Navy Fellas Realty Group

Real Estate, Residential sales and purchase

Learning the Language of Real Estate for Beginners

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Buying a home is exciting, but the language of real estate can feel overwhelming if you are new to the process. Many buyers hear unfamiliar terms at showings, in listings, or during conversations with lenders. Understanding this language gives you more confidence and helps you make informed decisions as you move through your home search.

What Real Estate Terms Really Mean
Real estate has its own vocabulary, and many of the words describe common parts of the process. Learning these terms makes it easier to understand contracts, compare homes, and communicate with your real estate agent. You do not need to become an expert, but understanding the basics gives you a strong advantage.

Listing Price
This is the price a seller chooses when they place the home for sale. It is a starting point, not a final number. Homes can sell for more or less depending on demand, condition, and market trends. Knowing this helps you understand how competitive an area may be.

Contingencies
A contingency is a condition that must be met for the sale to move forward. Common examples include the home inspection contingency and the financing contingency. These conditions protect you by giving you time to verify that the home and your loan both meet your expectations.

Earnest Money Deposit
This is a payment you make when your offer is accepted. It shows the seller you are serious about buying the home. The money is held safely and later applied to your closing costs or down payment. If you follow the terms of your contract, the deposit stays protected.

Appraisal
An appraisal is a professional report that estimates the value of the home. Lenders require this to confirm that the home is worth the amount you are borrowing. The appraisal helps ensure that you are making a smart financial decision and protects both you and the lender.

Closing Costs
These are the fees connected to finalizing your home purchase. They may include lender fees, title services, and pre-paid items. Understanding your closing costs early helps you plan your total budget with confidence.

Why Real Estate Terms Matter
Knowing these terms helps you feel prepared, ask the right questions, and avoid surprises. As your real estate agent, my goal is to make the process clear, calm, and manageable from beginning to end.

Why Getting Preapproved Before Your House Hunt Is Crucial

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Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and you want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible. Whether you’re just starting to browse homes or are ready to put in an offer, one of the most important steps you can take is getting preapproved for a mortgage. Not only does it streamline the home-buying process, but it also puts you in the best position to make a successful offer. Here’s why getting preapproved now, before you start your house hunt, can make all the difference.

What Does It Mean to Be Preapproved?

Preapproval means a lender has reviewed your financial situation in detail and has confirmed that you are eligible for a mortgage, up to a certain loan amount. Unlike pre-qualification, which is based on a quick estimate of your financial status, preapproval involves a thorough review of your income, credit history, debts, and assets.

To get preapproved, you will need to provide the following documentation:

  • Proof of income: Pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns to show your regular income.
  • Bank statements and assets: Documentation of your savings, retirement accounts, or other assets that can be used for a down payment or closing costs.
  • Credit report: Your credit score will determine the interest rate you qualify for and your ability to secure financing.
  • Tax returns: Lenders often request your past two years of tax returns to verify your income history and assess your financial stability.
  • Employment verification: A letter from your employer confirming your job and salary.
  • ID: A government-issued ID like a driver’s license or state ID.
  • Gift letters: If you’re receiving financial help from family or friends, you may need to provide a gift letter to confirm it’s not a loan.

Preapproved vs. Prequalified: What’s the Difference?

While you might come across the term prequalification during your home search, it’s important to understand the distinction between being prequalified and preapproved.

Prequalification is a simpler process where the lender gathers basic financial information to give you a rough estimate of how much you can borrow. However, it doesn’t carry the same weight as preapproval. Prequalification can be helpful if you’re just beginning to look at homes, but it doesn’t carry the same authority or guarantee as preapproval.

Preapproval, on the other hand, is a more detailed and formal process. Since it involves submitting documentation and having your financial information reviewed by the lender, it offers a more accurate picture of what you can afford. A preapproval letter gives you a competitive edge, especially in a competitive housing market.

Why Getting Preapproved Now Makes a Big Difference

  1. Know Your Budget Upfront
    One of the main benefits of getting preapproved is that it helps you understand exactly how much home you can afford. Without a clear budget, you might waste time looking at homes that are out of your price range. A pre-approval letter ensures you won’t fall in love with a house you can’t afford, saving you time and emotional energy.
  2. Stand Out in a Competitive Market
    If you’re in a market where multiple offers are common, having a preapproval letter can give you a distinct advantage. Sellers want to know that potential buyers can actually secure the financing needed to complete the transaction. If you show up with a pre-approval letter, you demonstrate that you’re a serious, qualified buyer. In many cases, sellers may choose an offer from a preapproved buyer over one from someone who hasn’t completed this step.
  3. Faster Home Search and Closing
    Preapproval can also speed up the home search process. In a competitive market, some real estate agents and sellers won’t even entertain offers from buyers who aren’t preapproved. When you have a pre-approval letter, you can immediately start making offers on homes you love. Furthermore, because the lender has already reviewed your financials, the closing process will likely go much faster, reducing the time between offer acceptance and homeownership.
  4. Secure the Best Interest Rate
    The better your financial position, the better the interest rate you can secure. A pre-approval takes into account your credit score, debt, and income to give you a solid picture of your potential loan terms. If you receive a pre-approval with favorable terms, it can give you an edge in negotiating the best deal.
  5. Confidence in Your Offer
    When you make an offer on a home, you want to feel confident that your financing will be approved. Preapproval gives you that peace of mind. You know that the lender has already done the homework and that you’re in a strong position to secure the loan you need.

How Preapproval Can Help You Make the Best Offer

In today’s housing market, being preapproved is almost a necessity. Without it, you may find yourself losing out on your dream home to another buyer who has already taken the necessary steps.

By getting preapproved before you even start your house hunt, you’ll save time, avoid frustration, and improve your chances of getting your offer accepted. While the process may take a little effort upfront, the benefits are well worth it. You’ll enter the market as a serious, prepared buyer — and that could be the key to getting the home you’ve always wanted.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, getting preapproved is your first step. Give us a call to see what options are available for you.

 

The Benefits of Buying an Unfinished Home for Your Family

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Purchasing a home is a major life decision, and for many homebuyers, the ideal property may not always come fully finished. An unfinished home offers a unique opportunity to create a space that suits your family’s needs while potentially saving money upfront. Whether you’re looking to save on your initial purchase or enjoy the flexibility of customizing your home, buying an unfinished house could be a great option.

If you’re considering an unfinished home as your next residence, here’s why it might be the right choice for you and your family.

Save Money on the Purchase Price

One of the primary advantages of buying an unfinished home is the potential for lower upfront costs. Unfinished homes are typically priced lower than fully completed homes, as they don’t include the final touches such as flooring, cabinetry, or fully completed rooms. This can provide you with the opportunity to purchase a larger home or a more desirable location, without the higher price tag.

The money saved on the initial purchase can be used to customize the property over time—whether you want to finish additional rooms, upgrade the kitchen, or add features that meet your family’s needs.

Customize the Home to Fit Your Needs

When you buy an unfinished home, you have the freedom to customize the space to fit your family’s unique needs and lifestyle. Many unfinished homes come with the basics—such as a foundation, walls, and basic infrastructure—leaving you with the flexibility to finish rooms the way you want.

For example, you might purchase a home with an unfinished basement or attic, which can later be turned into additional bedrooms, a home office, or even a family room. This gives you the chance to create the living spaces you’ve always wanted, without having to make compromises.

Additionally, unfinished homes often allow you to select your preferred finishes, such as flooring, paint colors, or fixtures, meaning you can tailor every detail to your personal taste.

Build Equity as You Complete the Home

Another benefit of buying an unfinished home is the potential to increase its value as you make improvements. As you finish the space—whether it’s completing the upper floor, installing flooring, or adding a bathroom—the home becomes more livable, and its value naturally increases.

Completing the home in stages also allows you to work within your budget and prioritize the most important areas first. This can give you a sense of accomplishment as you gradually transform the house into the perfect home for your family, all while building equity over time.

Flexibility in Making Cost-Saving Decisions

One of the best things about buying an unfinished home is the flexibility to make decisions that align with your budget and timeline. For instance, many unfinished homes come with plans for additional features like garages or extra rooms. If you don’t need these features right away, you can choose to leave them out, saving you money in the process.

For example, if there’s a planned garage or additional bedroom, but you don’t currently need or want the space, you can avoid the cost of building it. Instead, you could focus on completing other areas that are more important to your family, such as the kitchen or living room. This flexibility can help you save on the overall cost of the home while still creating a space that works for your family.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Unfinished Home

While buying an unfinished home can be an excellent option, it’s important to approach the process with a clear understanding of what needs to be completed and what you can afford. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Have a Realistic Budget for Finishing the Home

Before committing to an unfinished home, make sure you have a clear idea of how much you will need to spend to finish the property. Unfinished homes often require work in multiple areas, such as plumbing, electrical, flooring, and drywall. While these tasks can be completed gradually, it’s important to budget for them and plan how you’ll fund the work.

2. Check Bank Financing Options

Not all lenders are willing to finance unfinished homes. Many banks require that a home meets certain livability standards before they will approve a mortgage. This may mean that the home needs to have at least basic living spaces finished, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Be sure to check with your bank to ensure that the unfinished property will qualify for financing.

Some banks may offer loans specifically for homes in need of renovation, but it’s important to understand the specific requirements before you start the buying process.

3. Understand Local Building Codes and Permits

As you finish an unfinished home, you will need to ensure that all work is done according to local building codes. This means obtaining permits for electrical, plumbing, or structural work, and ensuring that any modifications meet safety standards. If you plan to do some of the work yourself, or hire contractors, be sure to consult with your local building department to understand the requirements.

4. Know What Work is Required to Make the Home Livable

When purchasing an unfinished home, it’s important to know what areas need to be completed to make the property suitable for daily living. You may need to finish entire floors, install flooring, complete the kitchen, or even put up walls. Additionally, some unfinished homes might lack essential utilities like heating, air conditioning, or running water in certain areas. Knowing what’s needed will help you determine whether this is a manageable project for you and your family.

Make an Unfinished Home Your Own

For many buyers, purchasing an unfinished home presents a unique opportunity to get into homeownership at a lower cost while creating a space that is tailored to their needs. Whether you’re looking for a larger home with room to grow, or simply want to customize every detail of your living space, an unfinished home can offer the flexibility to make your vision a reality.

The work might take time, but the result will be a home that’s uniquely yours—one where you can build memories for years to come.

Home Buying Tips: Three Items to Watch out for in a Purchase Agreement Contract

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Home Buying Tips: Three Items to Watch out for in a Purchase Agreement ContractThe purchase agreement is a vitally important document that outlines the provisions, terms and conditions for the transfer of property.

It should be read carefully and any ambiguities should be clarified prior to signing. It is a legally binding contract between the buyer and seller.

The purchase agreement may vary depending on the location. Most real estate agents use a form that has been approved by a state Realtors® Association.

The seller may have a different version that was drawn up by an attorney. It should not be assumed that they are all the same.

Typically, the purchase agreement will include an inspection period. This allows the buyer time to verify the conditions stated on the purchase agreement. Three of the most important stipulations in the contract are listed below.

All Owners Must Sign the Purchase Agreement

In most cases, the purchase agreement should be signed by the legal owner of the property.

If there is more than one owner, each owner should sign the agreement. In many states, both parties in a married couple have an interest in a property even if the title is held in one party’s name alone. Therefore, the purchase agreement should be signed by both parties of a married couple.

In the event the property is being sold by a corporation, verify that the person signing the agreement is authorized to commit the corporation to the sale.

List All Fixtures to be Transferred with the Sale

The purchase agreement should list all items that are to convey with the property. “Fixtures” are considered items that are attached to the property.

Legally, they should be included with the sale, but more than a few buyers have been dismayed to find the property stripped of countertops, appliances and window coverings. Any fixtures and personal property that are part of the sale should be included in the purchase agreement.

Verify Zoning Ordinances

The purchase agreement may contain various stipulations. One should include the right to cancel the contract if zoning prohibits the use of the property as planned.

Zoning ordinances may restrict the use of buildings or land. This may prove to be an obstacle for someone who intended to include a workshop on the property. The buyer should be able to withdraw from the contract if they discover that zoning prohibits the intended use.

These agreements can be complicated, so be sure to check with a local real estate agent if you’re unsure about how to proceed.

Experiencing ‘Purchase Anxiety’? How to Calm Your Nerves Before Committing to Buy a New Home

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Experiencing 'Purchase Anxiety'? How to Calm Your Nerves Before Committing to Buy a New HomeWhether this is your first big purchase, or your family is moving to a new location or looking for more space, buying a home has its share of ups and downs.

It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about whether or not you’ve found the right property. Here are some things you can do to make yourself feel more secure with your decision.

Do The Math

You’ve probably already done this, but it’s okay to go over it a number of times to be sure. Factor in your household income and all the bills you expect to pay every month. Add everything up.

It sounds like a stressful activity, but when you look at the numbers and realize that buying a home is actually doable, it can be a liberating feeling.

When you know for sure you can make it as a homeowner without getting underwater, you will feel more confident.

Meet The Neighbors

If you haven’t had the chance to knock on a couple of doors yet, you should spend some time saying hello to people in the neighborhood.

The more you can get to talking with families that are just like yours, the more you will be able to picture yourself as a member of the community. If you have kids, find out if there are other kids the same age nearby. That will help to ease their anxiety about moving as well.

Ask Your Agent

Don’t feel like you are being overly cautious if you ask your real estate agent your lingering questions. Make sure you’re getting a good price for the area, and make sure you know about any issues with the condition of the property. You should be able to trust that they’re excited for your decision, not just for making the sale.

Familiarize Yourself With The Neighborhood

Take a drive and figure out which stores you’re nearest to, the route you can take to get to work, and which other amenities you might take advantage of. Home buyers often underestimate how important living in a safe neighborhood with plenty of accessible businesses can be. The more you can imagine yourself living at your new address, the better you will feel.

Remember, never sign the papers on a new home unless you feel one hundred percent secure in your buying decision. If you need more answers, pick up the phone and call a real estate agent you can trust and who can walk you through every step of the process.

Newest Home Pricing Data Shows Homes Becoming More Attainable Across The Country

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Newest Home Pricing Data Shows Homes Becoming More Attainable Across The CountryCase-Shiller’s 20-city home price index for September reported the lowest pace of year-over-year home price growth in almost two years. Lower home prices balanced housing markets between sellers and buyers, but home prices continued to grow approximately two times faster than wage growth.

Case-Shiller’s 20 city home price index for September posted a home price growth rate of 5.20 percent as compared to August’s year-over-year growth rate of 5.70 percent. While analysts expected slower rates of home price growth, they weren’t expecting the steep declines seen in September’s report.

David Blitzer, Chairman and CEO of the S&P Dow Jones Indices Committee, said “Home prices plus data on house sales and construction confirm the slowdown in housing.”

Las Vegas Holds on to Top Spot in Home Price Growth

Las Vegas, Nevada had the highest pace of home price growth with a year-over-year reading of 13.50 percent; San Francisco, California posted a year-over-year home price growth rate of 9.90 percent. Seattle, Washington held third place in year-over-year home price growth with a reading of 8.40 percent.

Las Vegas home prices, while leading the 20-City Home Price Index, remained 20 percent lower than their peak. Nine cities saw home prices decline in September as compared to August; Seattle, Washington posted a negative home price growth reading of -1.30 percent from August to September.

The National Association of Home Builders reported the third consecutive quarterly decline in the number of Americans expecting to buy homes within the next twelve months. As demand for homes declines, home prices are expected to fall as inventories of available homes rise.

These conditions will soften the impact of strong buyer competition and skyrocketing home prices common in recent years, but home prices remain unaffordable in many areas.

Home Buyers Deal with High Home Prices

Home buyers are finding ways to adjust their home searches to get around affordability issues. A recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders indicated 61 percent of home buyers would continue looking for a home they could afford.

40 percent of buyers said they would expand their search areas and 23 percent of responding home buyers said they would look for homes older or smaller than they originally planned to buy.

As always, contact your trusted real estate professional to discuss the latest activity in your local market.