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Pros include low introductory rates and flexibility; cons include complexity and the potential for much bigger payments over time. An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, is a home loan that starts with a low fixed-interest “teaser” rate for three to 10 years, followed by periodic rate adjustments. ARMs are different from fixed-rate mortgages, which keep the […]

As members of a capitalistic society, we traditionally think that when we own something, it’s ours to do with as we see fit. However, going back to Roman and English law, there is also a concept of equitable property use. Essentially, you may be required to grant certain access rights to your property if doing […]

How to Get Your Home Ready for Spring As silly as it sounds, you can’t just start spring cleaning in the spring. You must prepare for the season before it actually starts! Make a plan for tackling your spring-cleaning chores and stock up on supplies. (You don’t want to wait until March and realize they’re […]

Selling a home for the first time is a hectic experience. Even in a hot housing market, you can’t expect to just put your home on the market, get an offer, and be done with it. Selling your home isn’t that simple, but it doesn’t have to be complicated either. Whether you’re working with a good real […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]