Josephine Nesbit

Your Checklist for Selling a House: How to Prepare, Stage and Close

Selling a home requires more work than sticking a “For Sale” sign in the front yard, and the right preparation is essential for the process to go smoothly. Your home should make a great first impression that attracts buyers, and the steps you take can impact the time it spends on the market and the offers you receive. 

January 1, 2025

The Economics of Real Estate: 13 Factors that Affect Home Values

How much your home is worth depends on what’s happening in the real estate market. Home values are also influenced by various economic, demographic and property-specific factors. Sellers can use this information to set an appropriate sale price. Meanwhile, buyers may consider these factors to make a competitive offer. 

January 1, 2025

HOA Fees Explained: What Every Homebuyer Should Know

When you buy a property governed by a homeowners association (HOA), you might gain access to amenities and conveniences that do not come with every home. Those features have a cost that’s covered by the fees associated with owning a home in an HOA. 

January 1, 2025

What Is an Open House? Everything You Need to Know

An open house is a scheduled public home viewing hosted by a seller or real estate agent. For sellers, it’s a powerful tool for marketing a home and finding serious buyers. It also gives prospective homebuyers the chance to explore the home and get a feel for the space without the need to schedule a private showing.

January 1, 2025

Mortgage Discount Points: Are They Worth the Cost?

When financing a home, discount points can be a strategy to lower the interest rate on your mortgage. By reducing your interest rate, you can potentially lower your mortgage payment and the interest you pay over the life of the loan. 

January 1, 2025

Buyer’s Market vs Seller’s Market: How to Negotiate and Close the Deal

Determining the right time to buy or sell a home – and the right way to negotiate – can be complex. Home prices can be influenced by mortgage rates, the number of available homes for sale, and the speed with which homes receive offers and go under contract. 

January 1, 2025

How Do Real Estate Agents Get Paid?

Real estate agents are licensed professionals who assist buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. Like all professionals, agents are paid for their work once the transaction settles.

January 1, 2025

VA Loans: Benefits, Eligibility and the Application Process

A VA loan is a government-backed mortgage that helps service members, veterans and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. VA loans are often considered one of the best mortgage options available, as they have more flexible credit guidelines than other types of home loans. A VA loan also offers lower interest rates and requires no down payment or mortgage insurance.

January 1, 2025

Small Projects, Big Returns: Home Improvements That Add Value

Most homeowners have considered tackling a home improvement project at some point. According to a report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, 24.5 million homeowners took on home improvement projects in 2021, spending an average of $3,300 to $4,000 per owner. 

January 1, 2025

12 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Buying your first home is a significant milestone that can be overwhelming. As one of the biggest financial commitments you’re likely to make, it's essential to navigate the process strategically.

January 1, 2025