No home is complete without windows. These glass structures provide your home with light, warmth, and beauty, making you feel less confined. They’re like a small portal to the outside world, allowing you to enjoy the views outdoors without leaving your home.

However, since you see your windows every day, you may get used to how they look, or don’t easily notice a drop in performance. While upgrading your windows may not be on top of your to-do list, here are some reasons why you should consider investing in new ones:

Improve Home’s Energy Efficiency

Upgrading your windows is one of the most common recommendations among professionals as a way to help improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.

Older windows tend to be drafty due to damaged window seals. Rooms with drafty windows can feel more humid and less comfortable than the rest of your home. What’s more, the indoor air can seep out, while outside air can make its way in. This results in your HVAC system working harder to keep the idea temperature in the room, ultimately driving your electricity bill.

Upgrading your old, drafty windows with more energy-efficient models can save you money in the long run. However, make sure to hire a contractor such as window installation Springfield or one within your area to ensure a successful project.

Minimize Security Concerns

Just like your doors, the windows are your home’s entry and exit points. Thus, outdated and compromised windows that aren’t functioning properly are a serious security risk.

In fact, statistics show that first-floor windows are the second most common entry points of burglars. Remember that thieves are quick to identify vulnerable windows as a way to enter your home and do crimes.

To improve your home’s overall security, it only makes sense to upgrade windows that no longer serve their purpose. You may want to invest in windows with specific features, such as security films and polycarbonate glass that are designed to be tear- and break-resistant, making them more difficult to penetrate. Of course, window locks and clips are a necessity to keep your windows closed and locked, preventing criminals from gaining easy entry.

Prevent Moisture And Water Damage

Old, damaged, outdated, and poorly installed windows don’t seal or insulate well. These can let in moisture and cause water damage. And, when there’s moisture, the surrounding structure can start to rot or rust, compromising the overall integrity of your home.

Also, when a faulty window causes significant moisture, mold and mildew problems can occur. Mold can further damage the structural elements of your home, especially your walls. In addition, mold exposure can cause various health conditions, including irritation and respiratory problems. It can also worsen existing health problems, such as allergies and asthma.

Boost Your Curb Appeal

While windows help you see outside, they’re also a key design element of your home that reflect who you are. With a strong impact on your home’s curb appeal, worn-out and outdated windows can make your home’s exterior look antiquated.

Replacing mismatched or faded windows and upgrading them with ones in new colors and modern designs can help enhance the look of your home and make it look more chic. In addition, it also helps in boosting your home’s value. In fact, statistics show that upgrading your windows can help increase your home’s value by up to 10%. This can be beneficial if you’re thinking of selling your home in the future.

Reduce Noise

If you live in a high-traffic area, in a bustling city, or close to a busy establishment, such as a mall or school, you might find the constant noise annoying and bothersome.

In such cases, upgrading to a modern window solution can help minimize the outside noise. Unlike older, single-pane windows, modern solutions now have double or even triple-pane windows, which help in reducing noise. Although these may not totally soundproof your home, noise from loud vehicles, barking dogs, and other unwanted sounds can be greatly reduced. This allows you to read a good book or enjoy a movie in peace, as well as sleep better at night.

Takeaway

As seen from the above discussion, there are numerous ways to upgrade and replace your windows, especially if they’re not as functional as before or no longer serve their purpose of offering utmost comfort and protection. Installing new ones not only breathes new life into your home, but it also ensures energy efficiency and better security. In addition, it increases your home’s value, which is an advantage if you’re planning to sell your property in the future.

After record high interest rates in 2022, many consumers are considering using cash or a construction loan to fund their new dream home.

While some have begun moving off the grid and building a house in the country, other folks simply wanted to embrace remote work and build a home that better suits their lifestyle.

How to Build Your Own Home

So, whether you’re building on a lot in the city, moving off the grid or you just want to save on construction costs, our step-by-step guide will help you get started!

Step 1: Purchase Lot or Land Tract

Searching for a piece of land is exciting. Whether you’re driving to nearby neighborhoods and towns nearby, or hours away to the beach or the mountains, checking out land is usually what inspires people to build. As they say, “location, location, location.” Picking the right spot is a critical first step in the home building process.

Other than location, the most important questions to consider are:

• What is the price per acre for the land?
• Does the land need utilities installed?
• If rural, will you need a well or septic tank installed?
• How is the land currently zoned?

Step 2: Be Your Own General Contract (Or Hire One)

Unless you’ve built a single family home in the past, or have a “GC” (general contractor) in your family, it’s typically advised to hire someone to lead the home construction efforts and have a written contract.

That being said, it is very doable to contract out all of the work and in effect be the “acting GC.” In addition, most counties and cities allow a property owner to apply for an owner exemption, which enables you to obtain permits on your own – without an official general contractor. Labor costs are the biggest factor when determining the overall cost to build a new home.

Step 3: Obtain Building Plans

Whether you work with a general contractor or you lead the entire construction process yourself, you’ll need official building plans that are certified by an engineer or architect, depending on your local municipality.

You can also view and purchase building plans online, but it’s best to understand first explore the different style of construction. You’ll also want to take into account the topography of the land when obtaining building plans. And you’ll need to decide overall square footage and basic requirements like number of bedrooms, baths, etc. During the design process, you will also determine the size of a garage and if the home has a patio or basement – among other things. This is also when you can begin planning the price per square foot and nailing down the construction budget.

Step 4: Interview & Hire Subcontractors if Building on Your Own

Building a home is a complex undertaking. You’ll encounter dozens of different “trades” (aka subcontractors). Here’s a non-exhaustive list of subs you’ll be working with along the way:

• Carpenters: framers, cabinet installers, finish carpentry
• Electricians and plumbers
• Roofers, siding installers or brick masons
• Flooring, tile and countertop contractors
• Window and door installers

An essential component not mentioned in the list above are the architects, specifically those specialized in home designs. In this regard, engaging with local professionals can have a profound impact on the success of your project. They have an understanding of local building codes and can design a home that suits the surrounding environment and caters to your personal tastes.

Among such professionals, residential architects have earned a distinguished reputation. Their work ranges from creating detailed, custom blueprints to advising on the selection of materials and finishes, ensuring that every aspect of your new home is in harmony with your vision and lifestyle. Their expertise is invaluable, making them an essential addition to your home construction team.

Keep in mind that many builders will get contractor leads by asking for reviews from their customers. It’s a good idea to read customer testimonials before hiring a professional, as it’s the best way to know if you can trust them,

Step 5: Obtain Building Permits

Before you begin construction, either you or your contractor will need to obtain permits from your county or city building office. The types of permits you will need could include:

• General construction permit
• Electrical permit
• Plumbing permit

Step 6: Pour Slab or Foundation Walls

Prior to pouring the foundation, you’ll need a contractor to clear the land with a bobcat/skid-steer to remove any debris, trees, etc. They will also grade the land to create a slope that allows rain and runoff to drain away from the property.

Depending on the topography, your home will have either a slab foundation, a crawlspace, or a full basement poured or constructed.

A concrete contractor will typically use poured concrete for a slab or cinder blocks for the perimeter wall.  Vertical foundation walls are waterproofed and access points are created in the foundation to allow for the “roughing in” of water supply and drain lines. The concrete then goes through a curing process for about 1-2 weeks, at which point the plumbing and framing can begin. Once the foundation has cured, drains and water supply lines can be installed via the plumbing stubs.

Step 7: Go Vertical – Frame The House

Once the slab is inspected and approved, you can go vertical! This is a very exciting phase, as you can finally begin to see walls being constructed.

Carpentry framing crews will build 2×4 or 2×6 exterior walls, sub-flooring and roof trusses. This step could take between one and three weeks to complete.

“Dry-In” the House

In order for the house to be “dried in”, the exterior sheathing needs to be installed. Typically this is done with 4ft x 8ft  sheets of OSB or plywood. Next, you’ll add house wrap in order to create a moisture-resistant exterior envelope around the house.

Windows & Exterior Door Installation

As part of the dry-in process, the windows and exterior doors will need to be installed.

HVAC Ductwork & System

Once the house is protected from rain and outside elements, the HVAC ductwork, air handler, condenser can be installed.

Step 8: Install Plumbing & Electric

Once all framing is complete, your plumber can start the rough-in process. Typically the first step is to walk the property to identify the baths, kitchen and laundry areas to corroborate the location of each plumbing fixture. You’ll also  the main water hookup, and the supply lines required to link the water and drain lines.

Electrical Panel

The electrician can now run electrical wiring through the walls and ceiling framing, prior to drywall being installed. At this stage, the HVAC is connected to the panel and Romex or equivalent wiring is run to junction boxes, outlets, light switches, etc.

Step 9: Install the Roof

At this stage, the roof joist and plywood sheathing in place. Now it’s time for a new roof. Roofers will install flashing, underlayment and roof shingles or other desired material (e.g. metal, clay, synthetic, etc.).

Add Insulation

Once the roof is installed, you can safely insulate the attic and also the exterior walls. Depending on the situation and the climate in your area, you may also add insulation to the basement and/or crawl space if necessary. The most common types of insulation are fiberglass, cellulose and foam spray. Rolled insulation is easy to obtain from a local big box retailer like Home Depot or Lowes.

Step 10: Hang Drywall & Paint Walls/Ceilings

Drywall is hung throughout the interior of the house, as well as on the ceiling. We’re nearing the final steps to building a house!

At this stage, the walls will be painted, and it’ll start feeling a little more like your home. If you’re going with a spec or tract home, you may not have many choices in paint color, but if it’s a custom home, you could have your choice of colors, or even have wallpaper put on the walls.

Step 11: Install Exterior Surface

The most popular exterior material in recent years has been fiber-cement siding (or commonly referred to as Hardiplank-siding). Vinyl siding is a cheap siding material but may not be allowed in your local jurisdiction. Stucco is more common in coastal areas and is a more complex application process. Brick is timeless and is a versatile choice that appeals to most consumers.

Step 12: Lay Flooring

Once all the painting is complete, flooring is laid. Floor covering options include LVP, carpet, hardwood, tile or engineered wood flooring. If you choose site-stained hardwood, keep in mind there are 4 steps (install, sand, stain, poly). Most other flooring options can be installed in 1 step.

Step 13: Install Cabinets,Vanities & Appliances

Vanities and cabinet installation is next on the list. For kitchens, you want to be methodical in planning this because many cabinet manufacturers have lengthy build times. If you’re buying stock cabinet sizes, it will be a faster process. Bath vanity install generally happens after tile showers are complete.

Install Countertops & Appliances

Countertops and appliances are the next things to go in. There are a variety of countertop materials to choose from, but the most popular include quartz, granite and marble.

Step 14: Install Final Fixtures, Hardware & Trim

As you near the finish line, you’ll install bathroom fixtures such as faucets, shower heads and toilets. It’s also the time when HVAC register covers, door knob and cabinet hardware will be installed.

Lights, Fans & Fixtures

After all the electrical work is complete, light fixtures, fans, outlets and switches are connected.

Trim, Baseboard & Molding

After all the flooring has been laid, next comes the trim. Casing and trim will be installed around the windows and doors, along the floor, fireplace, etc.

Other Tasks and Steps

In terms of budgeting, here are a few other things that will likely need to be tackled along the way:

• Pouring concrete driveway
• Installing landscaping

Conclusion

Home building can be a great alternative for people who are considering buying a home or moving to a new area. There are many advantages to buying a pre-existing property – potentially even one that was built in the last 5 years. In this scenario, you can still take advantage of newer construction and modern finishes, plus you’ll also be facing a much shorter timeframe for moving in.

Before deciding to build, learn more about buying an existing property and check out low rates with some of our top mortgage partners.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, the process of choosing your next home can feel intimidating. But with a little research and planning, you can make the process much less stressful. By following these tips, you’ll be one step closer to finding your perfect home.

1. Figure out what you can afford

When you’re a first-time homebuyer, the process of finding and financing a property can be daunting. There are a lot of things to consider, and it’s important to find a home that you can afford without stretching your budget too thin.

The first step is to figure out how much you can afford to spend on a home. Start by looking at your income and expenses to see how much disposable income you have each month.

Then, use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly loan payments based on the price of the home you’re interested in. Be sure to include taxes, insurance, and other costs in your calculations.

Once you have an idea of what you can afford, you can start looking for homes in your price range. Keep in mind that the price of a home is just one factor to consider.

You’ll also need to factor in the cost of repairs and maintenance, as well as your desired lifestyle. With a little research and planning, you can find a great home that fits both your needs and your budget.

2. Consider your lifestyle and needs

When you’re ready to buy a house, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and needs. If you have a family, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough space for everyone to live comfortably.

You’ll also need to think about things like schools and supermarkets. If you have a pet, you’ll need to find a property that has a good-sized garden. And if you love entertaining, you’ll want to look for a house with a spacious kitchen and plenty of living space.

3. Consider the move

One of the first things you’ll need to do when you’re buying a house is to figure out how you’re going to move all your stuff – and your car – to the new location. If you’re moving internationally, the process can be even more complicated. Here’s a beginner’s guide to auto transport to help make the process as smooth as possible.

• If you have a vehicle, the first thing you’ll need to do is research international auto transport companies. Make sure to read reviews and compare prices before deciding on a company.
• Once you’ve chosen a company, you’ll need to get your car ready for transport. This includes making sure there are no loose items in the car that could fall out and damage other vehicles, and ensuring that the gas tank is only half full.
• You’ll also need to provide the company with your car’s insurance information.

When the day of transport arrives, make sure you’re there to hand over the keys to your car. The driver will inspect the car and then load it onto the truck. Once it’s loaded, you’ll sign the paperwork and that’s it! Your car is on its way to its new home.

4. What to look for when house hunting

There are several specific features to look for in a house if you want to make a decision you won’t regret in a few months. Here are a few:

Location, location, location

When it comes to finding a new home, location is everything. The first step is to decide what type of environment you want to live in. Do you want a quiet home in the country, or a busy home in the city? Once you’ve decided on the type of location you want, you can start looking for homes that meet your needs.

Size of the home

What should you look for when it comes to size? Well, it depends on your needs. For example, if you have a large family, you’ll obviously need more bedrooms and bathrooms.

If you entertain often, you’ll want enough space for a dining room table and a comfortable living room. And if you have pets or children, a big yard is always a plus. Ultimately, the size of the home is a personal preference.

The neighborhood

If you’re in the market for a new home, it’s important to take some time to consider your neighborhood carefully. The neighborhood you choose will play a big role in shaping your day-to-day experience, so it’s important to find one that suits your needs.

When evaluating potential neighborhoods, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Look for well-lit streets and plenty of security features like alarms and security cameras. It’s also a good idea to research the crime rates in different areas.

Another important factor to consider is the friendliness of the neighbors. Do people tend to keep to themselves, or are they more outgoing? If you have young children, you may also want to look for a neighborhood with plenty of other families.

And finally, think about the level of privacy you’re looking for. Do you want to live on a busy street with lots of foot traffic, or would you prefer a quiet cul-de-sac?

Schools in the area

If you have children, one of the most important considerations is the schools in the area. You’ll want to make sure that the schools are safe and have good academic records. You can check out the school’s website or contact the district office for more information.

The commute

The commute to work or school is an important consideration when house hunting. It’s important to find a safe route that you feel comfortable with and that won’t take up too much of your time.

You should also consider the job market in the area. If you’re commuting to a major city, you’ll want to make sure there are plenty of job opportunities available. If you’re commuting to a smaller town, you’ll want to make sure the town has a healthy economy.

5. Get pre-approved for a mortgage

If you’re thinking about buying a house, the first step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much house you can afford and will help you shop within your budget.

The process of getting pre-approved is fairly simple.

1. Gather some financial documents, including your tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
2. Contact a lender and complete a loan application. The lender will then do a credit check and verify your income and employment history.
3. Once everything has been approved, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter that specifies the amount of money you’re eligible to borrow. Having this letter in hand will give you a big advantage when it comes time to make an offer on a house.

6. Make an offer and go through with the purchase

You’ve finally found the perfect home. Congratulations! Now it’s time to make an offer. Talk to your real estate agent about what you’re willing to pay for the property. Once you have a price in mind, your agent will present your offer to the seller’s agent.

If the seller accepts your offer, then it’s time to start the process of buying the house. Here are a few things you need to do:

1. You’ll need to get a loan from a bank or other financial institution. This will be the same place you received your pre-approval from.
2. You’ll also need to get homeowners insurance and title insurance.
3. Get a home inspection done to make sure there are no hidden problems with the property.
4. Close on the loan and sign all the paperwork. Congratulations – you’re now a homeowner!

Purchasing a home is a huge life decision. It’s not one to be taken lightly. But, with the right knowledge and preparation, you can make the process less daunting and more exciting. By following these tips for choosing your next home, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect house in no time!

When you’re planning on selling your home, it can get emotional and overwhelming very quickly. That’s why we’re sharing seven mistakes you must avoid and six unmistakable tips that you can leverage when attempting to sell your house.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your House Fast

It’s important that you set your target buyer profile while setting up your house for sale. For instance, your possible buyer could be individual homebuyers, investors, real estate companies, house flippers, trade-in companies, etc.

There are many companies that buy houses immediately for cash. However, not all companies are the same, says Obi Dorsey of Freedom House Buyers. There are companies that buy outdated or distressed houses at below-market prices, renovate them, and then sell them at a profit to interested parties. Other cash buyers have targeted “buy boxes” that dictate the purchase price. For example, companies like Opendoor generally focus in the $250,000 – $600,000 price range.

All of this info can help you determine the ideal party for you to sell to. Once you have clarity regarding that, you can easily set things like price, timeline, renovations, real estate agent, etc. Settling these things will help you avoid the following mistakes:

Neglecting Hiring a Real Estate Agent

The odds of selling your house at the desired price depend a lot on an expert real estate agent. You might be wondering whether you could ditch the need to hire an agent in this process, but trust us, an agent can do it far better than you; especially, if you haven’t done this before.

An agent typically asks for five to six percent of the selling price of your house. But no matter how excessive that may seem, it’s going to help you get a better price and save costs in many other ways.

Not Repairing Before Selling

Repairing and servicing your house before selling is a vital task. Don’t miss out on or neglect this task if you wish to sell your house quickly and profitably.

Skipping repairs is a rudimentary mistake many homeowners make when attempting to sell their houses. If you’re making the same mistake then stop and think it through.

If you aren’t repairing the power system, water leakage, sewer line, floor tiles, and the like, it may reduce your house’s appeal and price in the eyes of the potential buyer. Even worse, this may cancel the closing process if the buyer discovers any fault within the house after the deal was made.

Not Staging the House Well

It’s funny how some homeowners want potential buyers to like their house while not making the slightest effort in making the house presentable. Your house becomes a product once you decide to sell it and hand it over to the owner.

So, for once, put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and imagine how you would feel to find a house with a messy wardrobe (drawers open), dirty kitchen and bathroom, scattered personal belongings, dim rooms, etc. Not so impressive, right?

If you’ve got the point we’re trying to make here, do stage your house appropriately. But don’t also stretch the ‘less is more’ idea too much while preparing your house for display.

Consult an expert interior designer who can decorate your house at minimum cost with the ‘best selling price’ tag in mind.

Asking for an Unrealistic Price

Selling or buying, the price of your house should be realistic and something that reflects your house’s current condition accurately.

Whether you hire an agent to deal with your house-selling process or you take it on your own shoulder, setting an unrealistic price is never going to get the job done.

We would advise you to be reasonable. Remember the comparative market analysis you did with your agent when you first bought your home many years back? You’re not the only one, your potential buyers will do it too.

So, check out the local real estate market before putting your house up for sale. The best way to do it is by consulting your agent thoroughly to settle on a realistic price for your house.

Getting Sentimental

Your sentiments can get in the way when trying to set things up for good, specifically, selling your house while leaving all the memories and emotions you built here behind. However, that’s a mistake.

We understand it’s hard to move on handing over your old house (probably, the first one) to someone else. Nonetheless, you’ve got to do this if it needs to be done.

Getting too emotionally attached to your house will cloud your judgment, hindering your preparation for selling it profitably. That’s why not hiring an agent may make your task even harder.

So, get a grip and put your best effort into fulfilling the tasks related to preparing the house, advertising, price setting, and making a perfect deal.

Ignoring the Importance of Photography

Virtual tours have become quite the standard bearer for demonstrating your products to your potential buyers. This remains true for the houses on sale too.

And when it comes to displaying your house online these days, pristine photos are what matter the most. It doesn’t matter whether your house is twenty years old or two, if you’ve uploaded shabby pictures of it, the onlookers won’t even turn to your listing for the second time.

Some nice photographs of your house are crucial to compete in the online listings of houses which many sellers fail to realize. Conversely, good photography can put your listing on the edge while attracting many buyers to your house.

Selling During Wrong Season

This may sound crazy but hey, seasons do matter in regulating the buyers’ minds. With that note, we’ll say that winter may not be a good season to sell your house. Why so?

Well, in winter, people are more into holiday shopping, family time, and most importantly, making all efforts to stay cozy inside the blanket. It’s very unlikely that a large number of people will be willing to buy a house.

The best policy here is to make your house listing when the cold atmosphere is waning and the warmness is returning. People will be back from holidays, warm and comfy, and start thinking about making life changes such as buying and moving into a new home. It’s not a hard and fast rule at all because if the buyers are returning, the sellers will too. Hence, the competition in the real estate market will rise again.

6 Best Tips to Sell Your Home Efficiently and Fast

As you’re now well aware of the possible mistakes, let’s share with you some effective tips to sell your house fast.

You might already have an idea of the tips we’re going to discuss below based on the mistakes we’ve mentioned above. But let’s dive a bit deeper into them.

Hire a Pro Real Estate Agent

This is the very first and the best thing you can do while thinking about selling your house real quick, which is hiring an expert real estate agent.

While giving away three to five percent commission on the selling price to your agent is a concern, you should be relieved that the agent will take care of the process from A to Z. Eventually, it’s a win-win deal.

Keep Your House Clean, Decluttered, and Depersonalized

Buyers want to feel at home when you’re showing your house to them. That’s why it’s essential that you keep your house clean, tidy, and free from your personal belongings as much as possible.

Besides, you will do better by hiring an external house cleaning service to declutter and clean your house most effectively. Your agent might advise you to hire a stager too. They can help you arrange things in your house in such a way that it will look more enticing to prospective buyers.

Enlighten Your House

Managing the light sources in your house is an amazing trick to make it look brighter and more inviting. Allow the sunshine to pour into the bedrooms, study, and kitchen while putting on some lamps to brighten up the living room, drawing room, dining room, etc.

Moreover, hang window curtains of bright colors like white, cream, daisy, pearl, etc. so they reflect more positive and warm vibes to the observers.

Create Appealing Exterior and Surroundings

Intriguing a potential buyer with the first look at your house can make the rest of the task a lot easier. They don’t say that the first impression lasts longer for nothing.

So, work on your house’s exterior, including the entrance, front end, walls, garden or yard, and whatever makes it complete. Don’t forget to do a makeover with new paint wherever necessary.

Reduce Unused Furniture and Objects

Since you’re trading your home off to a new owner soon, filling up the space with large furniture may put the buyer off. The larger the furniture, the smaller the room appears to the eyes.

So, remove the objects that are no longer going to accompany you to your new house. This way you can rearrange your rooms in a more pleasant fashion to impress the buyer.

Have Photography and a 3D Tour

Your agent can guide you in arranging the photography of your house in the best manner possible. Besides, you can avail of drone tours into your house to show the interior in an exciting way to interested buyers online.

3D and drone tours of the house have become a standard practice in the modern real estate market. Go for it if your budget allows you to do it.

Summing Up

Opting to sell your house isn’t a piece of cake, considering the competitive market and all the painstaking tasks. This gets even more complicated when you’re trying to sell your house fast.

However, we’ve made an effort to share with you the mistakes you must avoid while selling your house along with some beneficial tips to get the job done in the most profitable and quickest way possible.

Try your best to streamline your tasks with the help of your real estate agent. Hopefully, you’ll get the best outcome.

Before the ideation of title insurance, purchasing real estate in the United States was a risky endeavor. In 1876, the first title insurance company was formed and its mission was to protect “the purchasers of real estate and mortgages against losses from defective title, liens and encumbrances.”

Prior to the existence of title insurance, property sellers would establish their right of title to a property based on scarce public records. The title would need to be manually cleared of any liens that were discovered or encumbrances that prevented them from selling the home. With limited resources and no insurance backing, the risk of a new property buyer losing a property due to unresolved issues was still significant.  Additionally, if an unresolved issue arose, the harmed buyer or lender would have to collect damages from the seller for their errors, which was difficult and costly.

What Does Title Insurance Protect Against?

Title insurance provides protections for both the property buyer and also the mortgage lender that is involved in a real estate transaction. Examples of risks covered by title insurance include:

• Unpaid taxes
• Forgeries or fraud
• Undisclosed or missing heirs
• Unpaid judgments or liens
• Undisclosed second mortgages
• Mistakes in recording legal documents

Lender’s Policy vs Owner’s Policy

The mortgage lender requires the homebuyer to pay for lender’s title insurance coverage when purchasing a home via a mortgage. If you buy a property with cash, a lender policy is not required since there is not bank involved.

With a Lender’s policy, the mortgage company is protected against potential losses equivalent to the total loan value. Owner’s title insurance is optional and is paid as a one-time fee at closing.

Who Pays for Title Insurance?

The lender’s policy and the owner’s title policy are both paid for by the home buyer.

The owner’s title policy protects the homebuyer from claims against the title that predate the purchase of the property. If you encountered any legal fees defending your title to your newly purchased land, those fees would be covered by Owner’s title insurance.

Do You Need an Owner’s Policy?

Title “flaws” are generally found during the title search by the closing attorney or title company, which makes subsequent claims rare. Which makes the purchase of title insurance more of a “peace of mind” policy.

Despite this, most homebuyers do end up purchasing title insurance from large title underwriters that partner with their closing attorney. Examples of common underwriters include First American, Fidelity National, Old Republic and Stewart Title.

How about title insurance for a newly built house? The most common scenario when a homebuyer opts to not purchase an owner’s title policy is with a new construction property in a large development. That’s because large builders like Lennar, Pulte and DR Horton typically de-risk much of the boundary dispute issues that may be surfaced and also rarely use subcontractors – which are one of the main source of liens.

Lowering the Price of Owner’s Title Insurance

If you’re considering declining coverage due to the cost, you might instead opt for a lower cover tier in order to save money.

For example, several of the large title insurance underwriters offer two or more tiers of covered – often referred to as “Basic” or “Enhanced” policies.  You can think of this as car insurance or healthcare insurance. Advanced covered results in a higher premium when you buy health or auto insurance. The same can be said for Owner’s title insurance.

After you go under contract on the purchase of a home, but prior to the closing, ask the title company or closing attorney what options exist. Occasionally, the closing attorney or title company will discourage you to buying the lower tier coverage. This happens for two reasons: 1) This is a revenue channel for them. By accepting a lower coverage tier, they make less money on your closing. 2) It’s safer for them (and you) to buy the higher tier coverage.

Each market it different, but smaller title companies offer lower rates on the premium, which could provide an opportunity for saving on closing costs. Some of the larger, more sophisticated firms have fancy offices, high tech title software and a large staff – which could require them to charge higher fees for title premiums.

Conclusion

Buying a home involves a lot of different costs – including taxes, lender fees, settlement charges and various forms of insurance. Talk with your agent and closing attorney about different options for title insurance and find the right balance of peace of mind and cost savings.

Alpharetta is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Atlanta and in fact, is among the most desirable cities across the entire state of Georgia. Alpharetta is located along GA 400 in northern Fulton County. The city has over 70,000 residents and has been steadily growing in popularity over the last decade.

Alpharetta is surrounded by excellent schools, an abundance of shopping and close proximity to Atlanta. It’s also a quick drive Lake Lanier and less than an hour to get to the ATL airport. It’s home to one of the most popular shopping destinations as well – the Avalon, on Old Milton Parkway.

People who live in Alpharetta love the city for its quality of communities, new construction neighborhoods and highly-rated schools. Whether you’re interested in buying a 6 bedroom home with basement, a new construction townhouse or a small ranch, it’s important to understand the local market and different styles of properties available.

The Real Estate Market in Alpharetta

As of late 2022, homebuyer negotiating power has shifted into their favor after nearly two years of low inventory and regular bidding wars. Due to the city’s constant growth, the city’s market remains incredibly active. According to Zillow, the current median home value in Alpharetta, GA is $391,642. Properties in Alpharetta typically sell for 97% of the asking price and are on the market for an average of 24 days.

Top Real Estate Agents Serving Alpharetta, GA

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Alpharetta, we’ve put together a list of top rated agents to help you accomplish your goals. Below, you can see the number of recent sales and reviews to make it easier to choose which agent is best for you.

Fred McGill, SimpleShowing Real Estate

• 108 reviews
• 176 recent home sales
• Highlights: Buyer’s Agent, Listing Agent, 1% Listing Fee
• Awarded top Agent in Atlanta, 2022 by “Expertise”

Here’s what clients have to say about Fred McGill:

“I had a fantastic experience working with Fred and his team! And, I saved a TON of money compared to using one of the typical 6% agent fee real estate companies. I received the same services, if not better, including signage, professional photos, a lock-box with text notifications, a real agent to work with, help with negotiating and closing the deal, etc. This is the best experience available and at a fraction of the cost!” -Michael B., Google

Sherry Ajluni, Compass

• 187 reviews
• 127 recent home sales
• Highlights: Buyer’s Agent,Listing Agent,Relocation,Foreclosure

Here’s what clients have to say about Sherry Ajluni:

“After 14 moves in my adult life,  numerous Real Estate agents and transactions I can confidently say Sherry is without a doubt the best agent I have ever worked with. Sherry has put together an all star team that work amazingly well together with the perfect amount of communication. Not too much,  not too little but you feel Sherry and team are always right there with you.  I first worked with Sherry when she represented the seller of a house my wife and I were buying. We were so impressed with her work we hired her and her team to represent us in our sale.  It was the smoothest and easiest real estate transaction I have ever had. I can’t recommend Sherry’s team enough for all your real estate needs.”- Eric L., Zillow

Stephanie Patterson, The Cole Team

• 166 reviews
• 84 recent home sales
• Highlights: Buyer’s Agent, Listing Agent, Consulting, Relocation

Here’s what clients have to say about Stephanie Patterson:

“The only thing better that buying a new home is the relationship with a Realtor that makes your day better. Any agent can scan MLS and setup showings. A special one gets into your head and helps you find the house that you didn’t even know you wanted. Such is the case with the Stephanie and Meriellen (daughter/mother) team. We spent months looking with both. The Cole Team has a depth of houses that they list and that gave us the opportunity to find the perfect house before it hit the market. Clearly a win for all.” -Richard C., Zillow

Sekhar Thadiparthi, Sekhars Realty

• 157 reviews
• 151 recent sales
• Highlights:Buyer’s Agent,Foreclosure,Short-Sale,Resale

Here’s what clients have to say about Sekhar Thadiparthi:

“Perfect realty company for buying a home. Sekhar helped us through out the process, negotiated the price, got us a good deal. We were able to find the right home only after a day we reached out to him. He also pointed us to correct people for inspection and any other needs. Overall a great  person to work with. I’ll totally recommend him for finding homes.” -Anvesh K., Zillow

Kim Schmal, Century 21 Results

• 55 reviews
• 28 recent home sales
• Highlights: Buyer’s Agent, Listing Agent, Relocation, Short-Sale, Property Management

Here’s what clients have to say about Kim Schmal:

“Being a first-time homebuyer, we had a lot of doubts and worries. Kim was always there to assure us that everything is fine and she answered all of our questions. So professional. I always felt that we were the most important clients to her and she always had time for us. Always! She was there every step of the way. We were so lucky to meet someone who is trustworthy, client-focused, and experienced. Kim is also tremendously knowledgeable about Cumming’s (Georgia) neighborhoods and school districts. Kim helped to find the perfect first home for my husband, our two boys and me.”  -Anonymous, Zillow

If you’ve decided to search for homes in Alpharetta, you’ll need a real estate agent that will go above and beyond to make sure you get the best deal possible.

However, if you are looking to get the best deal (plus some!), then SimpleShowing is the way to go! When buying with a SimpleShowing, agents provide assistance with negotiation, inspection, and contract support. As an added bonus, you’ll also receive a buyer refund of up to half of our commission at closing. Depending on where you purchased, that refund could easily cover two or three mortgage payments!

Buyers aren’t the only ones who benefit. For sellers, SimpleShowing offers a low 1% listing fee. You’ll get a dedicated real estate agent, contract and negotiation support, MLS listings, an open house, and more. Everything that you’ve come to expect from a professional real estate agent, you’ll get with SimpleShowing – it’ll just cost you less money!

Are you ready to make the move? Contact us today and we’ll put you in touch with one of our top real estates agents in the area. Soon you’ll be on your way to finding your personal Alpharetta oasis!

Pools are a popular addition to many homes, but like anything else, there are pros and cons to installing one. Here are a few of the key factors to keep in mind before making a decision.

Different Types Of Pools

There are three main types of pools: above-ground, inground, and inflatable. Above-ground pools are the most affordable option, but they require more maintenance than inground pools. Inground pools are more expensive to install, but they offer more features and require less maintenance. Inflatable pools are a good option for small yards or for temporary use.

Each comes with its own set of safety hazards, risks, and precautions. There are several swimming pool drowning incidents that occur each year in the United States, so it’s important to do your research and choose the right type of pool and take the necessary steps to ensure safety.

Pro: A Great Activity For Your Family

A large pool can be a great activity for your family. It can be used as a place to swim, or as a place to just relax and enjoy the summer. Swimming is also a great way to stay healthy. Adults and children alike can enjoy the benefits of swimming. This is also a great place to spend time with your family. The water is a wonderful place to spend time together. Hiring pool contractors for a custom swimming pool ensures your family gets a unique design tailored to your needs and preferences.

Pro: Hosting Parties For Friends

A pool can be a great place to host parties. You can invite friends over, and they can enjoy the pool until it gets dark. If you have a pool, you can make it a great place to visit. When you have friends over, they’ll feel like they’re in a resort or hotel. It’s a great place for parties, and it gives you an opportunity to show off your home.

Pro: Great Addition For Property Value

Pools can add appraisal value to your property. If you’re considering installing a pool, one of the key factors to keep in mind is that it can contribute to the appreciation of your home. This is especially true for inground pools, which are more expensive to install but offer more features and require less maintenance.

Con: High Cost For Initial Installation

If you’re planning to add a swimming pool at your home, there’s going to be a high initial cost for installation. You’ll need to pay for the entire installation process, including the concrete slab and all of the equipment needed for installation. Before you add any pool, you should look into all of the costs associated with the installation process. There are ways that you can save money on the initial cost of installing a pool, but you’ll still need to budget for it when you’re looking to add one at your home. If you don’t have the budget to add one at the beginning, don’t worry. You can add one later on after your budget allows it.

Con: Challenging To Clean And Maintain

Swimming pools are challenging to clean and maintain. The water is going to be dirty after swimmers leave and before they return. You’ll need someone who has experience in cleaning pools in order to maintain your pool properly. If you don’t have someone who has experience in cleaning pools, there are companies that can help you out with this process.

Con: Mosquitos And Animals May Be A Problem

If you have animals in your home, such as dogs or cats, you may have problems with mosquitoes and other insects around your pool. Mosquitoes will breed around your pool, so you’ll need to clean it regularly for this not to be a problem. You may also have issues with animals such as raccoons or skunks that may dig in your pool and damage it. You may also have issues with rodents or other wildlife that may dig in your pool and damage it. These are all things that you should worry about when adding a swimming pool at your home. You should budget for these issues when planning on adding a swimming pool at your home. If you can’t afford these issues when adding a swimming pool, don’t worry about it too much. You can add one later on after your budget allows it.

Adding a pool to your home can be a great investment, but there are some things that you need to consider before you make the decision. Make sure that you have a good understanding of the pros and cons of adding a pool before you make the decision to do so.

The home selling process ranks as one of the top 10 most stressful events in a person’s life – right after divorce, job loss, death of a family member and bankruptcy!

As one of the top brokerages in the Southeast, we have truly seen every mistake in the book – whether the mistake is made by the home seller, the agent, the lender or the buyer. Here are the top mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Overpricing Your Home

It’s very difficult to resist the urge to overprice your home. Virtually everyone struggles with this because the homeowners always wants to avoid “leaving money on the table.” It’s a phrase we hear uttered all the time – almost every day! LOL

When contestants on The Price is Right guess the exact retail price of an item, they receive a bonus prize. And in real estate, “sellers who price their house at the real, fair market tend not only to sell faster, but also to sell for 2 percent more than their home is worth.” ― Stan Humphries, Co-Founder of Zillow

Basically, according to Zillow’s research over years of transactions, those that were fairly priced, or slightly under priced, actually sold faster and for more than those that were over priced.

2. Staying Home During Buyer Tours or Limiting Showings

Whether you want to go grab a cup of coffee or an ice cream to treat yo’ self, let the prospective buyers tour the home without you there. You don’t want to hover or prevent them from feeling comfortable walking around and exploring.

It’s also important to not decline showings, especially on the weekend. This has become more difficult in recent years with work-from-home setups, but if your home is priced accurately, prepare to have lots of showings – particularly the first week. And best practice is to accept them all!

3. Overpaying Your Agent

Truly one of the biggest regrets many homeowners have when selling their property is overpaying their Realtor. You will rarely ever hear someone claim their agent deserved more commission. In fact, it’s quite the opposite – after their home is sold, most people feel that their agent was overpaid for the service they provided.

When you sell your home, you’ll typically be on the hook for 5.5 – 6% in total commissions. You can easily control the listing agent commission, which generally accounts for about half of the commission cost. A big, national brokerage (e.g. ReMax, Keller Williams, etc.) will charge you 3% for listing agent services. In today’s market, it’s wise to explore discount, tech-enabled brokerages like SimpleShowing which results in a 2% reduction in commissions paid – or about $11,000 on average.

4. Taking a Low Offer Personally

When you’ve put ton of money into renovating your home or redoing your kitchen/bath/yard, it’s hard not to be emotionally attached. You put in blood, sweat and tears — or paid someone else to. You remember what it was like before – and the amazing difference today. Buyer’s don’t have this same perspective.

Buyer’s see what it is today – compared to price/features of other properties. So while the kitchen renovation may have cost you $20k, that doesn’t mean you can add $20k to the sales price to make up the difference. If you get a low offer or negative showing feedback, don’t take it personally. It’s all part of the process and is often times a negotiation tactic.

4. Not Decluttering or Staging Your Home

Appearance is everything and so are first impressions. You’ve got the buyer in your home, so make sure you can create a connection with your property.

Your home should look the best it has ever looked. Keeping things minimal inside your house allows the buyer to envision what the space will look like as they’d like it, so limit your clutter to a minimum. If the home is vacant, you might want to consider staging the living room and master bedroom so the property doesn’t feel cold or sterile.

6. Hiring an Inexperienced Agent or Family Member

Selling a home can be tough which is why you need an agent who knows the process all the way through. This is why it’s important to hire an experienced agent, but make sure you understand their commission structure before you list. Calculate their cost versus other agents before you sign anything.

Brokers like SimpleShowing who offer a lower, 1% listing fee will usually save you thousands of dollars compared to others who charge a 3%.

7. Ignoring Necessary Repairs Prior to Listing

Major maintenance issues can turn buyers off and prevent showings before you even get started. Many agents recommend getting a “pre-listing inspection” before you list your property. While it’s not required, it could help you uncover potential issues prior to selling.

If you have obvious repair needs that you already know about – for example, you’ve got a leaky sink, faulty light switch or mold in the shower, you’ll definitely want to tackle these because the issues will be easily discovered by homebuyers during showings and prevent a potential offer.

8. Not Using Professional Photographers

It’s simple. Pro, high-definition photos lead to more traffic. The majority of home buyers are searching online or via a mobile app for their next dream house and the major feature they have to look at is photos. Professional photos ensure that viewers will stop and pay attention to your listing. If you rely on iPhone photos that you took in a rush, your listing is probably going to get hidden amongst the other hundreds of listings in your area.

Conclusion – Prep, Plan and Save

As you can see from our list – there are plenty of mistakes to avoid, most of which will save you time, money and heartache during the process of selling your home. Don’t forget to tackle those small repairs, talk to your agent about commission rates and approach the selling process pragmatically – not emotionally. Happy selling!

The cost of renting an apartment increased 31% year-over-year in 2021! With such eye-popping increases, finding a good value for your monthly payment is becoming more and more difficult. Most apartment shoppers opt to use more than one real estate website or app to compare inventory and options in order to ensure they find the best deal in the best location.

Apartment Rental Sites

Luckily, there are dozens of fantastic apartment and rental websites – whether you’re looking to rent a new apartment, a single family house, a condo or a studio – you’ll be able to find the right fit with one of these websites. Check out our top picks to help you manage your search:

June

June operates primarily in large cities, catering to a diverse clientele that includes young professionals, students, and those in need of temporary housing. The platform offers a range of benefits such as short- and long-term rentals, flexible furnishing options, 3D tours, and pre-approval features.

Apartments.com

Apartments.com is one of the largest apps in terms of downloads and users. It offers millions of listings, an impressive range of filters, and a trustworthy reputation. It also has a convenient tool allows the user to draw search area borders, as well as a keyword search for listings.

The site offers a “Local Guide” feature, which informs renters about the latest market trends, top schools, most popular apartments, and more.

RentCafe

RentCafe is one of the largest apartment websites, offering renters all over the country a convenient and efficient experience when browsing for apartments. RentCafe offers access to multiple filters to curate the apartment search, varying from price and size to pet-friendliness, amenities, rent specials, and so much more. Using their e-commerce style compare tool, renters can see side-by-side descriptions of up to 3 apartments, which makes finding the best option very comfortable.

RentCafe takes all the steps in a rental process online, so from finding the apartment to contacting the landlord and signing the lease, all things can be done on the platform. Plus, the RentCafe blog offers informative articles and guides for renters, as well as detailed reports about the rental market and various issues in real estate.

Zumper

Zumper has a simple, modern user interface, is easy to use and breaks down every neighborhood within a city. It offers national coverage, without many banner or display ads. It’s a good option if you want basic search and filtering capability, without all the extra bells and whistles. It also shows amenities nearby like public transportation in popular cities.

Zillow Rentals

Zillow is well-known as the biggest portal for shopping real estate to buy. But Zillow is also used by property managers, Realtors and apartment shoppers. They have tons of different filter and criteria options, plus their Zestimate tool lets you easily compare rent prices so you can determine if you’re getting a good deal for the property.

Compared to other sites, Zillow is best suited for finding single-family homes for the same cost as an apartment. The “Zestimate” also allows users to easily compare the prices of the rentals and estimated home values. The app also has a messaging interface that help you make information requests from the listing page.

Realtor.com

Realtor.com is one of the larger sites and also has a very good mobile app. The business is a partner of the National Association of Realtors and all of its listings are syndicated directly from local MLS (multiple listing services). So, you’ll also be able to shop for condos and other styles of properties other than apartments.

Many users feel that it reflects the most accurate listing and property data versus some of the other apps, helping you save time and avoid searching on multiple apps.

Craigslist

Craigslist is well-known for selling and trading products, but is also a unique place for finding apartment listings. There are many “mom and pop” landlords that have used it for more than a decade and avoid listing through a Realtor or on a big site like Zillow. The listing detail and photos are not a curated or user-friendly as the other apartment apps, but it’s definitely worth checking out when shopping for a new place.

RadPad

RadPad offers a few unique features that other apps don’t have. For example, it has a lease duration filters and an “I need a roommate” setting in addition to basic search for number of rooms and baths. Users can connect their RadPad accounts to Facebook as a way for social proof when meeting a prospective roommate.

Rent.com

While Rent has a smaller selection in terms of rental listings compared to Zillow or Trulia, it does provide extra resources if you’re looking to save money. Use Rent’s Moving Center to get free moving quotes that saves you time versus calling moving companies one by one for quotes.

Hotpads

Hotpads offers users a wide range of search customization in terms of neighborhoods, budgets, and apartment sizes. Hotpads also offers a “For You” section, which recommends properties nearby. The website displays many times the property has been viewed, giving you a sense of how popular a property might be.

Local Facebook Groups

A great option for finding properties for rent is Facebook Groups.  You can search for local groups that advertise homes for rent in your area. One advantage is that you can generally direct message the people who are renting their properties.

More tips

Apartment Finder is another good option that provides you with a comprehensive inventory of nearby, popular apartments and corresponding offers for various cities.

Lastly, you can search for top property managers and find apartments through large rental networks like Invitation Homes and Progress Residential. These companies focus more on renting single family houses, rather than apartments.

Renting vs Buying a Home

If you’re weighing the option of buying a home instead of renting, check out this article that compares the two. In it, we’ve made a list of reasons you might want to stop renting and start owning.

In general, you should make the choice based on your lifestyle, credit score, ability to make a down payment. If you’re located in a market where the average home values are not substantially above the nation average, buying a home could certainly be the wise decision. To get started with buying, get pre-approved for preferred mortgage rates to see if you qualify to buy a home.

Apartment Rental Deals & Discounts

There are a ton of communities that have their own self-managed apartment websites where you may be able to find great deals that don’t appear on sites like Zillow. Be sure to do a map search to find nearby apartments and check their individual websites for special pricing and to browse the most up to date inventory.

Many communities even offer discounts if you secure a unit through their website, rather than a search portal and offer an interactive map of the community that you may not find on search portals. Keep in mind, the landlord and property manager’s goal is to fill vacancies, so it’s worth asking for a one-off, special discount if vacancy is high.

You can also often get a special rate if you can make rent payments online. Many apartment communities require online payment, while others offer discounts for paying online.