First three quarters of the year are done and with the Federal Reserve cutting the Federal Funds Rate (FFR) on September 18^th, so far mortgage rates have not changed much.  Mortgage rates do not really track the FFR but instead is based on the US 10 Year Bond with is down modestly off the recent highs.  Real estate sales are still a mixed bag and very location dependent.  Areas with strong markets and cash flush buyers continue to move.  Other parts of the nation though are seeing signs of stagnation.  Read on for some great real estate reads from September 2024.

Credit Score Boosting Tips

Boosting one’s credit score prior to applying for a mortgage loan can help a home buyer save a great deal of money over the life of the loan.  In this article by Paul Sian he explains some easy tips home buyers can take to set a good stage for a higher credit score.  This is something that must be done well in advance of applying for a mortgage as bumping up one’s credit score does take time.  From things like disputing errors, reducing outstanding debt and more is discussed in the article.

What Not to Share with Your Real Estate Agent

Some things are required by law to be disclosed not only to potential buyers but also to the real estate agent representing you.  Other pieces of information should not necessarily be shared with your agent as it could work against you as Bill Gassett explains in his article about what not to share with a real estate agent. Things like how much as a seller you are willing to reduce your price by, things that are outside of the scope of the disclosure forms and more.  Over sharing can lead to a disadvantaged negotiating position and result in money lost.

Tips for Choosing the Right Neighborhood

Deciding on where to live involves more than just what type of home to buy.  Picking a home also involves picking the neighborhood one wants to live in.  There are many different neighborhood options to choose from as this article from Luke Skar explores.  Understanding the different neighborhood options to consider and how to pick the best one that will suit one’s needs should receive just as much attention as the house choice as well.

How Long Does It Take to Close on a Home?

When a buyer makes and offer on a home and the seller accepts, that begins the clock ticking for closing.  On the day of closing everything buyer and the seller have to complete (such as inspections, setting up insurance, getting clear to close from lender, appraisal and more) should be done.  How long that process takes depends and this article by Kevin Vitali explores what is the timing involved when closing on a home.  Kevin breaks down individual steps and how long they take as well as explains what can cause delays.

Manor vs Mansion

If you ever wondered about the difference between a manor and a mansion, look no further than this helpful article from Alex Capozzolo where he looks at what is a manor versus a mansion and the historical context of the terms.  The differences are more than just the structure and layout and include the size and scale of those types of homes as well.  Not only does the article look at the differences but also provides some real-life examples of each.

What Does the NAR Settlement Mean for Home Buyers and Sellers

The recent NAR settlement over commissions took effect on August 17, 2024.  As a result, real estate agents will have some new paperwork to present to their clients when working with them.  In this article by Vicki Moore she covers what the NAR settlement changes mean.  In the article she breaks down the changes home buyers and sellers will see and what they should be expecting.  As these changes are subject to change it is wise to keep up with the latest when planning to buy or sell a home.

Tips for Selling a Home with Solar Panels

While solar panels are a great way to save on energy and add green features to one’s home, when it comes time to sell the home there can be challenges.  In this article by Joe Boylan he provides a guide for home sellers to help navigate the path of selling a home when there are solar panels on it.  Solar panels that are leased or purchased via a loan come with some restrictions that could cause problems for the home seller if the right steps are not followed.  Home sellers need to make sure they transfer the solar panels properly or they could find themselves with a failed transaction or worse a lawsuit.

Home Location and Pricing

Many have heard the term that real estate is about location, location, location and the pricing of home is definitely based on location.  In this article by appraiser Tom Horn he talks about the importance of real estate agents considering the location of the home as part of the pricing strategy.  The location impacts things like local amenities, school district, shopping availability, utilities and more.  Pricing a home for sale is more than just pulling a number out of the air and hoping buyers make an offer as this article explores.

What other articles did you find helpful?  Feel free to share in the comments below.

Real Estate Roundup for September 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!