Written by: Elizabeth Porter   

You don't go to the store to buy old clothes, why would you take chances on buying a used home?  Buying a home is likely your largest financial investment.  

Sure the car dealers have given used cars nice names like pre-owned but the truth is they are second hand, old, worn and yes, used.  You have no idea what you are getting.  They don't even know what you are getting. That is why they are priced cheaper.  They have to be. No-one would pay a "new car" price for a used one.  Guess what, real estate is the same way.  You cannot buy a brand new home, with all of the latest technology at a used price.  

Here are 14 things to think about before signing on the dotted line.

Getting Stronger Each Month 

by Carla Hill

The latest National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) numbers show that a total of thirty-five states are now represented.

In order to be considered an improving market these metro areas must have shown improvement in housing permits, employment, and home prices for the last six months straight. This data is comprised from reports employment growth reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, house price appreciation from Freddie Mac, and single-family housing permit growth from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, houses are selling.  

It's official, Springtime is finally here and you know what that means – home buying and selling season is in full gear!   

by Mark Thee

End the frustration of trying to sell home by yourself

Written by: Andy Jansky & Maribel Maldonado

We’ve all heard it: Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Real estate transactions today usually exceed $100,000.

With real estate home prices and mortgage interest rates at historic lows, many owners are choosing now to hop in the game and get their dream home. 

If you are if the market as a seller, chances are you will soon be in the market as a buyer.  Taking chances selling your home yourself could reduce your purchasing power on your next home.