Using the internet to help you buy a home

buy a house online

Buy A House Online: Pluses & Pitfalls

When buying a home in Davenport Florida, some people just love to look at real estate -- touring model homes every weekend, "looky-looing" in open houses and making real estate agents drive them around for months. They don't want to do there home search online.

But even if that describes you, there are some things your real estate agent can't disclose -- so the Internet can still be your friend. And the amount you can save on your mortgage by shopping online is truly wonderful.

Start "Mouse Hunting" Today

With today's technology, you can click your way through almost every step of your home purchase.

Even if you love looking for houses in the back seat of…

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Want to be a landlord? 7 things to know before becoming a landlord

Here’s how to avoid common mistakes of first-time landlords.

First-time homebuyers are a declining group. Historically, 40% of homebuyers have been first-time buyers, but that percentage continues to shrink, even as millennials continue to show more interest in becoming buyers (eventually). If you’re already a homeowner, your wheels might be spinning right about now — if people aren’t buying starter homes, then the rental market has to be booming, right? It is in many areas, particularly where unemployment is low, the population is high, and homes are not overpriced. But before you start searching for a home for sale in Davenport, FL to rent, you should think about the…

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7 warning signs you’re not ready to buy a house

Look before you leap — into homeownership. By Laura Agadoni - Trulia  

Owning a home can be a smart financial move, but is it right for you, right now?

It’s happening all across America right now: hordes of renters, innocently perusing their social media accounts, are noticing a theme. It’s not that everyone is getting married or obsessing over spiralized vegetables — they’re posting pictures of newly purchased homes.

But like your mother always said, just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean you should — or should you? There are certainly pros and cons of becoming a homeowner, and stumbling across just one dreamy listing of a home for sale…

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Slugging it out in a seller’s market: how to compete

sellers market home prices

 

It’s no secret: home prices are up, housing demand is high, and stock is low - a classic seller's market. That makes it a tough climate for many buyers searching for a home they can afford.

But finding your perfect property, securing the right financing, and outdoing rival buyers is more than possible. It’s downright likely if you’re well prepared.

Buying A Home In A Seller's Market

By better understanding the market and trying proven strategies, you stand a better chance of landing that home at a price you can handle.

 Check out the homes for sale in Davenport FL

What The Research Found

New data from Redfin show that home prices and housing demand are at or near all-time…

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Is real estate america’s favorite form of investment?

Real Estate is American’s favorite long-term investment, according to a recent poll by Bankrate. In its Financial Security Index, which was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International, they asked 1,002 adults via telephone—for money that wouldn’t be touched for at least 10 years—what did they think was the best investment?

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Twenty-eight percent said real estate, while cash investments came in a close second at 23 percent. Bringing up the rear was the stock market, at 17 percent; gold, at 15 percent; and bonds at 4 percent. Six percent of those polled answered “other.” Bankrate suggests that the reason real estate is the favorite…

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home improvements

Double Duty Home Improvements

Most people undertake home improvements for two reasons -- to make their property more valuable, to improve energy efficiency, and to make their houses more comfortable and functional.

The best renovations do more than one of these things. For instance, new windows can make look attractive, insulate against heat or cooling loss, and keep the sun from beating you senseless in your eat-in kitchen.

Click to Find out how much your Orlando Central Florida Home is Worth

Renovations Paying Off More In 2017

2017 has seen a jump in home improvement value for the amount spent. While costs increased by three percent in 2016, the value realized from improvements rose by 4.2 percent. That's great news for those who want…

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39 Million Americans Can't Afford Their Homes


And they're putting their long-term financial security at risk as a result.

How Many Borrowers Can’t Afford Their Mortgage in Central Florida?

If you're struggling to pay your mortgage or rent, you're not alone, according to a 2017 report by Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. According to a recent report, more American's are considered "cost burdened" and find it difficult to pay their rent or mortgage.  You can read their full 2017 State of the Nation's Housing Report here.


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What can change homeownership rates?

The pursuit of higher education, among other national trends, is going to play a key role in homeownership rates in all areas including the Davenport FL area in the coming years, according to a new study from First American Financial Corporation. The study, dubbed “Six Trends Poised to Reshape Homeownership Demand,” looks at the unique factors that shape U.S. homeownership—and how those factors will influence housing demand in the years to come.

According to the study, education will factor into homeownership levels on several fronts. For one, it will increase income—and therefore homebuying power—for the more educated generations.

“The importance of education in relation to homeownership has almost doubled in…

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How to win a bidding war without overspending

Winning a bidding war requires tactful strategy. What's your next move?

By Sam Brannan | Trulia  

It’s possible to win a bidding war without paying a cent more than you budgeted for in Davenport FL

How To Win A Bidding War With Multiple Offers On a House


1. Know what you can really afford

As far as emotional purchases go, buying a home ranks right up there with choosing a wedding dress — only the financial stakes are much higher. Unless you know ahead of time exactly how much house you can afford, you could easily be sucked into spending too much. Your lender or financial adviser can help you determine that number. Then it’s time to play ball.

“Submit your…

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8 reasons your house isn’t selling

Home sale stalled? There could be a number of factors in play.

If your home sits idle in a seller’s market, it’s time to get to the root of the problem.

It’s a seller’s market in many cities across the U.S. If your home is in one of those cities, say Davenport, or Kissimmee FL,  and isn’t getting offers, something could be wrong. There could be many reasons your house isn’t selling, though. We’ve asked real estate professionals and agents from all over the country what those top reasons might be — and they’ve provided some sound advice on how to remedy each situation.

Possible reasons your home isn’t selling fast:

  1. 1. You’re overconfident

    Being in a seller’s market might mean that your…

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