Home Buying Tips

• Too many houses, but only one fits
  Finding a home to buy is rarely easy. Some buyers look for months, even years, before finding the right house. When you do find the right house, a mixed bag of emotions can cloud your good judgment. You'll probably wonder if you're making the right decision. Continue article...
• Estimating How Much Home You Can Afford
  It's the question you need to ask yourself before you even BEGIN your new home search. It's the most important factor in determining what kind of home you can secure, and where you can begin to look. It's a crucial consideration for first-timers and veteran home buyers alike. Continue article...
• Plan Ahead for Real Estate Market Shifts
  If an economic disaster turns your local housing market into mush, will you be poised to capitalize on the new opportunities? Continue article...
• Pros and cons of old and new homes
  When deciding between an old or new home, the list of pros and cons is lengthy. Continue article...
• How to protect yourself in a real estate transaction
  It's no wonder that buying or selling a home ranks high on the list of the most stress-provoking events one can experience, up there with the death of a loved one and divorce. There's a lot at stake financially when you buy or sell a home. A good or bad outcome can affect your net worth, as well as your sense well being. Continue article...
• How much work should you do before selling?
  Recently a couple that owned a home in Berkeley, Calif., decided to move to neighboring Piedmont. They started their search by visiting Sunday open houses. It was quite apparent to them which listings had been prepared for sale and which ones had not. They were invariably drawn to listings that were charming, clean, and uncluttered. Continue article...