Michael Sinton's Real Estate Blog

Are you looking for some good reasons to take the plunge into homeownership? Certainly, there are many, but here are a few to chew on before you call an agent and begin your search. If you haven't owned a home in the last three years, then you qualify as a "first time buyer," and you are eligible...

Home staging has become a popular industry and topic, particularly as it relates to improving the appeal of your listing during challenging times in the real estate market. But what about “staging” your yard? Sure, any steps that you take to improve your interior's appeal will go a long way towar...

ALERT: Buyers only have until December 1, 2009 to take advantage of the first-time buyers tax credit authorized in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Consult now with your tax advisor and real estate representative to get moving! Most first-time buyers (who haven’t owned a home i...

When facing a mortgage default, most homeowners try to sell their home - fast. The technique that works in these stressful situations also works for the rest of sellers - namely, aggressive pricing. As a seller, you control the three factors that determine how quickly your home will sell: marketi...

While falling values are not good indicators for sellers, they’re great news for buyers, lifting affordability to historically high levels. For example, to purchase a median priced home of $164,600 with 20% down and an interest rate of 5.1%, a buyer would need an annual income of just under $35,0...

A "buyers' market" is just what it implies - a market in which buyers have the advantage and exploit it. It's not a market that rewards foot-dragging, hesitation or indecision. Unfortunately, all the factors that created the buyers' market we have today have been reported so negatively and rampan...

For any number of reasons, more people than ever are downsizing these days. Whether it's reduction in income, reduction in family size, or just a desire for easier living, smaller homes are becoming more attractive. There are challenges associated with downsizing, but experience has taught some v...

Real estate professionals are very often faced with a question from buyers that has nothing to do with houses: "What are the best schools in the area to which we’re moving?" When you relocate, the most important thing you'll be moving is your child, and you want to be certain you are making the r...

After all your preparations and marketing efforts, what do you do when you get that first offer? Don't jump for joy or wallow in disappointment until you've read all the terms. Price is just the beginning, and other contingencies will ultimately affect your bottom line. In reviewing the offer, pa...

Your real estate agent may not write your home loan, but that's who will probably be there when you begin discussing mortgage options. Knowing some of the nuts and bolts before you start your home search can help you find the right loan. Factors affecting your terms are the amount, the length of ...