Watch Out for Tricky Contracts
Federal officials are telling buyers not to sign contracts that lock them into working with just one real estate agent.
But sellers also need to be cautious!
If you’re selling your home and sign an exclusive agreement with one brokerage, you might still owe them a commission, even if you find the buyer yourself.
Here’s a tip: Ask for an exclusive agency agreement instead.
This way, you can still use a listing agent but won’t pay a commission if you find the buyer on your own.
Choose the Right Deed
Sellers, when transferring ownership of your home, think about the type of deed you’ll provide.
A special warranty deed only guarantees a clear title during the time you owned the property.
This protects you from unknown issues that happened before you bought the home.
Property Tax Secrets Revealed
Did you know tax assessors may undervalue their own homes compared to their neighbors’?
A new study shows assessors often pay less in taxes because they give their homes lower values.
This can even impact nearby homeowners, causing them to sell their houses for less.
Troubling Trends in Housing
- More Renters Than Buyers: For over a year, the number of renters has grown faster than homeowners. Why? Home prices are skyrocketing, and buying is much pricier than renting.
- Fewer Construction Workers: Plans to deport undocumented immigrants might leave builders with fewer workers, slowing down new home construction.
- Mortgage Issues Are Rising: More loans have errors, like incorrect income or job info. Right now, it’s under 2%, but it’s getting worse.
The Future of Energy-Efficient Homes
A new neighborhood near Atlanta is making big moves in green living!
The GreenHouse community will feature 591 homes built to the Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready standards.
These homes will be so energy-efficient they can cover most or all of their energy needs.
Stay informed, and always read the fine print when dealing with real estate!