We are well into the fall season, and just beginning to see some cooler temperatures. Homebuyers are continuing to search for homes with very little inventory. Interest rates are competitive and it is an excellent time to buy. Top real estate bloggers across the country continue to share up to date information to provide education about the home buying and selling process. We hope you enjoy this month's Best Real Estate Articles for September 2020.
The Importance of Being Specific with Repair Requests
After you have a home inspection, the buyer has the option to request repairs from the seller. The seller may or may not agree to repair anything on the property. Then a buyer has a decision to make about whether or not they will proceed with the purchase. Conor Macevilly has written an excellent article about the The Importance of Being Specific with Repair Requests. It is important to have quotes from licensed, bonded, and insured contractors. When you submitting the request for repairs to the sellers, be sure to include the quote from the contractor and request that repairs are done by that contractor as specified in the original quote. This way all parties have a full understanding of what is being requested. This is an excellent resource to review prior to requesting repairs.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Home with a Swimming Pool
Have you dreamed of owning a home that has a swimming pool? Michelle Gibson has written an excellent article about the Pros and Cons of a Home with a Swimming Pool. In the article, Michelle points out that pools may be an aesthetically pleasing addition to your home. Additionally, they are a great opportunity to exercise and socialize. There can be some drawbacks when owning a home with a pool. Pools do utilize more energy to keep the pump running on a daily basis, so there will be an increase in electricity. You also need to heat the pool so that will utilize gas which can be expensive. There is also maintenance including weekly cleanings. If you don't do it yourself, then it is highly recommended to hire someone to maintain the pool. This is an excellent post about owning a home with a pool.
Landscaping Tips to Improve Property Value
Are you considering landscaping your yard? If you are, this article is a must-read about landscaping 
tips that will help to improve home value. Danny Margagliano has written an excellent article about Landscaping Tips to Improve Property Value. In the article, he discusses landscaping to add to the privacy of the home. Adding trees softens landscaping. Trees also help to absorb pollutants in the environment. Trees also keep the area much cooler. Other suggestions include keeping the lawn fertilized and mowed. Trim the bushes and be sure to keep the weeds out. All of these tips will help the home to have an improved curb appeal.
What First Time Home Buyers Should Know
Are you considering purchasing a home for the first time? If you are, it is best to be prepared about what to expect. Bill Gassett has written an excellent post about What First Time Home Buyers Should Know. In the article, he discusses the importance of meeting with a lender to understand what you can afford. That way, you can look at homes within your own price point. If you look at homes that you cannot afford, then you will be disappointed with what you can afford. Other topics discussed are making sure that you have a good credit score as this will reflect in your loan and interest rate. You will want to have saved sufficient money for a down payment as well. This is a great read for any first time home buyer.
Avoid These Things When You're a House Flipper
Alex Capozzolo has written an excellent article about the Seven Common Mistakes to Avoid When Flipping Houses. In the article, he discusses that there is less inventory in today's climate compared to several years ago. He explains how investors will look for property on the MLS and try to find the best financial deal in order to make a profit. Properties that are in need of repair due to deferred maintenance are usually more inexpensive to purchase. However, these properties can also be the properties that require the most renovations. There are many factors to take into account when flipping homes, and if you are interested in doing so, this is an excellent read.
What Should a Mortgage Pre Approval Letter Contain and More
Petra Norris has put together an excellent article about What Should a Mortgage Pre-Approval Letter Contain. In the article, Petra explains that home purchase offers that include a pre-approval letter improve your home buying power. A seller will more than likely choose an offer that is accompanied by a pre-approval letter. She explains the benefits of a mortgage pre-approval letter and what should be contained in the letter. Other information includes the difference between a pre-approval letter and a pre-qualification letter. This is a must-read if you are beginning the home buying process.
How to Get Rid of Private Mortgage Insurance
Are you purchasing a home and do not have a 20% down payment? If that is the case, then you will likely be paying private mortgage insurance or PMI. Check out this article about How to Get Rid of Private Mortgage Insurance. The PMI is an expense and it does not go towards the loan balance. Private mortgage insurance protects the lender should you fail to keep up with your monthly mortgage payments. If you default on the loan and do not pay the mortgage, the insurance makes sure the lender is protected. There are some ways that you can get rid of PMI. By paying down your loan balance each month with the additional principal, you can increase the equity in your home. This will allow you to achieve the 80% which is required by lenders to stop paying the PMI.
What is the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor?
Kevin Vitali has written an excellent article about the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor. In the article, he explains that a real estate agent or a real estate salesperson is licensed by the state that they are doing business in that state. He continues to explain that a Realtor® is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. NAR is optional membership for either an agent or a broker. The NAR has been in existence since 1908. It is important to note that not all salespersons or brokers are members of NAR. Realtors who are members of NAR adhere to a code of ethics. This is an excellent explanation of the differences between an agent and a Realtor.
The Benefits of Selling Your Home in the Winter
As we are enjoying the fall season, you may be considering selling your home in the winter. Joe Boylan has written an excellent article about the Benefits of Selling Your Home in the Winter. In the article, he explains that winter really is a good time to sell your home. The buyers are generally more motivated and more serious about buying a home. Some homes show better during the winter months and may exude a cozy feel. If you reside where you have snow and are embracing the winter months, be sure to it to maintain the sidewalks and driveway clear of snow and ice. This is an excellent post about selling your home during the winter months.
Closing Thoughts
We hope that you enjoyed this month's round-up Best Real Estate Articles for October 2020. Top real estate bloggers across the country continue to provide education on a variety of real estate related topics. Our goal is to help to prepare you for your next real estate transaction. Please let us know what you would like covered in the future!
About the Author
The above real estate article “Best Real Estate Articles for October 2020” was written by top Newport Beach CA Realtor Sharon Paxson. We have experience since 2005 representing buyers, sellers, and landlords with their real estate transactions. we welcome the opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise and guide you through the home selling or buying process.
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