Homes aren’t impulse purchases. It takes time to sift through listings and make your way from one home showing to the next; then, of course, there are those agonizing hours you wait to find out if your offer on a house was accepted, whether you can secure financing, and any number of other holdups.

Just so you’re prepared to play the waiting game, here are the steps to buy a house and how long they typically take, so you aren’t sitting there holding your breath and wondering if something’s up.

How long does it take to find a real estate agent?

Answer: A couple of days to a few weeks

Your real estate agent should be your most trusted consultant during the home-buying process. Don’t skimp on the search—even if you’re in a rush.

“The…

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Think About Your 5 Year Plan

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.”

No matter what demographic homebuyers belong to, there are key features to consider not only for the short-term, but also for several years down the road.

Here’s a look at 10 things homebuyers should take into account along their homeshopping journey.

1. Where do you see yourself in five years?

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment of what seems to be the perfect house for homebuyers today, but what about plans to have three kids, travel abroad next year or retire in two years? Having a…

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Second-homeowners have options 

Here are four ways to solve second-home maintenance woes:

1. The property management company

Hiring a management company to look after a second home is one option. They can open and close the house, handle rentals (if applicable) and respond to emergencies. In most cases, the company can also arrange for cleaning and hire local maintenance workers to handle repairs so the home is in tip-top shape for the owners’ arrival.

This is a popular choice for owners who live far away and want to rent out their property when not in use. Management companies generally charge a percentage of the rental price, and this can range from 20 percent to 60 percent.

If you’ve stayed in a vacation rental yourself, you know…

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Buyer Beware? Nah, just 10 Things Every Homebuyer Needs to Know

Never bought a home before? Or, bought a home long ago? These tips will help you better understand the home buying process especially in this day and age. 

Know Your Needs

It's important to think of the limitations each locale offers your lifestyle and the perks each has to offer -- before making the commitment to buy. And, the type of dwelling is important. Will you quickly outgrow that studio? Is a Florida cottage the perfect size? Will purchasing a condo allow you to forego the chores of maintenance and enjoy more leisure time?

 


Weigh The Costs Of Homeownership

There's more to consider than just a monthly mortgage payment. Will you be able to afford the…

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