike excited: The Spring Home Buying Season!

For buyers, it’s a great time to purchase a home because the school year is coming to an end and residents have all summer to move before it’s back in session. For sellers, it’s a great chance to reach a lot of home buyers as they navigate the market searching for their dream home.

In preparation for the spring home buying season, we wanted to share with you some tips on how you can shop smart as a home buyer. Enjoy!

4 Home Buying Tips for the Spring Market

Don’t just rely on the Internet for your home searches. While you can certainly find a treasure trove of information on the Internet, it’s not the only way to find your dream home. In addition to searching real estate websites, you might consider also getting out and canvassing homes for sale the old fashioned way. After all, Internet pictures and listing information only tell part of the story. For full context, you need to view the home in person. And don’t hesitate, either! This year’s spring home buying market is expected to be particularly competitive and so you want to make sure you get to that home before other buyers do.

Learn about current market values in trend. Obviously, every market is going to be slightly different and so it behooves you to lean about your local housing markets specific trends. Let’s consider the recent Case-Shiller 2014 home price index, which shows you how much of a difference there can be among major markets. In that report, San Francisco saw the largest annual regional gain at 9.3 percent. Meanwhile, other major markets like New York, Chicago and Washington DC saw less than 2 percent. A qualified and experienced agent can talk with you about current trends and how they impact you.

Lock in low mortgage rates now. Those near-historic lows won’t be around forever. Thus, make sure you get a good mortgage rate now. By doing so, you ensure that your monthly mortgage will be reasonable for you. And in some cases, you may qualify for a larger or more expensive home thanks to low mortgage rates. Here’s another reason to get a mortgage now: In January, the Federal Housing Authority (which backs loans for borrowers who make low down payments), lowered the annual insurance premium it requires from 1.35 percent of a home loan to just 0.85 percent. All told, the Housing Department estimates that will save FHA homeowners roughly $900 a year.

Keep “Sweeten-the-Deals” Strategies in Your Back Pocket. As previously mentioned, this is going to be a competitive spring home buying season. In other words, you may face a bidding war. So to prepare, consider ways that you can sway the seller in your favor. This might include an escalation card, which is the amount that you’d automatically be willing to pay above a competing bid. You might also consider foregoing certain contingency clauses. Contingencies are stipulations that allow buyers to get out of contracts. These include appraisals, home inspections and financing contingencies. By removing such contingencies, you’re likely to impress the home seller enough to want to accept your offer.

We Are Your #1 Resource for Home Buying Tips

We hope you found the above information helpful as a prospective home buyer. Please make sure to check back here soon for even more tips that will help you as you navigate the market!

Have a great day!

March 16, 2015