Real estate tips and market insights from Shelly Herron. Whether you’re a first time buyer or preparing
to sell your current home—stay informed and make confident decisions with our comprehensive resources. Ready to take
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Shelly Herron is a writer and editor, originally from the Midwest and now in sunny Austin, TX. She has over 10 years of editorial experience in real estate, travel, and fitness and holds a degree in marketing and journalism from Iowa State University. When not working, you'll find her doing crossword puzzles, baking, and snuggling with her dog.
Buying a home can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, navigating the real estate market requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve a smooth and successful home purchase. Determine Your Budget: Before you start house hunting, figure out how much you can afford to spend on a home....
Planning for a down payment on a house is a crucial step in the home buying process. The down payment is a percentage of the purchase price that you pay upfront and is typically required by lenders to secure a mortgage. It can be a significant expense, but there are several strategies you can use to save for a down payment and make your dream of homeownership a reality. Determine how much you...
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, and at the same time, it can be an overwhelming and complex process. First-time homebuyers need to be equipped with smart strategies to navigate the challenges and make informed decisions. Here are some key strategies to consider: Establish a Realistic Budget: Before you start house hunting, determine a budget that aligns with your financial...
Selling a home can be an overwhelming experience. There are many factors to consider, from setting the right price to attracting potential buyers. One strategy that has proven to be highly effective in helping homes sell quickly and for top dollar is staging. In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of staging your home for sale. Makes a Good First Impression: When potential buyers walk...
When it comes to selling a property, attracting the right buyers is crucial for a successful and timely sale. With a competitive real estate market, it's essential to employ effective strategies that can make your home stand out and appeal to potential buyers. In this article, we will explore some key tactics and tips to help you attract home buyers and increase your chances of a successful...
For many people, buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions they will make in their lifetime. While there are certainly costs associated with homeownership, the benefits of investing in a home can outweigh those costs. Here are the top five advantages of investing in a home: Building EquityOne of the most significant advantages of investing in a home is building equity....
There are several benefits to finding a real estate agent before you're ready to buy a house. Here are a few reasons why it can help you on your journey to homeownership: Familiarize yourself with the market: A real estate agent can provide you with valuable insights about the local housing market, including recent trends, prices, and inventory. This can help you make informed decisions...
Selling your house is a major decision that requires careful consideration and planning. Whether you're selling to downsize, move to a new area, or simply looking for a change, there are several factors to consider before putting your house on the market. In this article, we will discuss some of the top considerations you should make before selling your home. The Current Market ConditionsThe...
Working with a local real estate agent can have several benefits when buying or selling a home. Here are just a few of the many that you'll find when partnering with a local agent: Knowledge of the local market: A local agent has a deep understanding of the local real estate market. They know the current market conditions, including housing inventory, home prices, and trends, which can...
Many people dream of owning a vacation home as a place to escape from the stresses of daily life and enjoy leisure time with family and friends. However, it's a significant investment and not a decision to be taken lightly. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to buy a vacation home: Frequency of UseHow often do you plan to use the property? If you only plan to visit a few...
If you're planning to buy or sell a property, you'll likely need the help of a real estate agent. The first step is usually to schedule a meeting with a prospective agent to discuss your goals and learn more about their services. But if you've never worked with an agent before, you may be wondering what to expect. Here's a guide to help you prepare for your first meeting with a real estate...
Buying a home is a significant investment, and it's essential to make an informed decision when choosing the right property. When touring a home, it's important to ask the right questions to get a better understanding of the property's condition, features, and history. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the top five questions you can ask: What are the home's age and history?The...