HouseLogic

Listing realtors don’t sell apparently – buyers agents do (what a crock). What makes this most interesting is that in the past, real estate professionals have been reminded time and again that the Association is member centric, and finally that is no longer the case. HouseLogic seeks to be a Resource not found elsewhere on the web, helping consumers improve and maintain the value of their home, providing resources and cost savings in the process- the “Mint.com for homeowners”, says Jim Duncan. And because they don’t earn a paycheck from your loan selection, their advice about mortgages should be impartial. Let’s start with the most common type of mortgage, that workhorse of home loans — the fixed-rate mortgage.

You don’t need a finance degree to make an informed decision.
All historical reports and data can be found in the REALTOR® Store.
You can also request an end to paying PMI premiums once your loan balance has dropped to 80% of your home’s value.
When they do, the repair cost is a median amount of $26 more than the warranty, according to CR.
“Spend $1,000 on a new, energy-efficient stove, and it could take 10 years of energy savings to offset the cost of the new stove,” he says.
Further, a new garage door can help homeowners feel better about their homes, the 2025 report finds.
The National Association of REALTORS® cares about homeownership.

How to Prioritize Repairs Before Selling a House

Ultimately, you’ll be working with your loan officer or broker to narrow these choices and find a loan that works for you and your finances. Only a select number of lenders offer USDA loans; here’s a list of USDA-approved lenders nationwide. Given the benefits, a VA loan is often the best mortgage option for people who qualify. A broad swath of people, including those with lower credit scores and income, use FHA loans. That depends on which government loan you’re looking at. If you’re not a first-time home buyer or you earn 80% or less than the median income in your area, the down payment requirement is 5%.

Sell

Whether you’re reading headlines or listening to opinions or news, checking the facts and the numbers behind them will separate facts from real estate myths and lead to more-sound real estate decisions. In addition to VA and USDA loans, many state-specific home-buying grants and first-time home buyer down payment programs are available, he says. Housing myths may leave you confused about what’s really happening in the real estate market.

Household Expenses You’re Probably Wasting Your Money On

In mortgage shopping, it’s also important to compare loan terms and understand that adjustable rates can rise significantly over time. A real estate professional can help you prioritize which projects are strong investments in your market. One of the top remodeling projects that can increase homeowners’ satisfaction with their home is new wood flooring, according to the NAR report. Painting the entire home or even one room is the most common project real estate agents recommend to make properties more marketable, according to the NAR report. Indeed, a closet renovation could offer an 83% return on the upfront cost at resale and is one of the top remodeling projects the NAR report identified.

HouseLogic content covers home improvement, maintenance, taxes, finance, insurance, and ways for homeowners to get involved in and enrich their communities. The National Association of REALTORS® cares about homeownership.

And if you’re buying a second home, you’ll need a down payment of at least 10%.
These vampires can account for as much as 20% of your total energy costs, Duke says.
Where I think the Association is tied down is to the reality that on paper and point and click, this project has all of the hallmarks of a successful brand, but plagued by antiquated practitioners that do not operate anywhere near the level of its online face, because at the end of the day, the transaction happens on the ground in real time, and in real life.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set limits on how much money you can borrow for a conventional loan.
You’ll have to pay for PMI until your loan balance drops to 78% of the original appraised value of your home.
“Unless you have a really old appliance, it’s probably efficient enough for your needs.

Courtesy of NH Association of Realtors®

To pick the best loan for your situation, think about your situation. Your source for ready-to-use articles on all aspects of homeownership, including homebuying and selling, for your consumer communications. Looking back, Costello says she likely could have avoided some of her remodeling nightmare by spotting the red flags. Being licensed, bonded, and insured can lend credibility to contractors and offer protection to homeowners, but these credentials come with some limitations, according to Rudin. You can also find out whether a contractor you’re considering has been certified by an industry organizations. “If the company has a bad BBB rating, this means they likely have houselogic.com failed to satisfy real customers who had real experiences.”

Myth #4: Renting Is Smarter than Buying

Today’s market looks very different from the one in 2008, Yun says. A preapproval letter signals to sellers that you’re a serious buyer, and it could help strengthen your offer. By comparison, financial experts often recommend households keep that share under 28% of gross monthly income to avoid becoming cost-burdened. That means the typical family spends 25.7% of their income on housing.

Lynn Ettinger has written about real estate and business for more than two decades. Following a seasonal home maintenance checklist will prioritize your time and money, familiarize you with your home’s systems, and protect your investment. First-time home buyers in particular are seeking co-buying solutions to overcome home affordability hurdles. The iconic REALTOR® logo means that you’ve found a REALTOR® – a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. LookForTheR.realtor (formerly content by HouseLogic) is a free source of information and tools from the NAR that you can use to help your clients make smart and timely decisions about their homes. All historical reports and data can be found in the REALTOR® Store.