If you browse for homes on other real estate websites, you might occasionally see a home being marketed as a “Pre-Foreclosure.” Here’s what you need to know: 1. Pre-Foreclosure homes are not technically for sale….at least, not yet. When a homeowner is more than 90 days late on his or her mortgage payment, they are issued…
It’s no secret that professionally staged homes sell faster and for more money, but unfortunately this option isn’t accessible for the vast majority of homeowners. The price of rental furniture can add up, and the time-consuming suggestions by an interior designer aren’t feasible for many sellers. That’s where Haven comes in. The dream of owners Diane Quercetti…
Did you know that Philadelphia is considered one of the most haunted cities in America? With its rich history and spooky sites, it’s no surprise that there are dozens of haunted houses in Philly and the suburbs. Interestingly, some states require that “stigmatized property” (which may include paranormal activity) be disclosed by sellers. However, sellers…
Is fall the new spring when it comes to the real estate market? As borrowers rush to refinance or purchase their new home before November 8th, lenders around the country have been busy processing mortgage applications in time for Election Day. Spring tends to be the busiest time of year for the real estate market,…
You’ve probably heard stories about people who own attractive four-bedroom homes but struggle to afford their credit card bills, utilities, or even their weekly groceries. Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than you might think, and it’s referred to as being “house poor”. It typically occurs when homeowners spend a large proportion of their income on their…
If you’re lucky enough to be considering a second home purchase, you just may want to pull the trigger this fall. Industry experts suggest that the cooler months of October, November and December are the best time to settle on a vacation home, as prices tend to be lower. Plus, the supply of homes for sale…
After years of concern from industry experts about sluggish first time buyer activity, we’re (finally!) preparing to see a major shift in the housing market. This time last year, only 33% of people planning to buy a home in 2016 were first-time buyers This year, however, a staggering 52% of people planning to buy in…
Gone are the days of needing 20% down! Instead, lenders are touting low down payment options for qualified borrowers, and some loans don’t even require a down payment. For example, the popular FHA mortgage offers loans for just 3.5% down, and USDA and VA loans don’t require their borrowers to put any money down. Today, the average…
It’s not uncommon for both buyers and sellers to be a little confused as to how real estate agents work, when they are representing them (called “procuring cause”) and even how they get paid. Ultimately, clients should work with just one real estate agent when they’re looking to buy a home. We highly recommend meeting a few…
We bet you’re envisioning the icky black stuff coating the edges of the walls in your grandmother’s basement, right? While that’s a major problem (and a serious health hazard), the reality is that mold issues can be far more complex — and difficult to spot! The truth is, mold is a type of fungus that can…
With tens of thousands of Realtors in our region, it’s pretty likely that you know someone who sells real estate for a living. And if you’re planning on buying (or selling!) a home anytime soon, the thought of whether or not to use them has probably crossed your mind — or maybe they know of your plans and…
It doesn’t get much more charming than Trinity homes, so it’s no surprise that they have become highly popular among people looking to downsize, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy living in the city affordably. Well-loved by Philadelphians long before the popular tiny house movement, Trinity homes were originally built for the servants of wealthy families. The quirky…
Every once in a while, an agreement between a buyer and seller will be terminated before reaching settlement. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but there are a few fairly common ones, including issues with the home inspection, appraisal, and the buyer obtaining a mortgage. When a deal falls apart, all involved parties…
Only a couple more weeks until Halloween! Greater Philadelphia has no shortage of spooktacular haunted houses, hayrides, pumpkin picking, and corn mazes (and be sure to visit each website ahead of time for ticket information and coupons!) It’s hard to start off this list without mentioning Terror Behind The Walls! Considered Philly’s premier Halloween destination,…
If you’re selling your home, it’s no secret that your home should be smelling great before any showings or open houses. However, we advise clients to stay away from candles and traditional air fresheners, as some home buyers may have allergies. Instead, we recommend the following natural methods to keep your home smelling great for guests….