Industry Insights

Have you ever thought about selling or buying a house online? Nowadays, you can use the internet to buy and sell practically anything – and real estate is no exception. If you’re curious about selling or buying real estate but don’t necessarily want to go the traditional route of renovations, staging, house tours and multiple...

If you’ve ever been in the suburbs and wondered why there are no shops or restaurants in the neighborhood, it’s probably because zoning laws won’t allow it.  If you’re considering investing in real estate, you’ll want to know which zoning laws apply because zoning laws can limit what you can do with a property. Maybe...

Even after a homeowner (or land owner) has paid off their mortgage, that doesn’t mean the property will be theirs forever. An owner could lose their property if it’s condemned. The condemnation of a property often results in the transfer of a property from a private owner to another entity, such as the government. There...

Second chances are rare. But for homeowners who are either facing foreclosure or have already had their homes seized or sold, they may get a second chance to hold on to their homes. That second chance is the right of redemption. The right of redemption may save your home even after foreclosure. It may even...

If you’re shopping for a home, you might want something trendy with lots of character and personality. While tiny houses are all the rage because of their minimalistic offerings, the bungalow house has captured lovers of open spaces.  The history of bungalow style homes is fascinating. If you want a home with character and style,...

Are you thinking about buying or selling a property? Before you do, it’s important to figure out who has the right to use the land. It’s not always up to the owner. If there are easements on the property, someone else might have the legal right to use it, and depending on the type of...

When it comes to investing, real estate crowdfunding is the newest kid on the block. Crowdfunding sites are popping up on the web, promising a revolutionary take on making money in real estate. Targeted at new and seasoned investors alike, real estate crowdfunding is a great way to break into a game that’s typically reserved...

If you’re trying to buy a property, you might have come across the concept of right of way easements. Easements are a common component of real estate law. The right of way easement is one of the most common types of easements, but there are many more. We’ll tell you everything you need to know...

You’ll probably receive a variety of housewarming gifts when you buy a home, but one of the best things you’ll get is the bundle of rights. This term is used to describe the various interests and legal rights that come with property ownership. Sure, you can technically throw a few rager parties or paint your...

Real estate transactions can be complicated with many moving parts and can give you plenty to think about. Until closing day, your life revolves around interest rates, inspections and paperwork. So. Much. Paperwork. We’re going to add one more thing to the list: real estate scams. Yes, scammers are everywhere. From small-time application-fee thieves to...

You’re thinking of getting into the real estate game, and you’re looking at a home with an asking price of $140,000 and you’ll need about $10,000 to make repairs and cover other expenses for a total of $150,000. It’s in a good neighborhood, and it doesn’t need much work to get it ready to rent....

What comes to mind when you try to imagine what a manufactured home looks like? If you’re seeing a trailer home in your mind – think again. Manufactured homes have come a long way in the past few decades.  Modern manufactured homes are beautiful, sturdy and packed with creature comforts. They are ordinarily less expensive...

If you’ve dabbled in real estate, you’ve probably heard the terms “buyer’s market” and “seller’s market.” So, if you’re an aspiring buyer in a buyer’s market, what does that mean for you?   Real estate markets change all the time because they’re directly impacted by several factors, including shifts in supply and demand, seasons, interest rates...

Let’s imagine two people standing apart from each other, at least arm’s length apart. It might be safe to imagine they don’t know each other very well. Now, let’s imagine a second couple. They are standing close to each other, maybe even arm in arm. It might be safe to assume they know each other...

Are you in the market for the perfect home – by your refined standards – but can’t find what you’re looking for? Of course, you could build the home of your dreams. But a new construction could add up to lots of time and lots of money. If you’re looking for an alternative, consider a...

Buying and selling real estate can be stressful, especially if you’re worried that you’re selling or buying at a bad time. Many homeowners and home buyers spend a lot of time wondering if it’s a buyer’s market or seller’s market. Here’s all the information you’ll need to understand what a seller’s market is and whether...

A multiple listing service (MLS) is a database real estate agents and brokers create, maintain and pay for. Because it’s a collaborative tool, it makes transactions easier for all parties involved in the sale of real estate. Real estate brokers can see each other’s listings, schedule showings and easily connect buyers and sellers. The MLS...

When you’re buying a home, you’ll want to make sure there are no legal issues with the property. Lis pendens means there is a legal dispute over a property, which can make a property difficult to buy or sell.  Whether you’re a homeowner, a potential buyer or someone disputing property ownership, understanding how lis pendens...

Did you know that flood damage isn’t typically covered by homeowners insurance? That’s right. Your policy covers different types of damage, but if your home gets flooded, your home and your belongings aren’t covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Here comes flood insurance to save the day! If you’re wondering whether you need flood insurance...

Your home is a large investment so you’ll want to make sure it stands the test of time. The foundation of a house is an essential component to its safety, stability and longevity. It keeps the house in place, ensures the house is level, keeps moisture out and even insulates. But foundations can have problems,...

Just when you thought you had this home buying thing down, you hear about a hybrid appraisal. You know what a hybrid electric car is, but a hybrid appraisal? In real estate, a hybrid appraisal is an alternative to a traditional appraisal. With a traditional appraisal, a licensed appraiser inspects a property and analyzes local...

The excitement of being a first-time home buyer is unbeatable. A home is one of the most important and largest purchases you’ll make, and it’ll have a significant impact on your financial future.  The question that many first-time home buyers face? Should you buy a starter home or jump directly to your forever home? There’s...

Whether you’re looking for a home or putting yours up for sale, entering the real estate market is exciting. But to put yourself in the strongest position possible, it’s important to know if you’re in a seller’s market or a buyer’s market, and what each one means to you as a buyer or seller.  We’re...

Buying a home is a big deal. So, it makes sense to have a big list of questions about each property you see – from what the neighborhood is like to the property tax bill you can expect. Adding easements to your big list of questions is a must. Easements (aka a real estate easement...

If you’re looking to make a real estate investment, a condominium (aka condo) can be a great way to test the waters. Before you start investing, it’s a good idea to know:  How condo ownership works How to use them as investment properties The pros and cons of buying a condo as an investment property...

So, what’s a single-family home? You may be surprised by the variety of answers you get. Talk to a real estate agent, and you’ll get one answer. Talk to a mortgage lender, and depending on the loan you want, you might get a totally different answer.  A single-family home in a big city may be...

Imagine opening your mailbox or inbox and getting a letter from your mortgage lender telling you that your mortgage loan is being sold. If you didn’t know that selling mortgages was a thing, the letter might leave you confused or even frustrated. Take a deep breath because it’s nothing to stress over. Mortgages get sold...

Accidents happen all the time; it’s just a natural and unpreventable part of life. Homeowners might not be able to prevent all the accidents, but they can prepare for them. Creating a home inventory list is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare. Trust us, your future self will thank you!...

When you first start looking for a home, you’ll hear a lot of terms thrown around describing house types:  Victorian, semi-detached? Multifamily art deco? Contemporary condo? Modern Cape Cod in an HOA community? This can get confusing, especially when you consider the many different architectural styles that exist across the U.S. But help is here....