The seller has accepted your offer, the inspector didn’t find any underground streams or shaky foundations, and the closing date is set. You’re in the homestretch! While you can breathe a little easier, remember, the deal’s not done until everyone signs all the (zillion) documents at the closing table. And, your lender can still change their mind. Here are some things to avoid in the run-up to the big day:
1. Don’t Mess with Your Income-to-Debt Ratio
The ratio of your monthly income to your monthly debts is one of the main factors the lender considered when qualifying you. And your lender will probably run your financials two or three more times before closing. While it’s tempting, don’t take out a big loan for the new deck you want to install when you move into your new place. Don’t sign the lease on the new Audi that will look perfect in your new driveway. The bank looks at lease payments like any other debt payment.
2. Don’t disap. ...

The best time to transfer utilities into your name when buying a home will be about a week before closing.  By that time, the seller likely will have notified the utilities that they are moving and have requested a final bill.  This should make the process much easier.

How Do I Transfer Utilities Into My Name?

It isn’t difficult to transfer utilities into your name provided that service has not been stopped. You are going to have the easiest time when you are transferring your service from one location to another.  If you have to set up completely new accounts, it may take a while longer.

Can I Set Up Utilities Before Closing?

Of course!  And you should!  While you have many responsibilities before closing and you might be really busy, you don’t want to forget to change the utilities over to your name.  You don’t want to start the process of transferring the utilities before you have made it through your inspection notice.&n ...

It’s common for both first-time homebuyers and experienced homeowners to feel overwhelmed by the process of purchasing a house. Plus, myths and misconceptions often make the experience even more confusing.
Myths like: Renting is cheaper than buying. You need a credit score of 700 to get a loan. You shouldn’t buy in a seller’s market. Have you come across any of these?
If you’re thinking of buying this year, don’t let these misleading ideas deter you from your goals.
Myth #1: You need a certain credit score. While mortgage programs do have credit score minimums, you’d be surprised at how low those go. With an FHA loan, you may be able to get financing with a score of 500. (Just know that your score may also affect the interest rate and terms of the loan.)
Myth #2: You should only buy during certain seasons or under certain market conditions. While competition may seem fierce lately, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy a hou. ...

When you think of selling your home, chances are you think of making money, not spending money. But the truth is, there are costs associated with selling a home, and if you (and your budget!) don’t want to be caught off guard, it’s important to know what those costs are and plan for them ahead of time.
So what, exactly, are the costs associated with selling your home? A recent video from realtor.com outlined some home selling costs you may incur while selling your home, including:

·   Professional photos. In today’s digital-first world, when so many buyers look at properties online, having high-quality photos of your home is a must. And, in many cases, that means hiring a professional photographer. The cost of a real estate photographer will vary based on where you live and how large your property is, but you can expect to pay, on average, somewhere between $500 and $1000.

·   Landscaping.&n. ...

Between rising prices, heated competition, and historically low inventory, there’s no denying that it’s been challenging for buyers to navigate today’s market.
But just because today’s market is challenging for buyers doesn’t mean it’s impossible; you just need the right strategy for success.
So what, exactly, is that strategy? A recent article from realtor.com outlined the key tips homebuyers need to know in order to succeed in today’s scorching hot real estate market, including:
 
·         Shop for homes below your budget. In today’s market, homes are often selling for significantly higher than their asking price—so if you look at homes at the top of your price range, chances are, you won’t be able to compete in a bidding war. Instead, look for homes below what you can afford; then, if you end up in a bidding war, you have some wiggle room to make a co. ...