The concept of a “forever home” is a rather romantic notion, a phrase likely conjured up by some enterprising real estate agent tugging at the heartstrings of buyers. Often synonymous with “dream home,” a forever home has all the room you need and the features you want. In short: Put away those boxes and that … Read more
When it comes to buying a home, there are the obvious signs you’re ready. The main one? You’ve got enough money saved for a down payment (it doesn’t have to be 20 percent, by the way!), and some cash left over in savings for a cushion. In this unprecedented real estate market, you also have … Read more
You find your dream home on Zillow, book a tour, and drive up to the most incredible historic home. You walk in, admiring the beautiful trim work and imagining all the fabulous dinner parties that have occurred there over the centuries. You’re sure you’ll add to those memories — and the house’s story. But, before … Read more
As a first-time home shopper, it’s easy to get swept up in the fantasy of your dream home. In reality, however, many people will opt for a starter home first. “Starter home is a word for a reason,” says Seattle real estate agent Zac Schon. “You don’t generally get what you want the first time … Read more
Like a lot of people, Brian Walsh’s priorities changed during the pandemic. Though he and his wife had eventually planned to move across the country to be closer to family (they have two young kids), the pandemic accelerated that timeline by about five years. As a certified financial planner for SoFi, Walsh understands how to … Read more
You see the perfect home for sale, stop by the open house, and before you can even picture your sofa in the living room, poof! Another buyer snaps it up. Unfortunately, this story is all too familiar to buyers in competitive markets where homes may only sit on the market for a day or two … Read more
Lauren Wellbank Contributor Lauren Wellbank is a freelance writer with more than a decade of experience in the mortgage industry. Her writing has also appeared on HuffPost, Washington Post, Martha Stewart Living, and more. When she’s not writing she can be found spending time with her growing family in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. … Read more
Mili Mansaray Contributor Mili Mansaray is a writer whose work covers everything from porch paint colors to voting rights. She received a degree in journalism and Africana studies from New York University, where she served as a staff writer for Washington Square News. Since graduating in May 2020, she has also been published in The … Read more
It’s a seller’s market, which means there are some properties that take longer to upload in the MLS than it does to sell them. Then there are a select few homes that linger on the market for months. If you’re a buyer and feel intimidated by the pressure to act quickly, or simply don’t have … Read more
We all know that first impressions matter when it comes to buying and selling homes. It’s why curb appeal is such an important real estate tenet, why homeowners hire professional photographers to take listing photos, and why home stagers make spaces look beautiful and inviting. But if you only use your eyes during your search … Read more