Equity is the investment a homeowner has in their home. To calculate equity, take the market value of the home and subtract any mortgages or liens against the property. The amount leftover is the amount of equity you have in the home. It’s important to build equity as...

Spring is a time for new beginnings, including finding the perfect home or selling the one where you currently live. As the days get longer and the temperatures get warmer, it’s a great time to get out and look at homes, as well as to get properties ready to sell. For...

Earnest money is a deposit a buyer pays after a seller has accepted his offer on a home. It’s typically between 1 to 3 percent of the contract price and is held by the escrow company. It is designed to protect the seller if the buyer walks away after the parties have...

Closing is when the home sale becomes final. The closing date is set for a time that allows the buyer to conduct due diligence, such as a home inspection, and the lender to complete the underwriting process, including a home appraisal. At closing, the parties execute...

A buyer’s agent is a licensed real estate professional whose job it is to find buyers their dream home and represent their interests in the sale. Listing agents represent the sellers’ interests in the transaction, prepping and marketing a home for sale. The seller...

If you and your family are looking to buy a home in a gated community, consider the tips below to help you find the property that you and your family can grow into and call home for years to come. Include Your Children in the Process It is extremely important to talk...