How to Get Your Home Ready For Sale and Many Other Wise Real Estate Topics
You probably already know that every agent has a different opinion on how to get your home ready for sale. The buyer of your home has a different opinion too. Being flexible is the most truth we can tell you. Making your home perfect will not deliver the most profit to you in the long run. In our real estate blog, you will learn many secrets that just make the process simple.
Getting the Most Profit From Your Investment
Flexiblity in negotiation and what you are willing to do being stated in the listing and at the home gives you the most opportunity for profit. As a result of this flexibility being advertised to buyers, the concessions that would be given willingly to a buyer are often absorbed in the negotiation. Most importantly, the defined about asked for by a buyer is never calculated to the dollar and does not have the time restraint of getting bids from contractors.
Taking Advantage of the Simple Steps on How To Get Your Home Ready For Sale
Because you will learn the simple steps of how to get your home ready for sale in our blog, we will limit them in this paragraph.
- Clean
- De-clutter
- De-personalize
- Repair obvious problems
- Be flexible to buyer’s desires
In conclusion, none of these should take you hours of stress or weeks of delay. Buyers are purchasing your property based on your location.
Learn About Real Estate From The Comfort of Your Home
By using the blog as your primer to what you need to know combined with our knowledge, we will make a great team. Maximizing your profit is the number one priority and that starts with keeping your selling fees low and asking a high price.
Proven Steps on How To Get Your Home Ready for Sale
We call these steps yet they are really tricks of the trade.
Before you paint, try a Magic Eraser.
Get rid of smells, use Angry Orange.
Declutter by packing and store boxes in your garage.
To depersonalize, take your personal pictures and rivalries off the wall.
DUFFY's Real Estate Blog
Commission Sharing Club Has Taken Off To Bring DUFFY Buyers a Chance To Make Thousands
The internet changed the way that buyers search for properties that are for sale. As a result, many buyers don't want to hire an agent until they are absolutely sure that they are buying and that they have a clear idea of where they want to buy. Yet the selling commission side of real estate for agent's compensation has not reduced. That's why DUFFY has a Commission Sharing Club for Buyers who are self-searching for…
Losing a Spouse, Here’s how to Help
Losing a Spouse, Here's how to Help Losing a Spouse, here's how to help... while losing a spouse is painful and emotional, the world doesn’t always wait for loved ones to grieve. After the passing of a partner, the widow or widower will often need to address financial and other issues as they navigate life on their own. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your loved one tackle these crucial decisions.…
🏡🤔When to List Your Home – Market Update for Spring 2023
When to List Your Home - Market Update for Spring 2023 When to List Your Home - Market Update for Spring 2023: When should you list? Do you want to know all of the creative options to sell your home? With DUFFY it’s like being a fisherman and casting a wider net on the other side of the boat that catches ALL fish versus just one kind. First, this has been a very…
How to Buy a Home and Start a Business at the Same Time
How to Buy a Home and Start a Business at the Same Time Both starting a business and buying a new house are major events. This is why you need to know How to Buy a Home and Start a Business at the Same Time. It will not always be the case to attempt both; however, it may be necessary to tackle these two tasks simultaneously, especially if you need to upsize to make…
Buying Your First Home
Buying Your First Home So, you’re close to buying your first home. Few things are more exciting than a home purchase for adults, but the process can be daunting. After all, there are so many factors to consider, not to mention it’s one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make! That said, taking the steps necessary to become a homeowner can go smoothly with a bit of research and planning. DUFFY Realty walks through…
Starting a New Life in a New City
Starting a New Life in a New City Starting a new life in a new city after you've experienced a few setbacks can be overwhelming. After all, you probably don't want to repeat the same mistakes you've made in the past, and you certainly don't want to be reminded of what caused you to fail in the first place. Duffy Realty shares some helpful tips on how to go about rebuilding your life again step…
Common Expectations During Renovations
Common Expectations During Renovations If you are interested in performing renovation in your home, then know that there is a lot that goes into the project. Even if you are only renovating one room, you will need to think about lighting, flooring, furnishings, and, most importantly, the cost of the project. Here at Duffy Realty of Atlanta, we love to see people enjoy their dream homes, so we have created this guide of tips and…
Helpful Tips on Making a Living in Two States
Helpful Tips on Making a Living in Two States If you've been thinking about living in multiple states, but have been doubtful about whether you could ever pull it off, there are ways you can make it happen. All it takes is some careful planning and a solid strategy to strike the perfect balance. Presented by Duffy Realty of Atlanta, here are some helpful tips on making a living in two states. Make the necessary…
A Stress-Free Checklist for Moving for a New Job
A Stress-Free Checklist for Moving for a New Job Moving across the country or even just across town can be stressful, especially if you’re moving to another city for work. But you don’t have to stress about your move with this handy checklist from Duffy Realty, detailing all the most important things to consider when planning your next big move. Here is your Stress-Free Checklist for Moving for a New Job: Set Goals Depending on…
Low Commission Real Estate Broker in Atlanta Saves Sellers Sanity and Equity
Low Commission Real Estate Option Allows Sellers to Keep Their Sanity When Sellers and Buyers evaluate the cost of real estate fees they are appalled that real estate agents make the amount of money that they do! Have you ever added up the commissions and then broken them down to an hourly rate? Unfortunately, you don't always have all of the details of what a real estate agent does in a Seller transaction (or Buyer…
Buyer Fleurine uses DUFFY to buy and gets $3,750.00 of DUFFY’s Commission
Words cannot begin to explain how grateful we are for Duffy Realty of Atlanta. The entire process from A-Z has been incredibly easy. They make the home buying process less stressful. The team is amazing. They answered every question we had. The communication was easy. The timeline spreadsheet has all the tools you need from beginning to end. They even has some recommendations for home inspectors, cleaning services, etc. Every time we called or emailed…
Buyer McGlone buys home in Decatur and gets $3,362.50 of Duffy’s Commission
Buying my first home seemed like an impossible task that I was completely unprepared for. I had no idea where/how to begin or even what the first step should be. My father used Duffy Realty to purchase his last home and recommended I use them and their Buyer’s Program rather than a conventional real estate agent because of their incredible customer service and commission sharing. I took his advice and contacted Romany in the buying…
How to Settle Into Your New Home After Moving
How to Settle Into Your New Home After Moving Whether you move across town or across the country, settling into your new home after moving always takes some time. It’s normal to feel a little out of place in unfamiliar surroundings. You don’t know the neighbors, the streets are confusing to navigate, and you’re living among piles of moving boxes and miscellaneous items that need organizing. Getting your home set up and finding your way…
Buyer Anderson buys home in Marietta and gets $5,580.00 of Duffy’s Commission and Sells and Saves $11,260.00
I used Duffy a few years ago in 2020 to sell my home. They were recommended to me from friends I trusted. I had a great experience with them then. And earlier this year in 2022 I used them again to put my home on the market. They were so knowledgeable, organized and professional, I especially like the time line spreadsheet they gave me, it was helpful knowing where I stood in the process. I…
Buyer Morse buys home in Kennesaw and gets $5,370.00 of Duffy’s Commission
The Morse Story: James and Sydney sold a home with DUFFY and kept $8,000.00 in their pocket because they did not waste listing commission. Then, they purchased a home using DUFFY's Timeline and got a check for $5,370.00 from the commission that DUFFY got as a buyer's agent. It really was that simple. As our buyer, you make part of our commission when we are your agent. The seller pays the buyer's agent so working…
Buyer Lee Buys a Home in Hapeville and Gets $6000.00 of DUFFY’s Buyer Commission
Buyer Lee buys home in Hapeville and gets $6,000.00 of Duffy's Commission Buyer Lee gives DUFFY a 5-star review on Google, Facebook, and Yelp after buying a home with DUFFY The Lee's Story: The Duffy Realty team made our first home-buying experience a breeze. They got us through the closing process so quickly and efficiently. Thanks, Duffy! It really was that simple. As our buyer, you…
6 Reasons to Grow Your Business in Atlanta, Georgia
Grow Your Business in Atlanta Whether you're starting a business or looking for a way to reboot, relocating can give you that extra boost of energy you need. Atlanta is great for entrepreneurs because it balances an accessible, affordable lifestyle with the amenities and opportunities of a city. Here are 6 Reasons to Grow Your Business in Atlanta. 1. Accessible Cost of Living Atlanta has a cost of living that is only slightly higher than…
Final Walk-Through Checklist
The finish line is in sight: you found a property and are preparing to close on the home of your dreams. As you are nearing your move-in date, there is one important task left – to complete the final walk-through checklist before closing! Here is what you need to know... Final Walk-Through Checklist: What You Need to Know The final walk-through, with your final walk-through checklist in hand, is your last chance to check…
The Perfect Backyard Kitchen
Do you love the idea of cooking and entertaining in the back yard? A few upgrades to your patio area can create the perfect backyard kitchen. It doesn’t matter if you have a big budget, or just a few hundred dollars to spend. You can find solutions to enjoy outdoor living with your friends and family. At the same time, this outdoor cooking space is a great way to avoid heating up your home during…
Real Estate Investments Can Lead to Early Retirement
There’s no reason why you need to wait until old age to retire. With the right financial strategy, you can put your cash into real estate investments that help to build a solid portfolio to support you for life. While some people want to work until the age of 65, many others are strategic with their finances so they can retire earlier in life. Building an Income from Rental Properties The real benefit of real…
Home Maintenance Checklist for the Fall
School is back in session and your summer activities have come to an end. It was an unusual summer because of COVID-19. But many families are returning to their regular schedules. Which means that it might be time to look at your home maintenance checklist. Summer is the time to enjoy with family and friends. As the weather starts to change, many homeowners shift their focus to home repairs and maintenance. If you worked on…
Add Backyard Privacy with These Simple Ideas
Creating a comfortable outdoor living space is a great way to upgrade your lifestyle. If you are looking for solutions to improve your home, then you might consider a few tips to optimize backyard privacy. Many homeowners have neighbors nearby and feel like they don’t have much privacy outside. You can solve this common problem by changing your backyard design to increase privacy. Backyard Privacy Ideas Here are a few ideas for backyard privacy you…
4 Trendy Up-and-Coming Home Designs and Styles
Good home designs are the difference between an average home and a property that stands out. Do you love your current home? If not, then it might be time to move to a new property. Current interest rates are low. So, it’s a great time to move! Or, you might invest in renovations for your current home if you’d like to stay awhile. Here are a few of the new trends and styles we are…
Tips For Buying A Home with a Pet
Tips For Buying A Home with a Pet According to the American Pet Products Association, people keep one or more pets in approximately 67 percent of households in the United States. Buying a home when you own a pet might seem like a simple process. After all, sellers, banks, and realtors know that many people buy homes because they can't have pets in rental properties. Yet, the freedom that you think you're going to…
4 Reasons Why Homeownership is a Good Investment
Homeownership can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Are you ready to move from a rental into your own home? Then you need to choose a property that will fit your needs in upcoming years. Buying a home is a big financial investment. So, it’s easy to see why some people are hesitant to move forward with this decision. Is the right time to move forward with your home purchase? Here are…
5 Ideas to Spruce Up Your Backyard for Breezy Nights at Home
Concern about the pandemic continues to be an issue across the nation. So, many families are choosing to find ways to entertain at home. As you are staying close to home, how can you improve your lifestyle? Consider these backyard options to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Add a Fire Pit Create your own camping experience by adding a fire pit in the backyard. A built-in pit requires you to dig a hole in the ground…
5 Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Are you feeling the excitement of moving into the home of your dreams? Buying a home is a big step for your family. It feels good to work with a real estate to find the perfect property. Now that the deal is almost complete, it’s time to think about your moving strategy. Avoid some of these common moving mistakes. Avoid These Moving Mistakes The last-minute preparation before moving has an undeniable impact on your transition…
Why This Summer is Still a Good Time to Buy a Home
If you watch the real estate trends over the years, it’s easy to see that summer is a popular time to buy a home. The kids are out of school, the weather is great, and families are looking to settle in before fall. But has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the summer real estate season? The truth is that this summer is still a great time to buy a home. Talk to our real estate team…
Our Real Estate Services are Available to All
At DUFFY Realty, we are proud to have years of experience serving the diverse population here in the Atlanta area. Our commitment is to provide top-notch real estate services for people of all backgrounds and ethnicities. We believe in fair, equitable service for each client. This is why we work hard to ensure the highest level of care for everyone who walks through the door. Recent events have placed a spotlight on various racial concerns.…
How to Make Your Home Look Great This Summer
Do you love spending time in the sunshine during these warm, summer months? Don’t stay inside all season and miss out on everything summer has to offer. The truth is that summer is the perfect time to make your home look great. You can create an oasis for your family. This home is a place that is ideal for supporting your preferred daily activities and lifestyle. Motivations to Make Your Home Look Great Here are…
How the Economic Rebound is Providing Relief for Homebuyers
The economy plays an undeniable role in the real estate industry. Every family needs a place to live, and there is always an opportunity to buy or sell a home. What should you expect as we are facing an economic rebound after the recent fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic? Trends of the Current Recession According to the experts, this current recession started in February. But the biggest effects were felt in mid-March because of the…
Coronavirus Increases Single-Family Home Popularity
It’s interesting to see how the Coronavirus pandemic has influenced trends in a variety of industries. Most businesses have been affected in one way or another, with some industries slowing while others are booming. In the real estate world, demand is still high and houses are selling. One interesting thing we’ve noticed is that customers are shifting to prefer a single-family home over multi-family housing. Homebuyers have unique goals, which is why the demand continues…
Why Smart Homes May Attract More Buyers
Technology is an important part of many aspects of our lives. which is why many buyers are looking for smart homes. The right digital features can make the home more appealing through a variety of benefits for the family. Installing smart technology right now allows your family to enjoy these benefits. The features can then be passed onto potential homebuyers in the future. In fact, good technology can even boost the value of the property.…
Hardwood Flooring and Why It’s a Benefit for Your Home
Whether you are moving into a new home that needs a bit of TLC, or you are looking at options to upgrade your current home, hardwood flooring is a great option to consider. This timeless material is both stylish and comfortable. It offers visitors a warm welcome from the moment they walk through the door. Making the decision to install hardwood flooring is just the first step. Next, you need to decide on the type…
Dealing with Problem Neighbors
Neighbors are an important part of your community, which is why a bad relationship can be a thorn in your side. When you buy a home, you are committed to the neighborhood for a while. So, it can be frustrating to discover that you have friction with the people next door. When the neighbors are frustrating, you don’t have to just grin at bear it. Also, don’t assume that it means you need to move…
4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Sell Your Home by Yourself
While it is smart to be careful with your budget, it can be a huge mistake to cut corners when you are ready to sell your home. Some people think that a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) approach is the perfect way to put thousands of dollars back in their pockets. The truth is that you are missing out on essential services if you don’t hire an experienced real estate agent. Why FSBO Often Backfires…
Stop Wasting Money on Rent: How to Buy Your First Home
How much money are you spending on rent each month? Take that number and multiply it by 12 to figure out the total cost you are paying for someone else’s mortgage. This expense can really add up through the course of a year! If you want to implement a better financial strategy, then it might be time to invest in your first home so your monthly payment goes towards building equity in your property. The…
Keeping Up with Home Projects and Helping Your Local Contractors
Many people have been staying home during the Coronavirus pandemic. It’s been the perfect time to work on home improvement projects that have fallen to the backburner. What home projects have you been working on? Even as local businesses start to open again, it makes sense to leverage your momentum to continue working on the projects that will improve your home environment. Balancing DIY with Professional Help DIY home projects can be a great way…
Tips to Save Money on Moving Costs
Are you counting down the days until you will move into the home of your dreams? Whether you are looking at local listings to find the right property, or you’ve signed on the bottom line and you are packing the boxes, it is important to consider how the moving costs fit in your budget. Most home buyers are focused so much on the sale price of the property that they overlook other important costs, such…
What to Expect: Negotiating the Sale of Your Home
The process of buying or selling a home is a delicate experience of finding the win-win scenario for both parties. The current homeowner wants to maximize the sale price so equity to roll into their next purchase. At the same time, the buyer is looking for ways to get the best value for the money spent. Often, you need back-and-forth communication when negotiating the details of the transaction. Negotiating a Real Estate Transaction What should…
Declutter Your Closet and Donate to Those in Need
Are you feeling stir crazy from spending so much time at home? It might be the perfect opportunity to declutter your closet and get rid of the stuff that is no longer used. Too often, closets are the catch-all areas of the home where personal items collect over time. If you aren’t proactive in managing your belongings, then it is easy to see how the mess can add up. Why Donate During Coronavirus? With the…
Tips for Finding an Accessible Home
Guest Post: Patrick Young is an educator and activist. When it comes to finding an accessible home, there are many challenges you may face along the way. More often than not, people with disabilities searching for a comfortable place to live will have to make sacrifices and compromise. Most homes are simply not built with accessibility issues in mind. However, going in knowing this can make the process easier. Keep your eye peeled for the…
Looking for a Home During Coronavirus Times?
Just because we are experiencing a change in daily activities due to the Coronavirus, it doesn’t mean that you can’t explore your options for buying a home. How should you proceed if you are looking for a home? Rest assured to know that people are still buying and selling homes, but a few adjustments might need to happen in this process. Tips for Buying a Home During Coronavirus The global pandemic has many people thinking…
Home Improvement Projects: Make the Most of the Extra Time at Home
How much extra time do you have at home during the Coronavirus “Stay Home” recommendations? The specific limits and guidelines are changing daily in many locations across the country (and worldwide). As you are spending more time in your home, you have the opportunity to spend quality time with your family and catch up on home improvement projects. Your free time is the perfect chance for you to get caught up on all of the…
Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Home Virus Free
Home should be a safe haven, especially during stressful times. Many people are worried about how the Coronavirus is impacting the safety of loved ones at home. Even if you are careful about following the CDC’s recommendations for handwashing and limiting exposure, it can give you peace of mind to follow these cleaning tips to minimize the spread of disease. Transmission of Coronavirus The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shared that COVID-19 is…
Low Interest Rates Means It’s a Great Time to Buy a Home
If you’ve been watching the news headlines, you’ve seen the crazy rollercoaster ride it’s been in the stock market. The current Coronavirus pandemic has many businesses and families wondering how the economy will be affected going forward. While there are many scary reports relating to health concerns and the economy, one of the benefits is that low interest rates are available. The Fed announced that they were cutting rates. Even though the Fed rates don’t…
Spring Real Estate Listings: Get Ahead of the Summer Rush
Spring is in the air! As the flowers start to bloom and the weather warms up, many people are daydreaming about spring break and the upcoming plans for summer vacation. You might also be looking at real estate listings if it is time to relocate your family. In this article we will discuss Spring Real Estate Listings: Get Ahead of the Summer Rush. Summer is Busy in Real Estate It’s no surprise that summer is…
How to Prepare for a Home Inspection
How to Prepare for a Home Inspection In many ways, a home inspector’s job is to help sellers and buyers bridge the gap between their competing goals. Sellers want to sell their place quickly at maximum dollar. Buyers want to buy a home at the best price possible. A home inspection will shed light on the current condition of a property, helping the parties to reach a fair price agreement. This article discusses How to…
Spring Cleaning Checklist: Prepare to Sell Your Home This Year
Whether or not you are planning to sell a home this year, spring is the perfect time of year to spruce up your living space and give your home a makeover. If you are thinking about selling, then this spring cleaning checklist can get you started on the right foot. So you are that much closer to being ready for a top-notch real estate listing. In this article we will discuss Spring Cleaning Checklist: Prepare…
Why it is the Perfect Time of Year to Sell Your Home
Real estate deals happen all year long, but there are definitely key seasons when you can optimize the process of buying or selling a home. If you are ready to move and exploring options to sell your home, then don’t delay a phone call to talk to our experienced team at DUFFY Realty. What’s Your Unique Timeline? Buyers and sellers usually have a specific reason they are ready to make a move in the real…
4 Biggest Mistakes People Make in Real Estate Investing
When done correctly, buying and selling properties can be well worth the effort. The highest priority of real estate investing is to make solid investment decisions and avoid common mistakes and industry pitfalls. Sometimes that’s surprisingly easier said than done. Here are the top four mistakes that people make, which can cause them to lose money or limit their return on investment. Here we will discuss the 4 Biggest Mistakes People Make in Real Estate…
Top 5 Benefits of Home Ownership
Home ownership affords unique advantages that you just don’t get from renting. Yes, there is more responsibility when you’re the owner, but the rewards are well worth it. If you’re not convinced, take a look at this list detailing the top five benefits of becoming a homeowner: 1. Build Equity Equity is the difference between what your house is worth and how much you owe on the property. You gain equity in a home by…
DIY Moving vs. Professional Movers: The Pros and Cons
Moving is always a mammoth task to undertake. In light of the challenges, many people decide their best chance of success is to hire professional movers. But while this certainly has its advantages, it also has its drawbacks. DIY moving also has pluses and minuses. So, what exactly should you consider when deciding whether to give it a go or hire a pro? Here are some quick thoughts on the matter. Pros of Moving Yourself…
Which is Best? Buying an Existing Home vs. New Build
Deciding whether to build or buy a new home can be a challenging decision to make. Each choice has its own unique benefits and drawbacks that you’ll want to consider carefully. Here are some things to think about: Buying an Existing Home Faster Closing and Move-In: When buying an existing home, you can expect to close and take possession much faster than you would on a new build. It may take only 45-60 days from…
6 Reasons Why Your Home Isn’t Selling
Selling a home in the Atlanta area doesn’t always go as planned. If your home isn’t selling, then more than likely there is a reason or two causing the problem. Here are the top six most common reasons that your home isn’t selling: Price is Too High: Getting the price right for current market conditions is key to the sale of any home. Your real estate agent should perform a thorough Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)…
Are Replacement Windows Worth the Cost?
One of the questions many people ask is whether they should replace the older windows in their homes. Over time, things wear out or fall into disrepair. Windows are no exception. They often last for decades before they need to be updated, but there always comes a time when purchasing replacement windows may be your best option. Do Your Homework Before you buy new windows, take a little time to consider what circumstances would make…
5 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home
If you’re considering the possibility of buying a home, there are important things to think about before doing so. While there are no absolute rules about how or when you should purchase a home, it’s a good idea to make sure you are ready for homeownership. Here are five questions you should thoughtfully ask yourself before you sign on the dotted line. Why do I want to buy? Many people assume that owning is no…
Simple Ways to Save Money on Your Heating Bill
On average, about 15 to 20 percent of heating costs are lost to home inefficiencies. That translates to a lot of money! The major cause of this heat loss? Leaks that allow heated air to escape through unseen gaps, cracks, nooks, and crannies throughout the structure. As a friendly tip, here are several simple ways to save money on your Atlanta home’s heating bill this winter: Tighten Up the Home The thermal envelope of your…
New Year, New Real Estate Opportunities
As the new year begins, many people make resolutions about what they want to accomplish in the coming 365 days. It has become a well-established practice among people who want to improve themselves and their circumstances. And rightly so! If you want to move forward in life, you’ve got to decide where it is you want to go. As an investor searching for new real estate opportunities, here are several things you should include in…
Top 10 Home Holiday Traditions to Share with Your Family
Every holiday season is a chance to draw a little closer to the ones you love. The memories created during these few months at the end of each year can last a lifetime, creating bonds of unity and family culture. But these things don’t happen on accident! Time-honored home holiday traditions are built on purpose. If you’d like to start some new family home holiday traditions, here are several ideas to consider this holiday season:…
Pros and Cons of Listing Your Rental on AirBnb
Since its debut in 2008, AirBnb has rapidly become a popular way for travelers to find lodging in locally owned properties. In this article we will discuss Pros and Cons of Listing Your Rental on AirBnb. If you’ve ever thought about listing your rental on AirBnb website, there are a few things you’ll want to know about it. Here are the pros and cons of offering up your investment property for short term rental. Pros…
Bad Credit? 4 Things You Need to Know Before Applying for a Mortgage
Just because you have bad credit, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be approved when applying for a mortgage. But, there are a few things that you need to do to reduce the chances that you will run into financing issues when you are preparing to buy a home. If you are applying for a mortgage this year, then you need to follow these tips: Down Payment Preparation for a Mortgage It is hard to…
3 Essential Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent
When you are house hunting, it’s important to have questions to ask your real estate agent that provide insight and context about a potential home you are considering to purchase. Hastily purchasing a new home without doing any due diligence may lead to regrets. That’s where having questions to ask your real estate agent can go a long way. Start with the following: What do I need to know about this neighborhood? You hear it…
Self Employed? How to Get a Mortgage When Buying a Home
How to get a mortgage is a common concern, especially for the self-employed. The financial crisis of 2008 drastically altered the world of real estate and mortgage finance. Where stated income loans were quite common before the crash, they became less so after. Then in 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was passed. This new law eliminated stated income loans altogether. This change in the law severely limited self-employed people everywhere…
Gratitude for a Family Home and a Roof Overhead
Thanksgiving: a day when family and friends gather to feast on roasted turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, and pumpkin pie in the family home. It’s a paid day off from work, a chance to watch the Macy’s parade, an opportunity to catch a football game on the over-sized TV, or head out on an early Black Friday shopping spree. What more could you want from an American holiday? Truly we are blessed in our comfort…
Closed on a Home… What’s Next?Maintenance List?
So, you’ve signed on the dotted line and bought yourself a home. Congratulations! Now that the deal is done, you may be asking yourself, now what? And to be honest, it’s a fair question. You probably already know some of the basics you should take care of right away: cleaning, locks replacement, update your mailing address, etc. But, if you’re new to home ownership in Atlanta, you’ll quickly learn there is a lot of responsibility…
Protect Your Identity When Buying or Selling a Home
For many people, buying or selling a home can be a highlight experience. Supporting agents, brokers, loan officers, appraisers, and more all come together to help close the deal, marking a fresh start for both the buyer and seller. But sometimes, all doesn’t go according to plan. Take identity theft, for instance. It happens to buyers and sellers more often than the industry would care to admit. The experience can leave a person feeling victimized…
Sellers: Don’t Wait for Spring to List
For many people, it can be tempting to put off listing their home for sale until spring to list their home. After all, the market is too slow during the colder months, right? Think again. The sales numbers tell a different story. Over the last 3 years, sales have increased by about 4.5% in the winter months. If you’re thinking of selling, here are several reasons you should go ahead and list your place now…
Warning: Don’t Be Scammed by Real Estate Wire Fraud
The exciting moment is coming up: your offer was accepted, you’ve completed the inspection process, and now you are ready to close on your dream home! The final step is to sign the paperwork and transfer the payment for the purchase. The closing process can feel complicated if you aren’t familiar with the mortgage and real estate industries, which is why it is essential to have a trusted agent to watch out for your interests…
8 Steps to Improve Your Credit (and Qualify for a Mortgage)
Tips to Improve Your CreditHas your low credit score got you down because you feel like it is impossible to qualify for a mortgage? If you are dreaming of homeownership, don’t let yourself get stuck in a rut. There are simple things that can be done to improve your credit score, helping you take a step closer to owning the perfect home for your family.At DUFFY Realty, we love seeing our clients move into their…
Antitrust Efforts Against the “Real Estate Cartel”
Is the real estate industry being stifled by “cartel” activity, happening among agents who want to maintain fat commissions and big paydays? The Consumer Federation of America (CFA), an organization that focuses on consumer rights, has found that antitrust steps need to be taken to avoid the trend of higher home prices, stifled competition, and poor service for home buyers. As home prices have soared, so have real estate commissions. Many people are questioning the…
Don’t Be Fooled By Investor Speculation In The Real Estate Industry
It’s no surprise that advances in technology are changing the real estate industry. Years ago, home buyers had to rely on real estate agents to see the homes available in the local market. Now, real estate agents are still an important part of the home buying process. But buyers can also look online to view listings that have been shared with the general public. New Trend in the Real Estate Industry: iBuyers One of the…
Is Fall a Good Time To Buy or Sell a Home
As the seasons change, we often get questions from people who are considering a move: is fall a good time to buy or sell a home? If you have flexibility with your move schedule, then it’s smart to talk to a real estate agent so you can choose the ideal time of year to maximize your equity. Many people assume that summer is the best time to buy or sell a home. While it’s true…
Options For Low and No Down Payment Loans
These days, a mortgage that requires low and no down payment loan can be hard to find. They are typically only available to people who demonstrate they have the income to repay such loans and are a good credit risk. Depending on the lender (public or private), you’ll likely need a credit score of 620 or higher. If you are an aspiring homeowner with little money for a down payment, be sure to look into these…
5 Tips For Buying Your First Home
First time home buyers often wonder if they’re making a big mistake when they start to buy their first home. The idea of committing to a house and a mortgage payment can feel worrying and unsettling. On the other hand, the allure of owning your own place can also feel exciting! Before you jump into home ownership, here are several quick tips for buying your first home to help you to buy a home that…