• Escrowing Your Property Taxes in your Monthly Payment

    When you purchase a home with a mortgage, your monthly payment will likely include your loan’s principal and interest, as well as property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and private mortgage insurance (if applicable).  If you’ve owned a home before, this information probably sounds familiar.  If you’re a first time buyer, however, this can be a little counterintuitive…

  • 3 Things To Know about Pre-Foreclosure Homes

    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…

  • The Future of Home Staging with Haven

    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…

  • Should Sellers Disclose That Their House is Haunted?

    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…

  • Mortgage Rates Remain Low for Pre Election Refinance Rush

    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,…

  • This is the Danger of Being “House Poor”

    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…