An offer on your home moves you one step closer to the finish line in the selling process. And if you’re lucky, you’ll receive multiple offers from a range of bidders. 

The highest bid is the obvious choice, right? Not necessarily. Here’s what to consider before moving forward on an offer:
Focus on your priorities. Take this step early, before any offers roll in. Make a list of what’s most important to you in the sale of your home, like a tight moving deadline or your financial needs. Are there any requests that would make an offer a deal breaker for you? 
Review the contingencies. Now that you’ve established your top priorities, determine your bidders’ conditions for the sale. Common contingencies for potential buyers include a property appraisal and a home inspection. 
Compare earnest money amounts. People who are interested in purchasing your home need to show you that their offer is made in good faith. An earnest money dep ...

Renting vs. buying: Where do you land?
You’ve always been told that owning a home is the ultimate American dream. 

Imagine renovating your master bath into a mini spa or choosing your favorite appliances for your dream kitchen. Or just getting to repaint whatever room you want. Plus, there’s the potential for financial gain when you own.
 
But renting has its own advantages: flexibility, a smaller financial commitment and the chance to try before you buy.
 
So when do you know it’s time to take the plunge on a purchase? Answer these questions to see which side of the rent vs. buy debate you might land on:
 
Why do you want to buy? Sure, owning a home might be the great American dream — but is it your dream?

For some, the idea of a home where you can raise a family, be close to schools and build a community is enticing. For others, buying is a great investment. But for many, it’s about freedom: the ability to keep pets, reno; ...

Whether you’re buying or selling a house, getting a home inspection can be nerve-wracking. 
If you’re selling, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t any hidden issues in the home. And if you’re buying, you’ll want everything to be in great shape so you can move in quickly.  
 
But how much do you really know about the home inspection process? You can start by asking yourself four questions:
 
Is a home inspection always necessary?

A home inspection isn’t required — but it’s highly recommended. A house could look perfect on the outside but have underlying issues on the inside — like water damage or a faulty foundation. A home inspection is crucial because it can bring problems to light that otherwise would have worsened over time.
 
What does an inspector do?

An inspector thoroughly checks the safety and proper function of the property. This includes the heating and cooling systems, ga. ...

5 Ways to Prepare to Buy or Sell Later
 
Summer is usually the perfect time to buy or sell a home. And for some people, it still is. After all, there are few things more welcoming than warm weather and fresh flowers blooming in the front yard.
 
But maybe you're waiting to enter the market. That’s okay too. There are plenty of ways you can use this time to your advantage.
 
If you’re considering buying or selling later this year or next, here are five things you can do in the meantime.
 
Get your finances in order. Take stock of your accounts, assets and debts, and pull your free credit report. Make sure you’re in good standing to qualify for a loan and make a down payment.
 
Watch the market. Keep an eye on local home sales where you’re considering buying. This can give you an idea of what you might spend on a home — or how you should price yours when you list it.
 
Save up for moving expenses. Moving isn’t . ...

How to Make a Winning Offer on a Home

The homebuying market continues to heat up — and that means there could be some fierce competition out there. While that may seem intimidating, it doesn’t mean your dream home is out of reach.
There are quite a few things you can do to stand out if you find yourself up against other buyers.
 
Want to make sure a property doesn’t slip through your fingers? Put these five tips into action to make a winning offer:
 
Write a personal letter. Tell the seller what you love about the home and what it means to you and your family. Include the letter with your offer to set yourself apart from other interested buyers.
Add an escalation clause. With an escalation clause, you agree to increase your bid (up to a certain point) if another buyer outbids you. It’s a great way to ensure you stay at the top in a bidding war.
Stay flexible and open-minded. Be mindful of the seller’s timeline. If they need to spend a f. ...