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7 Tips: Negotiating Repairs After a Home Inspection

Posted by Jacqueline Richards // February 16, 2023

Determine What You’d Like the Seller to Repair While every situation is different, the buyer or seller may split some – or all – of the repairs that appear on the inspection report. Other times, the buyer will be solely responsible, or the seller will be responsible. When reviewing the inspection report, determine which items you […]


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What Is the Average Down Payment on a House?

Posted by Jacqueline Richards // February 9, 2023

If you read articles about buying a home, then you’ll undoubtedly see many of them recommending 20% of the home’s value as a down payment. Unfortunately, this amount scares many prospective buyers because it represents a significant investment that either don’t have or aren’t willing to commit right now. Do you actually need to put 20% down to […]


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Eager Buyers Are Skipping Home Inspections. Is It Too Risky?

Posted by Jacqueline Richards // February 2, 2023

Shopping for their first home in New Jersey, Alyse Storzieri and her boyfriend Robert Engel faced a tough market. So when they found a house they loved last June, the couple followed their real estate agent’s advice to make their offer stand out. They went over the asking price, tripled their down payment amount and […]


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The Pros and Cons of Selling a Furnished Home

Posted by Jacqueline Richards // January 27, 2023

The right furniture helps buyers picture themselves in a house, or does it? Here are a few of the pros and cons to consider before putting a furnished home on the market. Everyone wants their house to sell fast and for top dollar, but figuring out the best way to make that happen can be […]


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How Long Is Too Long for a House to Be on the Market?

Posted by Jacqueline Richards // January 19, 2023

When you list a home for sale, chances are you have a plan for the future. You’re ready to move on to a new property, and thus need to sell your house quickly in the current market. Yet sometimes, even if you’ve done everything to perfection, homes don’t always sell. If you’ve had a house […]


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How Many Showings Does It Take to Sell a House on Average?

Posted by Jacqueline Richards // January 8, 2023

You are about to curl up on the coach with a good book when you get a text from your real estate agent: “Buyer wants to see the house tomorrow. Does 1 p.m. work for you?” You stop mid-relaxation to vacuum, clear countertops, and ask the kids to please put away their toys. During the […]


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Mortgage Interest Rates Forecast

Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 26, 2022

On Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell five basis points to 6.416% APR. The average rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped 12 basis points to 5.70% APR, and the average rate on a five-year adjustable-rate mortgage went down five basis points to 6.407% APR, according to […]


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How Does a Home Warranty Work?

Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 19, 2022

You probably get a lot of questions from real estate clients about what home warranties are and the advantages of having coverage. Interested clients may also ask you how home warranties work, especially when a covered breakdown occurs and they need service. While plans can differ, here’s some general information about the American Home Shield® […]


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Why Does Your Home Need Window Caulking?

Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 12, 2022

Caulking is a home improvement task that many homeowners overlook, and the repercussions can be significant. According to Energy.gov, the heat that is gained and lost through windows accounts for as much as 30 percent of residential cooling and heating energy use. Much of this heat loss can be prevented with proper caulking, which stops air […]


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Does a Home Equity Loan Require an Appraisal?

Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 5, 2022

Are you a homeowner? If so, tapping into the value of your house by qualifying for a home equity loan is an easy way to obtain the funds you may need for debt consolidation, paying for home improvement projects, or covering a major life event. These types of loans typically have lower interest rates than […]


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