Author Archives: Sabrina Mapes

Saving more for a down payment can open up more affordable options for home buyers, especially if interest rates stay above 7%. Down payments have always been important when it comes to home buying. In the current market — where interest rates are high and unpredictable, and home values are mostly stable or rising — […]

This guide will help you spot unwanted household pests – whether you’re moved in or touring. Pests are everywhere, and having a few in a home is pretty much inevitable. But some can be a bigger problem than others, and it’s good to catch them early — even if you don’t own the home you’re […]

Make your home look its best (and maybe even net a higher sale price) with these improvements. Selling a house can be an expensive endeavor. While most of the larger costs come later in the selling process, there are some expenses that come much earlier — before you even list your home. Between cleaning, staging, landscaping, […]

Three or more generations living under one roof is more popular than ever, and it didn’t take long for the Cohen-Roach family to find out why. Sal Cohen was living solo in a 3-bedroom house in Seattle when his daughter’s plans to build a home in a nearby city fell through. In short order, Cohen […]

Take our quiz 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 […]

Keep these guidelines in mind if you are planning to use gift money for your mortgage down payment. Asking for cash for a down payment as a gift or part of a gift fund — whether it’s for an occasion like your birthday or a milestone like your wedding — is becoming more common. In 2023, 39% […]

Your future homeowner self will thank you for it. Home buyers have access to a wealth of information about the home-buying process before they even begin talking to a real estate agent. Friends and family, social media — everyone has a lot to offer. While much of this guidance can be solid or well-intentioned, some of […]

The real estate market nationally favors sellers right now. But the tide is shifting, and buyers and sellers could soon be on more equal footing. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, you may be wondering: Is now the right time? While the housing market can be unpredictable at times, you can gauge […]

We’ve asked both to share the pros and cons of talking to one before the other. As you begin your home search, you may ask yourself: should I talk to an agent, or a lender first? The truth is there’s not really a right or a wrong answer. We spoke to some agents and lenders […]

If you’re thinking about moving, maybe one of these spots will fetch your attention. When people are looking to move, they tend to look at local schools, good restaurants, and accessible entertainment. If a beloved dog is a part of the family, that changes things. Those people may be looking for good dog parks, friendly […]