Buying a Home

If you’re like many people who qualify to use a loan from the Department of Veterans Affairs, you're wondering whether you can use a VA loan to purchase a duplex – and the simple answer is yes. Here's what you need to know. Can You Use ...

If you sell a home in Lakewood or Long Beach, you could be subject to capital gains tax period but how much could you have to pay?  Please note you should always seek advice from a certified tax attorney or financial advisor. The following is ...

If you’re like many people, you enjoy looking at Lakewood real estate listings online – but how do you know exactly how much house you can really afford? This guide explains.  How Much House Can You Really Afford? Allison Van Wig ...

When you’re on the hunt for your dream home, your Lakewood REALTOR® will show you a variety of great places – but beware: There are some things you shouldn’t say while you’re out touring homes. What NOT to Say When ...

The more money you save for a down payment, the better off you’ll be – your mortgage payments will be lower, and you’ll likely qualify for better terms and interest rates. And, if you save more than 20 percent of a home’s ...

If you’re like most people, you already know that you need an acceptable credit score in order to qualify for the best rates and terms on a mortgage – but what can you do to boost your score if it’s lower than you want it to be? ...

Your home is on the market, buyers are showing interest, and the offers are coming in. When entertaining offers, and choosing one that's best for you, consider these three key money matters.  Buyer Financing and All-Cash Offers.     ...

When you're buying a home, the seller has to tell you about any major defects that they know about - but what about the things the seller doesn't know about? There may be defects in a home that you'll only discover by walking around and looking ...

Buying a home is a big deal - so if you're thinking about joining the fray and finding your dream space, it's important that you work with the right real estate agent for your needs. So how do you find the right agent when you're buying a house? ...

If you’re a new real estate investor, you’re probably looking for tips and tricks anywhere you can find them – and this guide is here to help. New to Real Estate Investing? Check Out This Guide As a new investor, the first thing ...

In some cases, it’s smart to offer more than what the seller is asking. In fact, doing so could help you seal the deal – but you should always rely on your Lakewood REALTOR’s® guidance. So when should you offer over asking ...

You’ve signed on the dotted line and purchased your first home. For the most part, you’ve always been financially responsible—that’s how you were able to move into your new residence in the first place. Now that you’ve ...

If you’re like many people, you’re a college graduate with more than a little student loan debt – but you want to buy a home. So can you get a mortgage with student loan debt? Absolutely – and this guide explains. Can You ...

An escalation clause is one way to simplify the process if you’re engaged in a bidding war – but what is it, exactly, and how can it make your life easier? This guide explains. What is an Escalation Clause? An escalation clause is a ...

A Shower Without a Curb A curbless shower means you can walk right in without having to step over a barrier. This kind of feature is the type that buyers look for in a sophisticated main bedroom en suite. Amenities like soaking tubs, steam showers, ...

If you plan on buying a newer home chances are it'll be governed by an HOA. In fact, there are over 351,000 homeowners associations in the U.S. and they manage 53 percent of owner-occupied homes, according HomeLight. In 2018 greater than half of ...

Although you may be eager to find a new home, especially in today’s super-competitive market, be careful to avoid these missteps that could hinder the process of finding the home that’s the perfect fit for you. Being Afraid to Be ...

In the effort to find a new home, especially in today’s super-competitive market, do your very best to avoid these mistakes that can hinder the process of finding the home that’s just right for you, or simply make your home search less ...

You’ve submitted an offer to purchase your dream home in Long Beach. The house is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac and it’s just the right size. The backyard has plenty of space for the kids, and the neighborhood has jogging ...