You’re ready to fall in love with your first home. As you write your wish list, you may find that it grows longer than you’d imagined. You want more living space, a place to do your art and crafts, enough bedrooms to expand your family or accommodate relatives and friends, a separate master suite, and […]
by Eugene Strickland, Broker/Owner GRI, MBA Management, Marketing & Finance Luxury Collection Specialist What I’ve written here is a simplistic view of a possibly complex, but certainly provocative topic. It is one that needs to be addressed. Over the last 20 years or so I’ve seen numerous articles written with titles like, “How to Pick […]
Mortgage lenders check your credit history before approving a home-buying loan. Your credit scores are crucial to getting the amount you want to borrow at a good interest rate. Your income vs. your debt, your payment history, the length of time you’ve had credit, new credit you’ve opened, and the types of credit you owe […]
When you shop for a mortgage loan, you have certain rights that are guaranteed by the federal government’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Knowing your rights will help you get the best loan possible. You have the right to: Receive equal treatment by the lender, so that a credit decision isn’t based on your race, color, […]
Negotiations don’t necessarily end when you and the seller sign the contract to purchase. You have the right to have the home you’re buying inspected for soundness, which you can include as a contingency to your offer. That way, if the inspection reveals a serious issue, you and the seller can address it through renegotiations. […]
Crazy fashion trends do more than strain closet space. They can sometimes send the message that trendiness is more important than building wealth. Here’s how to save the money you spend on new clothes for something more rewarding – a down payment on your own home. Reduce your wardrobe. Consign, donate or give away clothes […]
Sometimes we see things that others do not. That has certainly been the case for Eugene (Gene) Strickland, Owner/Broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Great Smokys Realty. Gene has been eyeing 39 Island Street in downtown Bryson City for years. While some saw a tired HVAC storage warehouse and office, Gene saw a diamond in the […]
Market conditions are like a weather report; they show you what to expect so you can make plans, pick your listing price and decide on your marketing strategy. One thing is certain: Markets are either going up or they’re going down, so as conditions change, you need to know the long and short-term trends. If […]
What should you expect when you buy a model or “spec home” from a builder? A model home features upgrades to show the builder’s floorplans to advantage. If you can wait until the builder sells all their inventory, you may get the model at the initial offer price and with more upgrades than other homes […]
As you browse listings on 4Smokys.com or realtor.com, you may find homes you like that appear to be unavailable, due to some kind of contingency. If you find the perfect home, but it’s labeled Active Kick Out or Contingent, should you pursue it or forget it? The reality is that contracts fall through sometimes. If you have […]
Older homes that served our grandparents and parents well may appear poorly planned for today’s families. They tend to be smaller with narrow lots, closed-off kitchens, and fewer bathrooms and bedrooms. On the other hand, older homes tend to offer character and quality craftsmanship that is unmatched today. So, should you tear down an older […]
Home prices have been rising for over seven years, and mortgage interest rates for five years. Should you wait to buy a home? The numbers say no. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the median existing home price is more than $250,000, the highest it’s ever been. If you wait to buy a home, […]
FICO scores, the Fair Isaac Corporation credit-scoring system, are used by lenders to determine your creditworthiness. The lower your scores, the more risk you pose to lenders, resulting in higher interest rates or loan denial. Scores fluctuate for many reasons, including your debt-to-income ratio, making minimum payments only, credit inquiries and other factors. But nothing […]
Merry Christmas, homebuyer! Don’t cash Mom and Dad’s check yet! Your loan could be denied if the money isn’t carefully documented. Why? Gifts can cause confusion. Is your parents’ money a gift or a loan? Unless the terms are clearly defined, don’t mix the gift with your own funds. It alters your bank statements and […]
