What Is a Zestimate and How Is It Calculated? Zillow uses the Zestimate to give you a quick snapshot of what your home may be worth. And to their credit, they have always used a disclaimer in order to reach an initial value. Zestimate takes into account information from three main categories: - Known Home Characteristics - On-Market Data - Off-Market Data How Zillow Offers Is...
What are property taxes? Local governments raise money through property taxes to provide important public services in the community. A good chunk of the money collected from property taxes goes to your local police and fire departments, the schools your kids attend and maintenance for the roads you drive on. Do I really need to pay property taxes? Everyone who owns property has to pay...
Capital gains taxes can apply to investments, such as stocks or bonds, and tangible assets like cars, boats and real estate. The money you make on the sale of your home might be taxable. Here's how it works and how to avoid a big tax bill. The good news about capital gains on real estate The IRS typically allows you to exclude up to: - $250,000 of capital gains on real estate if...
What Is For Sale by Owner, Exactly? For Sale by Owner or FSBO is when the owner of a house sells it on their own without any representation from a real estate agent. Is For Sale by Owner Worth It? Most home sellers decide FSBO isnʼt worth it because itʼs more of a hassle and you walk away with less money. Bottom line: Selling a house by yourself instead of using an agent usually...
Contingencies refer to the things that need to happen before your home sale can be finalized. Until contingencies are met, neither you nor your buyer are contractually obligated to fulfill the home transaction. As the seller, youʼll mainly want to pay attention to contingencies like these: - Home inspection - Appraisal - Financing Home Inspection Even if you paid for an...
What happens if the appraised value of the house you're selling comes in too low? In addition to ensuring there are no safety hazards at a home, the bank appraiser is also making sure that the home value is at least what a buyer and seller agree too. This isnʼt always possible though. If an appraiser determines the value of the subject property is lower than the agreed purchase amount, there...
What is a HOA and Things You Should Know about it. A homeowners association is an organization that makes and enforces rules for multiple-unit buildings like condominiums and townhouses and planned communities of single-family homes. If you buy a property with an HOA, you automatically become a member. You agree to abide by the rules and regulations and to pay dues, known as HOA fees. An HOA...
What Is the Best Time to Buy a House? Although the best time to buy a house is when you're ready both financially and emotionally, there are other factors that can help you decide when to buy a house. By timing your purchase just right, you can nab a great home that's just right for you. What Is the Best Month to Buy a House? There's no such thing as a guaranteed "best month" to purchase...
What to expect during a home inspection? A house inspection is a routine process during which a home inspector takes a look at the house. Once you are under contract on a home, youʼre ready to hire a home inspector. Based on what the home inspector finds, you can decide to back out of the contract without a penalty, or you can proceed with negotiations. 1. Meeting your home inspector at the...
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