For most homebuyers and refinancing homeowners, the traditional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is often the default loan option they use to purchase a house. But there are other types of mortgages and term lengths available. A phrase you might hear in real estate lending circles is “10 over 30 mortgage.” But what exactly does choosing a…
Low inventory, elevated home prices, and high interest rates are making it harder to unlock the door to homeownership. Hopeful buyers often discover that the key to this door is getting past the upfront costs required to buy a house. For many, the solution lies in a “seller assist.” But what exactly is a seller…
If you’re reading this post, it’s likely you stumbled upon the term “FROG” while browsing through home listings. You’re wondering, “What does FROG mean in real estate?” FROG is perhaps one of the most fun acronyms used in the home buying and selling arena. And if you keep reading, you’ll discover why a FROG can…
When you bought a house with less than 20% down, your mortgage lender tacked on the extra cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI) as a standard precaution. But you’re confident that your house is worth more today than when you purchased it, leading you to wonder: “Can I cancel PMI if my home value increases?…
You need to sell or buy a home — and to find a Realtor® for that transaction, you have to sift through thousands of people who could make or break one of the most serious, important financial decisions in your life. Where do you begin? Top agent Dave Mattes, who sells homes 55% quicker than…
In your journey to find the perfect home, you’ve likely come across the term “off market.” But what does off market mean when shopping for a home? This phrase can unlock doors to exclusive listings and offer unique opportunities in your home search. Whether you’re scrolling through home-search sites or mingling with real estate investors,…
Need to sell your home quickly in Ohio? “We Buy Houses” companies in the state offer an appealing solution with all-cash offers, especially for properties needing some TLC. This option is particularly beneficial for homeowners who lack the time, resources, or expertise to undertake repairs, providing a quick path to receiving cash and moving on…
House hunting has become so much more than finding four walls and a roof to live under. For some, it’s become a full-fledged hobby. If you’re addicted to scrolling house buying apps but were sidelined by 2023’s high mortgage rates, we’ve got good news for you: The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is predicting a…
Sometimes you come across a home for sale that checks off every box on your list, but the listing status says that it’s “under contract” or “sale pending.” Crestfallen, you move on and hope you’ll find an equally amazing home. But what does “under contract” mean in real estate? Can you still make an offer…
If you’re planning a move to a new location, it’s likely you’re calculating costs — everything from the price of a home and groceries to what your new electric and water bills might look like. You’ve probably heard the phrase “cost of living” thousands of times, but as you review your finances, you may be…