Sam Thomas's Blog

If you're ready to sell your home, the first and most important step is to understand the current state of the real estate market in your area. This will give you a sense of what you can realistically expect to receive for your home and help you determine the best asking price. To get a handle on...

Negotiating Repairs During The Option PeriodAs a real estate agent, I've seen firsthand how negotiations for repairs during the option period can be more difficult than negotiating price. It's a common scenario: a buyer finds their dream home, but upon closer inspection, they realize that there a...

10 Questions You Should Ask Your LenderAs a home buyer, it's important to understand the financing process and what you can afford. Working closely with a lender can help ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about which mortgage is right for you. Here are...

Decorating the outside of your house for the holiday season is a time-honored tradition for many people. If you're wondering whether you should decorate the outside of your house one week before Christmas, there are a few factors to consider.First and foremost, it's important to consider the weat...

Should I FSBO my home since the market is cooling?Selling a home can be a complex and time-consuming process, and many homeowners wonder if they should take on the task themselves or hire a real estate agent. This decision can be especially difficult in a slow market, where the demand for homes m...

Understanding the value of your home is important for a variety of reasons. You may be considering selling your home and want to know how much it is worth in order to set a competitive asking price. You may also be refinancing your mortgage and need to know the value of your home to determine the...

Sometimes you get to know a professional in a business environment by working together with clients, referrals, projects, etc. When you get to work with a professional on a personal basis, stuff gets real. This became especially true when we had a family member pass away and we found out we neede...

You don't have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything from food to gifts to decorations, but there are still plenty of opportunities to eke out extra savings. For example, according to the U.S. Environmental Protec...

Over the past few years, a real estate buying frenzy bid up home prices to eye-popping amounts. However, as mortgage rates have risen, buyer demand has cooled. 1 Consequently, home sellers who enter the market today may need to reset their expectations.The reality is, it’s no longer enough to sti...

Deciding whether to jump into the housing market or rent instead is rarely an easy decision – especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. But in today’s whirlwind market, you may find it particularly challenging to pinpoint the best time to start exploring homeownership.   A real estate boom dur...