by kramoltz@hotmail.com | Feb 14, 2017 | Home Buying, Selling Your Home, Title Insurance + Escrow
A junk fee is a cost of doing business that a company tries to shift to you. Most originate from two sources: lenders and escrow companies. Look for them on the loan estimate, closing disclosure and settlement statement. Loan related junk fees may be called...
by kramoltz@hotmail.com | Feb 10, 2017 | Home Buying, Home Ownership
In Five Home Trends, I detailed likely buyer housing wants. Here are 5 more: 1. Wellness systems. Healthful features like lighting systems that utilize sunshine (such as clerestory windows and skylights), swimming pools without chlorine, and vegetable gardens. 2....
by kramoltz@hotmail.com | Feb 8, 2017 | Home Buying
In February, the average home sells for 6.1% less than the rest of the year, according to a recent study by real estate research firm Attom Data. One reason is that there aren’t a lot of buyers looking for homes at this time of year, but there are plenty of sellers...
by kramoltz@hotmail.com | Feb 6, 2017 | Home Buying, Mortgages + Lending
In part 1, I showed how lack of awareness of low-down-payment mortgage options can discourage potential buyers from trying to purchase a home. Historically only 5% of the purchase price is enough. And one way to get there is a government sponsored down payment...
by kramoltz@hotmail.com | Jan 19, 2017 | Home Buying, Home Ownership, Selling Your Home
A study conducted by appraisers between 2010 and 2013 in six states (Arizona wasn’t one of them) found that solar homes with a typically-sized system sold, on average, for around $14,000 more. With our lower than average energy costs, metro Phoenix area solar owners...
by kramoltz@hotmail.com | Jan 9, 2017 | Home Buying, Home Ownership
1. Open spaces. An open floor plan may feel like old hat, but use of this layout will accelerate in both condos and single-family homes. Eliminating walls and barriers provides greater access to the kitchen – the room most buyers feel is the most important space in a...
