When the market begins an upturn, like it’s doing now in most places, it’s easy to think that the biggest challenges for buyers are soon to be a thing of the past. Loan guidelines are a bit looser, it’s less likely that a property will decline in value after closing, and rates are still quite low. But experienced agents know that in an ascending market, it can be tough to get appraisal comps to keep pace.

And in the same vein, it can be even more challenging to get buyers’ mindsets to keep up with the heat of the market. continue reading

A twinge of buyer’s remorse is common with any big purchase. And since a home is the largest purchase most of us will make, it’s all too easy to indulge in thoughts of what could have, would have and should have been done differently.

Even after a smooth and successful purchase, one buyer might think, “We should have put in a lower offer and gotten a lower sale price,” or, “We could have held out longer to find a home with an extra bedroom.”

Harmless as these nagging thoughts may be, it’s helpful to get your clients thinking positively about their purchase. To help we’ve created a handout full of practical remedies that you can download and share with your buyers so they can prepare themselves ahead of time to make the right choices or find ways to move past their regrets.

Job growth, low interest rates and rents on the rise appear to be increasing renter interest in home buying. Trulia’s recent American Dream survey found that 78% of renters plan to purchase a home at some point, up from 72% in early 2011. What’s more, 27% now plan to buy in the next two years, compared with only 22% back in 2011. 

But that increase in interest doesn’t come free of obstacles. 47% of those would-be buyers surveyed were concerned about being able to make a down payment. Meanwhile, 32% said poor credit history might pose a problem and 25% weren’t confident that they would even qualify for a mortgage.

We’ve put together a free financing guide you can download and share with your prospects to help them address these issues head on so they’ll be ready when the time comes to make that big purchase. 

Check it out and share your own financing tips for buyers in a comment below.

For most home buyers, buying a property isn’t just about the house, it’s about the neighborhood. Making a decision about where they want to live is a crucial part of the home buying process. In addition to determining if they are going to buy a three bedroom, two bathroom rancher or a 4 bedroom, 2 bath two story, they also have to buy into the lifestyle. Are there parks near by? Playgrounds? Is there a church they can attend? Is the neighborhood safe? Do houses in the neighborhood hold their value?

These are all important questions your prospective buyers are probably searching for. As the neighborhood expert, you’ll be making sure your buyers understand the ins and outs of the neighborhood they select.

Here are three ways to educate your buyers on the neighborhood (with a downloadable tip sheet to give to your homebuyers). continue reading