If you’ve been house hunting lately, you’ve probably felt the sting of today’s mortgage rates. And it’s because of those rates and rising home prices that many homebuyers are starting to explore other types of loans to make the numbers work. And one option that’s gaining popularity? Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

If you remember the crash in 2008, this may bring up some concerns. But don’t worry. Today’s ARMs aren’t the same. Here’s why.

Back then, some buyers were given loans they couldn’t afford after the rates adjusted. But now, lenders are more cautious, and they evaluate whether you could still afford the loan if your rate increases. So, don’t assume the return of ARMs means another crash. Right now, it just shows some buyers are looking for creative solutions when affordability is tough. 

You can see the recent trend in this data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). More people are opting f. ...

Some Highlights

Unfortunately, a lot of sellers today are setting their asking price too high. That’s leading to an uptick in price cuts.?
Some of the most common reasons this is happening are that they’re not paying attention to current market conditions or they’re trying to leave room for negotiation.
The best way to avoid this mistake? Lean on an agent. Let’s connect to make sure your house is priced to pull people in, not push them away.  ...

If you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are you'll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life. 
The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process.
Terms Every Homebuyer Should Know
Once you’re familiar with this terminology, you’ll have a better understanding of important details – from contracts to negotiations. So, when those big conversations happen, you’ll feel informed, in control, and able to make the best decision for your unique situation. As Redfin puts it:
“Having a basic understanding of important real estate concepts before you start the homebuying process will give you peace of mind now and could save you a fortune in the future.”
Here’s a break; ...

Selling a house during probate in Virginia involves several legal and procedural steps, as probate is a court-supervised process to manage the estate of a deceased person. Below are step-by-step instructions to guide you through this process:
Step 1: Determine if Probate is Necessary
Not all estates require probate. If the deceased held the property in joint tenancy or had a living trust, probate may not be needed. Consult with an estate attorney to confirm whether probate is necessary for the specific property.
Step 2: Appoint an Executor or Administrator
If there is a will, the person named as the executor will handle the estate, including selling the property.
If there is no will, the court will appoint an administrator. You need to petition the Circuit Court in the county where the deceased lived to be named the administrator of the estate.
Actions:
File a Petition for Probate with the Virginia Circuit Court to be formally appointed.
Provide the death certificate, the will s ...

Are you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off? It’s a common dilemma, but here’s a key point to consider: your lifestyle might be the biggest factor in your decision. While financial aspects are important, sometimes the personal motivations for moving are reason enough to make the leap sooner rather than later.
An annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers insight into why homeowners like you chose to sell. All of the top reasons are related to life changes. As the graph below highlights:

As the visual shows, the biggest motivators were the desire to be closer to friends or family, outgrowing their current house, or experiencing a significant life change like getting married or having a baby. The need to downsize or relocate for work also made the list.
If you, like the homeowners in this report, find yourself needing features, space, or amenities your current home just can’t provide, it may be time to consider ta. ...