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"One major reason to renovate is new homes are just too big and expensive in the area you want to live," says Bruce Ailion"
"When you lose your home in a foreclosure, the trauma you and your family experience will hopefully be mitigated by relief from the pressure of mounting mortgage bills. Yet that doesn’t always mean you are free and clear of financial obligations associated with the property.
"Redfin data shows that rent growth cooled for the 11th straight month in April as demand continues to fall. On May 3, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that rental vacancies hit 6.4% in the first quarter of 2023, the highest vacancy rate in two years."
2021
"Unlike stand-alone houses, the value of a condo depends on more than the individual owner. It’s also affected by common areas and how well the entire complex is managed and maintained by the HOA."
"Buyer agents have a duty to put your best interests in the transaction at the forefront. They can provide you with knowledge about the current market conditions and use their expertise to negotiate the best deal for you."
"For negotiations, we follow the 3 Ps: push, pull, and persist. This helps us have options as the discussions progress or regress..We persist, relentless in our pursuit of getting to yes. And we can pull: yes … pull the deal away."
"When you watch shows on HGTV, it’s easy to assume that being a real estate agent is glamorous. In fact, in 2021, more people than ever have decided to get their real estate license in order to jump on the housing boom band wagon."
Low inventory means there’s more competition from cash buyers... Bruce Ailion told MortgageLoan.com that buyers should consider giving bigger earnest money deposits, so they’ll be spending more upfront.
"...the Gulf Coast is one of the U.S. regions most vulnerable to hurricanes that cause flooding. Yet more than 20% of flood-related home insurance claims happen in non-flood zones, so no one should assume they’re safe."
"In many cases, all it takes to keep a burglar out is a locked door. But some burglars are a bit craftier and may use one of these more creative methods to break into your home."
"Real estate agent salaries aren’t based on a yearly or hourly wage. Instead, most agents make money only after a home has sold. This income is in the form of a commission, which equates to a percentage of the home’s selling price."
If you’re ready to lock a mortgage rate now, it’s a great time to do so. Rates are as low as they might go for the remainder of 2021.But if you’re just starting on your home purchase or refinance journey, don’t worry too much.
"2021 will be defined by low-interest rates and low inventory, a perfect storm that will continue to push home prices higher...For buyers, this means homes going under contract in days if not hours."
"Don’t confuse a mortgage preapproval with a pre-qualification. A pre-qualification merely estimates how much a bank might be willing to lend someone with your income and credit profile. It’s based on general details you provide to the lender"
"If you’re applying for a mortgage, it’s a good idea to start prepping your financial documents."
"Despite the ups and downs of the stock market, the real estate market has remained hot; with competition for homes at an all-time high, there’s no time for rookie mistakes."
"Don’t confuse a mortgage preapproval with a pre-qualification. A pre-qualification merely estimates how much a bank might be willing to lend someone with your income and credit profile. It’s based on general details you provide to the lender."
"If you’re applying for a mortgage, it’s a good idea to start prepping your financial documents."
"Despite the ups and downs of the stock market, the real estate market has remained hot; with competition for homes at an all-time high, there’s no time for rookie mistakes."
"In a strong market a buyer needs to consider waiving the financing contingency, limiting inspection to three to five days, and placing larger earnest money deposits to provide non-price consideration. - Bruce Ailion"
"First-time home buyers might worry about the down payment and upfront fees that come with buying a home. But with rents rising steeply in many areas, owning a condo could be more affordable than renting in the long run."
"Owner financing is similar to conventional home financing, except the property owner, rather than a bank or other mortgage lender, provides total or (more frequently) partial financing directly to the buyer."
"Pick up the clutter around the room or space you're about to photograph--even if it's thrown into a laundry basket for the short time you're taking the picture. This also applies to outdoor spaces."
"Sellers often have the advantage in this market, but just because they have the upper hand doesn’t make it impossible to buy a house."
"As a rule of thumb refinancing to save one percent is often worth it. One percentage point is a significant rate drop, and it should generate meaningful monthly savings in most cases."
"While it might sound odd to buy a home without having set foot in it, more and more home buyers are choosing to do so.According to recent research by Redfin, a surprising 63% of those who purchased a home in 2020 made an offer on a property they hadn’t viewed in person."
"People commonly focus on ‘downsizing’ instead of ‘right-sizing.’ The latter involves finding a place you’ll be comfortable in for 10 or more years and that is mutually agreed upon by all occupants and affected family members - Bruce Ailion."
"The best candidates for instant-offer deals are sellers who are under a time constraint or financial pressure to unload their home quickly.."
"Some mortgage lenders try to solicit new refinance business by sending official-looking letters to homeowners. These come in a few different forms."
"Manufactured housing has multiple components constructed off-site in a factory; later, these components are assembled on a lot of your choosing using a rectangular ‘chassis’ (metal frame) instead of a permanent foundation."
"A good rule of thumb here is to tell a friend or colleague what your domain name is and see what their reaction is. If their first response is something like, “What?!” then that’s a pretty good sign that you need to go back to the drawing board."
2020
"New opportunities are being created, you just have to talk to the agents or the local market who know about the potential zoning changes that might occur."
"The VA renovation loan program lets you buy a house in need of repairs and fix it up — all with a single mortgage loan. Like all VA mortgages, the VA renovation or ‘rehab’ loan offers extra-low interest rates and the opportunity to buy a home with zero down payment."
"Some homeowners can simply request PMI cancellation once their mortgage balance reaches 80% of the home’s original value."
"Selling your home is typically an emotional process. Having an agent keeps you one step removed and makes you less likely to make stupid mistakes"
"The rising sea levels, increasingly volatile swings in temperature and the routine occurrence of natural weather-related disasters... forced brokers and investors, alike, to reckon with this potentially existential threat."
"We looked at 30-year mortgage rate forecasts for 2021 from six industry leaders: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Associations of Realtors and Home Builders, and Wells Fargo."
"A mortgage is one of the biggest and most significant loans many of us will take out in our lifetime. With the effects of COVID-19 continuing to deepen, our ability to repay debt is being profoundly impacted, and mortgages are no exception."
"Investing in real estate is the pinnacle of investment achievements in the eyes of many new investors. Unlike stocks and bonds, real estate can be touched and stood upon, regardless of market conditions."
"If an appraisal is required, your lender will order one when you apply to refinance. The appraiser will schedule a visit to your home, at which time they’ll briefly inspect your property."
"Closing on a house marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. But this crucial final step towards homeownership includes lots of documents, signatures and fees. Here’s a closer look at what to expect on your closing day."
"The California College Promise Grant covered all of her community college tuition, now about $1,325 annually. Since she is a Finish in 4 student, the Kern Promise also awarded a few hundred dollars per year for the two years she attended Bakersfield College."
"Investing in a real estate investment group (REIG) is one way to keep the profit potential of private rental properties while possibly getting more upside than a REIT trading at a premium valuation."
"If your mortgage were to be taken over by another bank or lender, the servicing of the loan would become the new owner’s responsibility. Generally, the servicer or institutional investor servicing your loan is unlikely to go bankrupt, notes Bruce Ailion, an Atlanta-based real estate attorney and Realtor."
"Very few parents bought their home anticipating the demands of the COVID-19 lifestyle. The house that might have been vacant eight to 12 hours a day is now in use 24/7,” says Realtor and real estate attorney Bruce Ailion."
"Lenders want to make sure that the money in your bank account is truly yours, so they have seasoning requirements when you apply for a mortgage. The seasoning requirements can vary depending on the type of loan you apply for."
"Personal loans are often used to finance tiny houses...But first, learn if you’re the right candidate for a tiny home. And determine if a personal loan is the right funding option for your needs."
"The pandemic has significantly reshaped how agents, third-party providers and clients transact. Clearly, the need for digital real estate tools has quickly escalated from a “nice to have” to a critical “must-have."
"The pandemic has significantly reshaped how agents, third-party providers and clients transact. Clearly, the need for digital real estate tools has quickly escalated from a “nice to have” to a critical “must-have."
"The pandemic has significantly reshaped how agents, third-party providers and clients transact. Clearly, the need for digital real estate tools has quickly escalated from a “nice to have” to a critical “must-have."
"Investing in a real estate investment group (REIG) is one way to keep the profit potential of private rental properties while possibly getting more upside than a REIT trading at a premium valuation."
"This is the most popular and successful Chenoa Fund product. It allows borrowers to lock in a competitive rate on their primary mortgage, as well as a 3.5% down payment assistance loan."
"If their business does not recover, we will look at termination provisions or downsizing,” Ailion said."
"In general, designations are worth it, but you have to leverage them. If you fail to market yourself as an endorsed expert in a particular real estate niche, your designation won’t get you very far."
"Investing in real estate is a proven wealth-creation strategy. Real estate investments can also help you diversify your portfolio and protect it from stock market volatility."
"The mortgage and closing industry has clung to paper, but that is falling by the wayside... Now, we know it can, and that changes everything,” says Bruce Ailion"
"If you have a conventional mortgage, you can typically refinance to a lower interest rate as soon as you want. However, you’ll have to wait six months if you want a cash-out refinance or a Streamline Refinance."
"There’s a significantly lower demand for loans, declining inflation, and 10-year Treasury Notes approaching zero. These factors will cause rates to decrease.” —Bruce Ailion, Realtor and Attorney"
"You should calculate the savings versus costs to see how long it will take for the savings to cover the cost of the new loan. If it’s longer than you will probably stay in the home..."
"The interest rate on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage tends to move up and down in tandem with these yields. And these yields are currently near their lowest levels in history."
"Deed restrictions are conditions written into the deed of a property. They are legally binding to those who acquire title to that property."
"Forbearance can free up your budget for daily necessities, and forestall mortgage payments until your paychecks start coming in again."
"Buyer agents have a duty to put your best interests in the transaction at the forefront. They can provide you with knowledge about the current market conditions and use their expertise to negotiate the best deal for you."
"Buyer agents have a duty to put your best interests in the transaction at the forefront. They can provide you with knowledge about the current market conditions and use their expertise to negotiate the best deal for you."
"As a rule of thumb refinancing to save one percent is often worth it. One percentage point is a significant rate drop, and it should generate meaningful monthly savings in most cases."
"A loan for home improvements lets you finance the cost of upgrades and repairs to your home. Specialized rehab loans like the FHA 203(k) mortgage exist specifically to finance home renovation projects"
"When people have a lot of money, it distorts values. The only reason this home costs $165 million is that people have the money to pay that price.-Bruce Ailion"
"Real estate agent salaries aren’t based on a yearly or hourly wage. Instead, most agents make money only after a home has sold."
"Taking a first-time home buyer class doesn’t just give you textbook knowledge. It can help you qualify for more affordable loan programs, too."
"As a broker, I’ve had buyers offer as little as $100 in earnest money and as much as the full purchase price,” says Bruce Ailion, an attorney and Realtor® with Re/Max in Atlanta."
"It’s understandable that Gen Z members are less skeptical of real estate and more concerned about their financial futures,” says Ailion. “They were younger at that time during the Great Recession."
"Bruce Ailion, a realtor and attorney, adds, “For [houses] with a standard lock and no other security, the easy way to [gain] access is with a pipe wrench."
2019
"Real estate professionals from around the nation and beyond share their great ideas, noble goals and practical plans for 2020."
"People may change their preferences for a time. But most will always return to the long-term desire for a single-family residence." - Bruce Ailion"
"It’s understandable that Gen Z members are less skeptical of real estate and more concerned about their financial futures,” says Ailion. “They were younger at that time during the Great Recession."
"It can be tough to buy a house. Modest income, low credit scores, and high home prices can all stand in the way. But if you find a co-borrower, those issues might suddenly disappear."
"If you are in the market to purchase a home, you may not want to wait for rates to drop any lower. Still, it may be helpful to know where the pros think rates will land next year. Read on for guidance."
"For the right buyer, getting a foreclosed home can be an amazing deal. You can likely purchase a foreclosed house at a major discount, fix it up, and then live in it or sell it for a tidy profit."
"For a variety of reasons—for tax purposes, a home equity loan, or retirement planning—you might want to understand how much your home is worth. Here’s how you can try to figure out just how much your home is worth."
"Every homeowner likes to save a buck. But new research suggests that for dangerous or tricky jobs, it's often worthwhile hiring a pro from the start."
"Along With the Federal Book intending to elevate short-term interest rates by the end of the year, now may be a great time to get a great fee on a home equity lending."
"Buyer agency has become very popular since it was introduced to consumers in the early 1990s. However, consumers need to ask some questions of their buyer’s agent to better understand the level of representation they will be getting"
"The U.S. is still enjoying ultra-low interest rates. But history shows that presidential influence over the Fed has the potential to backlash and cause rates to skyrocket."
"Replacing your front door is the most valuable home improvement you can make, according to Remodeling Magazine. Our 10 smart moves will help you get the best value from a front door replacement project."
"Is my property in a flood zone? That's a question that concerns both homeowners and home shoppers—and not just those near large bodies of water. So how do you find out if your home is in a flood zone, and what type of flood zone it is?"
"If you have multiple high-interest loans to pay each month, the costs can quickly become overwhelming. For some, the best road out of this situation is debt consolidation."
"Fueled by strong job growth and low mortgage rates, the metro Atlanta housing market last month recorded its biggest jump in home prices since January. At least in part, the price increase reflects the interplay between supply and demand."
"Understanding how to make money flipping houses isn’t as easy as it seems. Profitable house flipping is possible if you do your research and understand the numbers."
"Tech workers flock to San Francisco, San Jose, CA, and the gaggle of nearby suburbs that make up Silicon Valley, but eventually flee in search of more affordable housing and better lifestyles."
"Autumn is here. Kids are back at school, football season is starting up, and the weather is cooling off. But one thing that could heat up is your chance to claim a great deal on a new home."
"There are signs in the Smyrna and Vinings neighborhoods that some residents are unhappy living, working and sending their children to school there because of increased cancer risks identified in a national air toxics survey."
"Flipping a property in quick fashion for profit can be a smart move. With the right planning and wise spending of your dollars, you can earn a pretty nifty return on your investment."
"Autumn is here. Kids are back at school, football season is starting up, and the weather is cooling off. But one thing that could heat up is your chance to claim a great deal on a new home."
"Many homes across the United States are part of an HOA, or homeowners association. So what does that mean?"
"Every real estate agent knows that spooky monster stories aren’t true. They know that the real monsters come out on Sunday mornings, not in the dead of the night."
"When you buy or sell a home, you get used to hearing words you've never heard before. Here's your cheat sheet on earnest money deposit vs. down payment."
"Buying a condo vs. renting is a tough decision in much of the country. But condos do offer some advantages that rentals don't"
"Here's everything a home seller needs to know about earnest money, and how to keep the funds if possible when a sale goes south."
"Whether you’re a real estate agent, mechanic, or even a doctor, chances are you spend a good portion of your day dispelling common myths about your job."
"You may be wondering why rent prices differ across the country or even between different neighborhoods. Several factors can influence fluctuations, so let's talk a look at some of the main reasons why rent prices are different."
";New research by Fannie Mae suggests that folks are feeling good about buying a home. That’s based on the latest monthly poll of 1,000 consumers, some of the results of which comprise Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI)."
"Don’t rule out buying a home because you think you’re ineligible for a loan. Chances are that, armed with knowledge and the right guidance, you can buy that home you’ve been thinking about. New research indicates that consumers think it’s harder to qualify for a mortgage loan than it actually is."
"Have you always dreamed of escaping your unruly neighbors, the restrictions of your homeowners association or the hubbub of city life? If so, building your dream home on your own plot of land could be the best option for you."
"Ten years. That’s the average amount of time a homeowner stays in a house before a sale, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Think that sounds shockingly short? Or way too long? The fact is, people's reasons for selling their homes are different, as are their time frames."
"Those with money in a home, apartment, building, or parcel of land should be aware of what the markets are saying. For those not inclined, it's not always fun trolling Zillow to monitor changes in home values or rent prices. That's why we've turned to industry insiders to fill us in."
"Real estate is one of the few industries that impacts virtually all of us. Whether you own, rent, or flip, or even if you don't currently have shelter, the cost of real estate matters. Don't you want to be aware of how your rent or mortgage payments will be affected by greater trends in the real estate markets?"
"Bad behavior and violations of any of the 17 articles in NAR’s Code of Ethics can result in an ethics complaint, where a Realtor may have to appear before their peers at a professional standards hearing. Here are five examples of unethical behavior that can land an agent in Realtor court."
"Very few houses turn into “forever” homes. Fact is, most people who buy a home move on to another residence after a certain time. What the minimum amount of time you should stay put before moving? How long before you should consider selling a home? The answer will depend on several factors."
"Most first-time homebuyers end up making the same mistakes during house hunting. In hopes of saving shoppers a little stress, I asked some real estate professionals the errors they see most often."
";Unfortunately, selling a rental property can be just as challenging as managing it – but there are tips and tricks to make the process easier and smoother. These experts share how and when to sell a rental property for a profit."
"Turns out Frogmore Cottage is a mile from a flight zone from Heathrow Airport, the busiest in all of Europe. And in case you think that's far enough away to not be bothered too much by noise, think again."
"Working with the right contractor is crucial to every real estate investor’s profitability and success. You risk wasting your time and money if you work with the wrong contractor. We spoke with industry pros to determine the top warning signs of a bad contractor to be aware of when hiring."
"The most lucrative real estate niches largely depend on market trends and shifting buying interests, but some are longtime money-makers. We compiled a list of the 17 most lucrative, longstanding niches the pros use for lead generation."
"Many think of buying a home as an investment. New research reveals that many owners who recently sold pocketed a nice profit on their homes. That’s a good sign that buying a home as an investment can be financially rewarding."
"For sellers, getting multiple offers on a house is a dream. But for buyers who have fallen in love with a particular property, hearing that their offer is one of many can be maddening. So what happens when multiple offers come in—and, most importantly, what are the chances of your offer rising to the top?"
"A real estate agent checklist for listings helps agents prepare listings, market properties, and close transactions. Real estate sales are complex. It can be difficult to manage marketing efforts and deadlines without a real estate listing checklist."
"Thinking about selling your home? Prepare to do your proper seller research. Because rushing into the process without knowing the facts can lead to regret. It could result in dissatisfaction with your agent. You may also get less for your home than you had hoped."
"New research shows making the down payment is the greatest financial barrier to homeownership. The trick is choosing the right loan or assistance program. Find out what you can afford and qualify for."
"In many cases, all it takes to keep a burglar out is a locked door. But some burglars are a bit craftier and may use one of these more creative methods to break into your home."
"There are many things that add to the cost of home ownership. A big one is your monthly mortgage payment, of course. But one cost that many buyers don’t look closely enough at is property tax."
"Purchasing a single-family rental home as an investment property that you rent out can be a smart move. From a form of retirement savings to an additional income stream, owning a single-family home rental could put you in a great spot financially."
"Since hosting falls on the shoulders of real estate professionals, we turned to them to whet our appetite for the wackiest, most puzzling open house stories out there, and they didn't disappoint."
"Preparing for California real estate license renewal can take time away from making important sales. If you enroll in an online school like Real Estate Express, however, you can take required continuing education courses on your own time."
"There are many ways to make money in real estate. For advice on how to become profitable in the real estate industry, review the 36 tips from real estate experts below."
";The more leads you have, the better your odds will be to close a deal... your business depends on maintaining a steady stream of incoming new prospective clients, which is a process known as real estate lead generation."
"In a seller’s market, the seller is in the driver’s seat. But new data show that sellers may be more willing to work with buyers who have a home to sell."
"Happily, there are lots of other things you can do that will make a big difference when it comes to freshening your house’s exterior, making it the cutest one on the block and, hopefully, prompting it to linger less on the market. Here, some of the best tips, from real estate professionals."
"Houses frequently make noises—a floor creaks, a pipe gurgles, a refrigerator hums—but while some sounds are harmless and even charming, others are early indicators of potential problems that warrant attention."
"It’s that time again, when the Spring real estate market starts to get hot (or gets even hotter, depending on how steamy your particular corner of the world is). Multiple-offer situations and selling prices that soar over asking prices are great for sellers, not so much for buyers."
"Location and real estate market conditions help determine your home's value, but unfortunately, pinpointing an exact number is far from a perfect science. But there are certain tried and true tactics you can employ to help you get a ballpark figure for your home's worth. Below, our real estate experts offer their most reliable methods."
"Flipping houses is a rewarding real estate investment and the best way to make it profitable is to choose renovation projects with a high return on investment (ROI). Investing in the wrong projects can increase your costs and reduce your profit potential. To help, we spoke with industry experts who shared the best fix-and-flip projects."
"The “for sale by owner” (FSBO) method seems a great way to save thousands of dollars when you sell your home. Given the size of this fee, you may think that acting as your own seller’s agent will surely be worth the savings. Here are eight reasons you should think again."
"In one year alone, 800,000+ REALTORS® gained an edge by leveraging at least one REALTOR Benefits® Program offering, saving $63 million on member benefits from industry-leading companies."
"Last year, 2018, was another strong year in the Cobb County residential real estate market. It is no surprise, then, that the Cobb Association of REALTORS welcomed 362 Top Producers to its 2018 Multi-Million Dollar Club (MMDC)."
"Eager to buy a home? The challenge has been waiting for a more affordable home market. But there’s a lot of recent good news that should be encouraging. Your wish for a more affordable home market may have come true."
"Homebuyers commonly finance a home purchase by taking out a mortgage loan. But some parts of the transaction that the loan may not cover need to be paid out of existing funds in the buyer’s personal accounts."
"Like anything rare and desirable, good real estate domain names can be crazy expensive, or even worse, impossible to get at any price. After all, you’re not the first agent to think of buying locationlocationlocation.com."
"While some serious patience is required for smart negotiation, you don’t just have to sit back and twiddle your thumbs. We chatted with the pros to get a sense of how long negotiation takes, what factors can impact negotiations, and how you and your agent help to keep things moving."
"Smyrna-based NW Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity announced that The Cobb Association of Realtors and Ameris Bank will have a second build day at 1087 Old Bankhead Highway in Mableton for homeowner Olin Hanner on Saturday."
"Since navigating the home loan process can be scary to do alone, many people might be tempted to seek out guidance from someone who's been there, done that. But you should probably ignore everything your Uncle Bob says."
"Since navigating the home loan process can be scary to do alone, many people might be tempted to seek out guidance from someone who's been there, done that. But you should probably ignore everything your Uncle Bob says."
"Got a high mortgage rate? You may want to consider refinancing. Mortgage fees and rates can always be negotiated, and it helps to ask the right questions."
";With marketing getting more complex, it can be confusing for real estate agents to maximize lead generation and get real estate leads that convert. To help, we compiled the top 43 real estate lead generation ideas using social media, software, and more."
2018
"Buying a home is exciting. But it can come with some unplanned surprises. One of these is unexpected home renovation you may need to tackle after moving in. These can be sudden repairs or upgrades required that even your home inspector didn’t foresee."
"Tis the season… to look for houses? It may seem counterintuitive since it’s actually a slower time of year and there may be fewer houses on the market, but the holiday season might actually be the ideal time to house hunt. Here are three reasons why."
"Zillow reports the median sale price of a U.S. home was just over $287,000 in May of 2021. A 6% commission on a home selling at $287,000 would equal $17,220. Even after a 50/50 commission split, an agent could earn $8,610 on the home sale."
"Real estate agent and attorney Bruce Ailion with Re/Max Town and Country in Atlanta advises siblings to have a discussion to decide what condition to sell the house in—as is or renovated."
"Buying a home is serious business. It involves a lot of money and a valued property. Hence, it’s important that legal safeguards are in place. A purchase and sale agreement/contract provides these protections for both the buyer and seller."
"Every state has a different procedure and timeline for appealing property tax assessments. It's important to be aware of the procedure and follow the timeline, or your appeal will be barred," says Bruce Ailion, an attorney and realtor with Re/Max Town and Country in Atlanta."
"If your home needs A LOT of work and you can't, or don't want to, put the time, money, and effort into getting it in top condition, targeting investors could get it sold quickly."
"According to Statista, over 28.4 million U.S. households had a swimming pool in spring, 2009. By 2017, that number declined to 18.9 million by spring, 2017."
"When everything goes right, loan closings can be completed in as little as 21 to 28 days, says Atlanta-based real estate agent Bruce Ailion. Currently, Ellie Mae reports that the average closing time for home loans is 44 days."
"First-time home buyers might worry about the down payment and upfront fees that come with buying a home. But with rents rising steeply in many areas, owning a condo could be more affordable than renting in the long run."
"For sellers, getting multiple offers on a house is a dream. But for buyers who have fallen in love with a particular property, hearing that their offer is one of many can be maddening. So what happens when multiple offers come in—and, most importantly, what are the chances of your offer rising to the top?"
"It might be tempting to visit open houses, drive through neighborhoods where you’d like to live and talk to neighbors and friends. But your transaction will go much smoother if you get your ducks in a row first."
"Fear is normal. Every person feels fear at some point. Step aggressively toward to your fear – that is the step into bravery."
"Bruce Ailion, a realtor and attorney with Re/Max Town & Country, in Alpharetta, Georgia, says he's looked for several years for Gulf-front property. Two years ago, he was close to settling on an oceanfront duplex in Puerto Rico for only $210,000. He reluctantly decided not to buy it."
"Some of the difference is taste – many millennials prefer the flexibility of renting. But many have been slow to establish the kind of financial track record that lenders look for when providing a mortgage."
"You can owe everyone in the world, liquidate your assets, buy a huge home in Florida for cash, live there the short statutory period to claim the homestead, file for bankruptcy, discharge all your debts, and still keep your home. That is probably the worst sin"
"Investors making money flipping houses know how to research properties and real estate markets, make and stick to a budget, and make risky decisions about financing, renovations, and hiring professionals."
"Generating real estate leads can be done organically through family, friends, and networking or through paid means like lead generation services, advertising, and marketing."
"It’s hard when a seller is adamant that “if you work hard enough,” you can sell an overpriced listing. However, if research—and your gut—tell you that the seller’s asking price is way too high, don’t take the listing, advises Burgess."
"When it comes to financing a home renovation, there are now multiple options on the market to help homeowners find their best fit, including numerous types of home rehab loans allowing them to personalize how they spend."
2017
"I like to offer just below the minimum the seller is likely willing to accept. The seller is forced to decide to accept just a little less than their minimum but, if not, will be forced to counter aggressively not to turn away a strong buyer."
"If you really want to establish a specialty and become the go-to real estate expert in your area, look for even more uncommon niches, like short sales, auctions, and preforeclosures."
"Realtor.com recently asked 1,000 people if they’d consider buying a supposedly haunted house and 40 percent of them said no way, crossed their fingers and knocked on wood. Almost 33 percent, however, were open to the idea."
"You can offer to buy a house that’s not for sale, but prepare yourself for rejection—or perhaps the owner asking for more than the estimated value of the home. But nothing’s stopping you from trying."
"A professional manager will lease the property faster, and for more. They will do deep background checks to avoid deadbeats. They have documents and procedures to keep you safe from regulators and lawsuits."
"From locking down repairs to staging a home, smart homeowners leave no stone unturned when maximizing their return on investment when selling their residence."
"Any time there’s something different going on with the house, just like with your body, you ought to consider what that could be,” says Ailion, who has decades of experience diagnosing strange conditions in homes."
"Excellent open house ideas, like having food, social media advertisements, and virtual tours, help your property stand out, increase property interest, and acquire contact information from prospective buyers and future sellers."
"While cleanup efforts can’t really get under way until the storm has passed, remediation companies in the surrounding areas are poised to spring into action once the flood waters have receded."
"Atlanta’s average has climbed 68 percent since 2012 and is now 1.8 percent above the peak. But the improvement has been uneven. Many areas on the north side of the city have seen prices rise robustly, while some areas – especially on the south side of the city and suburbs – have lagged"
"According to Bruce, “Ending or limiting the mortgage interest deduction, loss of federal flood insurance, changes in depreciation and the loss of the 1031 exchange provision will profoundly change the real estate landscape.” And he’s not the only one who’s worried."
"Ailion has bought and sold 20 properties over the past 10 years, some of them sight unseen, and some from distressed sellers who were motivated to sell at a significant discount."
"Despite the stigma associated with foreclosure, many luxury owners aren’t overwhelmed with guilt or sadness when the bank takes over. To these former owners, it’s a numbers game. “Luxury owners view it as a business decision and not as much as a personal failure,” says Bruce Ailion, an Atlanta-based Realtor® and attorney."
"According to anonymous real estate sources in the Los Angeles Times, the couple have put forward a bid to buy a mansion in Bel Air, CA, for $90 million."
"Instead of having a motivational video or quote, we asked entrepreneurs what they believe helps them stay motivated or if motivation is even a real thing like Mel Robbins said."
"Buying a home is exciting. But it can come with some unplanned surprises. One of these is unexpected home renovation you may need to tackle after moving in. These can be sudden repairs or upgrades required that even your home inspector didn’t foresee."
"Before conniving his way into the White House, Frank and his wife, Claire, lived in a stately Victorian near the corridors of power in Washington, DC. In reality, the home is much farther from the Capital Beltway, at 1609 Park Ave."
"If a smart home is something you and your family would enjoy, it might be worth it. And you don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars upgrading your home to genius level, either."
"The former first family have surprised many by purchasing the Washington, DC, house they’ve been leasing and living in since January, coughing up $8.1 million to call the place their own."
"In that instance, the seller of a $300,000 home might want a 3% deposit (or $9,000) versus the 1% deposit for an offer financed through a mortgage. In any case, the seller can either accept, reject, or negotiate the buyer’s suggested earnest money amount, says Bruce Ailion, a Realtor® with Re/Max brokerage in Atlanta."
"Consider your real estate strategy. Start by asking yourself if this is just "a goal" or if you are trying to build wealth, says Scott Tucker, CEO and founder of Be Financially Fit in San Diego."
"New York is not the only state offering this type of assistance to college grads, many of whom are saddled with significant student loan debt. According to analysis by Credible.com, nearly half of states offer some form of housing assistance to student loan borrowers, with a handful focusing on recent grads."
"Any changes you make may be reversed by your landlord once you move out and with your money. That’s why renters have to walk a fine line between making themselves feel at home and making changes that will cost them their security deposit."
"Private showings are good for buyers who want to take their time and inspect a property without the seller’s agent hovering. Ask your agent to snag an appointment before crowds of other buyers get in the front door."
"Simply put, being underwater on your mortgage means the balance of your mortgage loan is greater than the fair market value of your home. This can happen when there’s a housing market downturn or an outright crash (as there was in 2008) that causes property values to plummet."
"Small loans are often not considered to be worth the trouble to big lenders, who might be less motivated to have you as a client. As a result, they might not even want your business, or be willing to work with you only at a higher interest rate than what you’d get on a larger loan."
"A lender can get a good sense of your likelihood of being approved by checking out your recent pay stubs, bank statements, W-2 forms and tax returns."
"When you master pipeline management, you can see every deal stage, forecast how likely you are to achieve your goals, focus on the deals that need your attention now and more."
"The earnest money contract is one of the most important documents to understand before you sign on the dotted line, because it outlines exactly what will happen to that cash depending on how this deal unfolds (or doesn’t)."
"Despite being such an important moment in one’s life, the real estate industry as a whole has been slow to recognize and implement customer demands which has caused a lot of frustration throughout the industry."
"According to a recent National Sleep Foundation survey, as many as 25% of married couples sleep in separate beds. Meanwhile, 10% admit that they have full-on separate bedrooms. Yet marital strife is rarely the culprit."
"Investors don’t let second homes lie vacant for very long. They want them occupied quickly. Not only will you make extra cash, you can deduct expenses such as repairs, insurance, real estate taxes and mortgage interest, says broker and attorney Bruce Ailion of RE/MAX Town and Country Commercial in Atlanta, GA."
"State and local taxes are used to pay for services where you live. In particular, property taxes often fund school districts, garbage pick-up and all the other services that municipalities offer. Property taxes are assessed locally on the value of your home."
"One of the most tried-and-true practices when choosing real estate domain names is to keep it clear, concise, and simple, as with Cabin Homes’ example."
"Not only will you make extra cash, you can deduct expenses such as repairs, insurance, real estate taxes and mortgage interest, says broker and attorney Bruce Ailion of RE/MAX Town and Country Commercial in Atlanta, GA."
"Pre-approval is critical to the buyer. We are in a highly competitive market where cash buyers make up anywhere between 20-80 percent of sales. A strong pre-approval can be nearly as strong as a cash offer.Bruce Ailion"
"As a broker, I’ve had buyers offer as little as $100 in earnest money and as much as the full purchase price,” says Bruce Ailion, an attorney and Realtor® with Re/Max in Atlanta."
"Cobb County will soon be home to its newest resident, the Atlanta Braves, as the team relocates to SunTrust Park this spring. The 41,500-seat stadium and integrated mixed-use development will sit at the northwest intersection of I-75 and I-285."
"The proof is in the numbers: In August, interest rates on 30-year mortgages tanked at 3.55%. Today, the rate is slightly above 4% and climbing; Smoke predicts we’ll reach 4.5% in 2017, and some experts predict rates could even hit 6% by 2019."
"YouTube is a boon to DIY homeowners eager to learn about all kinds of renovations, from building a fire pit to repairing stucco and beyond. But can videos actually teach a neophyte how to build a whole house?"
"The latest technological features certainly could affect the value of income-producing properties, such as luxury rental apartments."
