With inflation still remaining stubbornly above the target rate the Federal Reserve has been saying they will keep rates higher for longer.  Higher rates mean higher mortgage rates which means that current home prices homes are relatively more expensive.  In addition to that with higher inflation things like property taxes and home insurance are also going up which are surprising current homeowners who might not have expected their monthly payment to go up.  Whether you plan on buying/selling a home or investing in real estate this month’s round up has plenty to keep one informed about the current real estate market.

Helpful Guide to Buying a Home in As-Is Condition

Sometimes home sellers for whatever reason don’t want to put much work into a home they are listing for sale and will sell the home as-is.  When selling as-is the seller usually discloses up front they are selling as-is and also provide as much information as they can about the home.  In this article by Bill Gassett he provides some important considerations home buyers should be taking into account when buying a home as-is.  Buying a home as-is represents both opportunity and challenges that buyers need to fully understood in order to get the best possible outcome. 

New Construction Home Warranty

Some buyers are turning to new home construction with the limited availability of existing homes for sale.  In new build developments buyers have plenty of options to choose from.  In this article Paul Sian looks at what warranty coverage new home construction may offer.  Buyers need to understand what warranties are offered and how long does the warranty coverage run for.  Even though it is a new construction home that does not mean everything will be perfect and the warranty can provide valuable protection.

Tips for Making Buyers Feel Welcome at Open House and Showings

Buyer impressions are what is going to make or break the sale of a home.  By making buyers feel welcome and may even feel at home the seller makes the task of selling a home that much easier.  When a buyer feels at home they are more likely to put in an offer to make that home their own.  In this article by Vicki Moore she provides a number of tips that home sellers should be using that will make buyers feel welcome when attending an open house or seeing a home at a showing.

Finding the Right Mortgage For Buying a Home

With mortgage rates higher than the recent past getting the right mortgage is more important now than ever. In this article from Karen Highland she provides some great tips for home buyers that can guide them towards getting the best mortgage.  The lowest rate does not always mean the best overall cost throughout the time of owning a home.  There are a number of fees and other expenses buyers need to consider and by working with the right experts they can make sure their goals are achieved.

How FHA Gift Funds Work

When using gift funds with an FHA mortgage there are some rules the buyer need to meet in order to make sure those gift funds are able to be used by the buyer.  Any missteps with the money can mean a delayed or failed closing and the buyer has to come up with money out of pocket.  In this article by Luke Skar he provides a great guide for home buyers who will be using gift funds to buy a home with an FHA mortgage.  Gift funds can be source for down payment on a home with an FHA mortgage.

Pool Maintenance Tips

Proper pool maintenance can ensure trouble free operation and save money in the long run from a major problem with the pool.  A bad pool not only will ruin the value of a house, having to cover it up and get rid of it due to lack of maintenance can also be very expensive in and of itself.  In this article from Michelle Gibson she provides six essential pool maintenance tips to get the pool ready for summer.  Proper pool maintenance also means a more enjoyable experience since the users will less likely to get sick from bad water.

Appraiser’s Guide to Valuing a Home

When browsing for homes the home buyer should considering the value over the short term as well as the long term.  In this article by Tom Horn, who is a professional appraiser, he provides a guide that home buyers can use to value a home through the lens of a home appraiser.  From looking at things like location, upgrades and improvements, the size and space, and more the buyer can determine if the current price of the home will match the value and should be able to understand if that value will hold through time of ownership.

What recent real estate articles have you found to be helpful?  Feel free to sharing in the comments below. 

Real Estate Roundup for May 2024 was provided by Greater Cincinnati Area Luxury Realtor Paul Sian of United Real Estate Home Connections. Paul is a licensed real estate agent in the states of Ohio and Kentucky and has over 17 years of experience. Do you have a home you are ready to sell now in Greater Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky? Be sure to contact me now!