Author Archives: Sabrina Mapes

Even if you’re just window shopping, these 10 steps will help ensure your finances are ready when the right house does come along. As springtime approaches and the home buying frenzy begins, many people have homeownership on their minds. But buying a home right now might be challenging — a shortage of homes and a highly […]

From purchasing a home with friends, to buying a yurt (yes, a yurt!), there are numerous alternatives to buying a single-family home. Here is our list. If you’ve spent time looking for homes online, you’ve probably come across a place that blows away your understanding of what a home can be. Maybe it was a […]

Use this decision tree to answer financial and lifestyle questions that can help you determine whether buying a house is right for you. Determining when to buy a house isn’t only about your financial readiness, though it is definitely one aspect — a house is probably one of the most expensive purchases you’ll make. Beyond the […]

Debt is money that you borrowed and are obligated to repay. Examples of debt include mortgages, student loans, auto loans and credit cards.  Zillow research found that 69% of renters have some type of debt, and a quarter of renters said they were denied a rental agreement or home financing due to their debt level. Debt impacts not only the type […]

There are more effective strategies for capturing sellers’ attention than letters. After seeing the home of your dreams sold to another buyer, you may be looking for ways to stand out the next time a desirable home comes on the market. Some of you may be thinking of writing a so-called “love letter”  to the seller […]

Successful real estate transactions typically involve some back and forth between the buyer and seller. Refer to this guide for what to expect and how to keep your cool. Buying a home is rarely as simple as making an offer. Negotiations can go back and forth for weeks before the seller and buyer are both […]

Whether you’re ready to buy your first home or just need an acronym refresher, keep this glossary handy. You don’t need a real estate license to find your dream home, but it does help to become familiar with real estate jargon you might encounter during the process. When searching for a home or applying for […]

Try these seven tips to get the most sparkle out of your tidying routine. After the dark and gloomy winter, ushering in the spring season with a weekend of spring cleaning can be refreshing and energizing, if not a tad overwhelming. But there is no reason to spend more time and effort than necessary on […]

Saving to buy a house requires more than just saving for a down payment. You’ll need to think about factors, such as closing costs and moving expenses, to name a few. If you’re worried whether you’ll be able to set aside enough — putting down 20% is ideal — you’re not alone. A 2021 Zillow survey (Consumer Housing Trends […]

Discover homeowner tax deductions that may save you money during tax season for simply owning a home. Owning a home has its rewards and challenges — and that’s especially true at tax time. Depending on your circumstances, the tax rules around homeownership can lessen your tax obligation when it comes time to file. But before […]