Category Archives: Buying a Home

The housing market may be getting a little tighter in a couple of months. The bureaucrats working on enacting some of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank reforms have interpreted the loosely written laws to require homes that qualify for the best interest rates to have a minimum of a 20 percent down payment. That sound you just heard is agents across the country gulping in panic. The homes that have a 20 percent down payment will get the best interest rates, those buyers that do not have 20 percent to […]

Realty brokers say a recent uptick in contract cancellations is surprising and worrisome. Financing issues are among the causes, and economic worries and low-ball appraisals are also busting up deals. Are home buyers walking away in droves from the contracts they’ve signed? Or are they essentially fouling out of the game, unable to close deals because of financing and credit issues? Whatever the answer, this much appears to be certain: Exceptionally large numbers of signed real estate contracts fell apart last month, failing to close escrow. According to the National […]

Home prices in major U.S. cities increased in May for the second consecutive month, according to a closely watched index, although experts dismissed the uptick as seasonal while separate reports provided fresh evidence of a weak housing market. The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index of home prices in 20 metropolitan areas rose 1 percent from April to May when left unadjusted for seasonal variations. Prices often rise in spring because of changes in the types of homes selling: Foreclosures make up a higher proportion of sales during the winter as families […]

JACQUELINE LEWISY, a saleswoman with Signature Premier Properties in Northport,  steered her 19-foot Sea Ray through Northport Harbor toward Duck Island, an hourglass-shaped peninsula linked by a private road to the isthmus here. The view from the water was part of her tour of Duck Island Way, a secluded 21.7-acre estate with private beaches, lush woods, and an 11-bedroom 1929 shingled Swedish manor house. The property also has a three-bedroom guest cottage; a barn with a one-bedroom loft; a baseball field; and a pond. “How can you not fall in love […]

Orlando has been my home for the past 28 years. There are many reasons I chose to live in Orlando, such as the weather, job opportunities, theme parks, and the beaches, but what has kept me in Orlando is the family friendly environment! Orlando is a vacation destination and hospitality is what makes living in Orlando unique. The Gay community has flourished because of this attention to making people feel welcome. Orlando’s culture is ever growing and changing, as evidence by the numerous pride events, theatre, and of course Gay […]

“Whether buying or selling, we pride ourselves on getting you the most value for your money. It is a responsibility that we take seriously, and a commitment we make personally.” RE/MAX Excalibur, HomeTeamAZ – One of Arizona’s premier multimillion dollar Real Estate teams specializing in Arizona Real Estate. With over 25 years of experience, HomeTeamAZ has developed a reputation of both attentiveness and responsiveness in assisting both buyers and sellers. Click here to search for a gay or lesbian real estate agent anywhere in the country.   Professional/Personal Distinctions: RE/MAX Chairman’s […]

If you’re like many first-time homebuyers, chances are you’ve been spending your weekends driving around visiting      open houses and new model homes. This is a great way to get a feel for what you want. The problem is that what you want isn’t always what you should get. Before you start touring homes for sale, it’s important to start off with a budget so you know how much you can afford to spend. Knowing what mortgage payment you can handle will also help you narrow the field so you don’t […]

Finding the right first home starts with a price range and a short list of desirable neighborhoods. But there are many other factors you’ll need to consider before investing in what may be your biggest asset. Before You Start: Grab your current household budget so you can consider your financial situation and your ability to make mortgage payments. Ask family and friends if they can recommend experts, like a lawyer and an inspector, who can help with the home buying process. Think about your lifestyle and how it might affect […]

Unfortunately, it is impossible to give an affirmative answer, either way, about buying or renting. Conventional wisdom assumes that property values always go up. In reality, home value is determined relative to many ‘x’ factors, which are susceptible to fluctuation. In addition, to turn a profit on a home those x-factors have to be consistently in the positive over the duration of your mortgage. However, if you want a perfect place that brings a nice array of amenities, including scenic views, and parks where families can play, then this Seabridge […]

I love REAL ESTATE! I get to help people live the dream of purchasing a new home. Whether it is buying or selling, your first home or your last, a starter home or your dream home, an existing home or you are building a new home. Regardless of what type of home sale or purchase you are making. I will always treat you fairly, honestly and with respect. After all, I am working for you. If you want to be treated right and get the best service around, I am […]