DEBBIE BURNESS REAL ESTATE GROUP
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Avoid additional costs with your buyer’s agent
The real estate landscape is shifting, with new practices like mandatory buyer’s agreements becoming the norm. While these agreements aim to provide clarity and protection, they can also create unexpected complications. Imagine signing a buyer’s agreement with an agent, then stumbling upon your dream… Continue Reading “Avoid additional costs with your buyer’s agent”
Maximizing a Homeowner’s Chance to Sell
Recent policy changes made by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) have shifted the dynamics of buyer’s agent compensation, prompting sellers to reconsider their strategies. Many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, have limited savings and may struggle to cover additional costs beyond the down payment,… Continue Reading “Maximizing a Homeowner’s Chance to Sell”
VA Allows Buyer-paid Broker Fees
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, known as VA, issued a policy change that now allows payment to buyer brokers on VA loans. They will be subject to certain safeguards, such as the requirement that all buyer-broker fees charged to veterans "must be reasonable… Continue Reading “VA Allows Buyer-paid Broker Fees”
Smart living with home automation
In today’s fast-paced world, home automation is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners seeking to enhance convenience and reduce energy costs. With advancements in technology, smart home devices offer innovative solutions that not only simplify daily tasks but also promote energy efficiency and sustainability. Whether… Continue Reading “Smart living with home automation”
Overwhelming advantages aside, there is still resistance to pre-approval
Pre-approval is a comprehensive process where the lender verifies the buyer’s financial information, including credit history, income, and assets. Pre-approval provides a conditional commitment from the mortgage company to lend a specific amount, pending appraisal of the property. Pre-qualification is an initial assessment based… Continue Reading “Overwhelming advantages aside, there is still resistance to pre-approval”
Addressing the Buyer Agent’s Fee
Traditionally in the U.S. housing market, the seller has offered the buyer’s broker and agent a share in the commission specified in the listing agreement between the seller and the listing broker and agent. In a settlement between the National Association of REALTORS�, beginning… Continue Reading “Addressing the Buyer Agent’s Fee”
U.S. Homeowners Property Tax Increase
Last year, U.S. homeowners faced an average property tax bill exceeding $4,000, marking the highest increase in five years, according to data from Attom Data Solutions, a real estate data firm. Property taxes nationwide amounted to over $363 billion in 2023, reflecting a 6.9%… Continue Reading “U.S. Homeowners Property Tax Increase”
Use Ben’s Balance Sheet to Decide
There is a technique that has been attributed to Benjamin Franklin and used when faced with a decision. As the lore goes, whenever Ben was faced with a decision, like you are now, he’d take a piece of paper, draw a line down the… Continue Reading “Use Ben’s Balance Sheet to Decide”
Is a written buyer’s agreement necessary?
Beginning August 17, 2024, many agents will be required to enter into a written agreement with a buyer before touring a home either in-person or through a live virtual tour and buyers should be familiar with what it entails. There have been buyer agreements… Continue Reading “Is a written buyer’s agreement necessary?”
Tips to reduce your homeowner’s insurance cost
Home insurance rates have increased by almost 20% nationally between 2021 and 2023 and even more in some states like Arizona where rates have jumped 62% in some cases. The appreciation that homeowners have enjoyed, especially in the past four years, has caused premiums… Continue Reading “Tips to reduce your homeowner’s insurance cost”
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