DEBBIE BURNESS REAL ESTATE GROUP
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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”
Finding Affordability in Lessons of the Past
In the 1980s, home buyers faced significantly higher mortgage rates compared to today’s market. Despite this challenge, many people successfully purchased homes and made them worthwhile investments. They employed a range of strategies to manage costs and ensure affordability. Here are the key tactics… Continue Reading “Finding Affordability in Lessons of the Past”
Convenient but not accurate can cost you money
Online estimates like Zillow, realtor.com, Redfin, & Homes.com are convenient, but typically lack accuracy and may have a significant margin of error. They are constructed using a computer-generated algorithm that utilizes historical public sales data and trends called an Automated Value Model, AVM. National… Continue Reading “Convenient but not accurate can cost you money”
Benefits of Checking your Credit Regularly
You are encouraged by the Federal Trade Commission to be sure the information on your credit reports is accurate, complete, and up to date at least once a year. It is an important part of your financial life that can determine whether you get… Continue Reading “Benefits of Checking your Credit Regularly”
An annual home equity update benefits homeowners
Homeowners should verify their home’s equity at least once a year because the two factors that affect it change regularly. Market value changes and the unpaid balance of the home decreases with each monthly payment made on an amortizing loan. Amortization and appreciation cause… Continue Reading “An annual home equity update benefits homeowners”
Is a friend your best choice for your agent?
In the realm of real estate transactions, the decision to engage a friend who also happens to be an agent may seem like a tenuous situation and may cause some hesitation. Concerns about how professional relationships may impact their personal connection occasionally weighs on… Continue Reading “Is a friend your best choice for your agent?”
Key Considerations When Downsizing Your Home
While the process of downsizing may initially focus on finding a smaller property, it’s essential for homeowners to also think ahead and plan for the future by including considerations such as aging in place, healthcare needs, and financial security, and offer guidance on creating… Continue Reading “Key Considerations When Downsizing Your Home”
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