Homebuyers often do not realize how complex and competitive the lending process can be. For many (especially first-time buyers) there’s only a hazy idea of “the bank” approving or denying them a mortgage. So many don’t understand how to shop for a loan or that investing a little time upfront can result in profound savings and a sense of satisfaction.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal recently revealed “in a recent survey, 21% of home buyers regretted their choice of lender.” Among first-time buyers, that figure crept up to 27%.

Curb appeal is an essential item to consider when selling your home. It has been reported that adding curb appeal to a home can increase the value by $10,000 to $15,000. Curb appeal mainly focuses on landscaping and the house's overall appearance, but focusing on details and the little stuff can add to the home's overall feel.

When you finally find your dream home, the worst thing that can happen is the deal falling through at the last minute. It’s more common than you might think, and the reasons are often surprisingly small. Fortunately, a little attention to detail and thorough planning can save you from the heartbreak of a buy gone bad. Here are some pitfalls for buyers:

If you’ve been kicking around the idea of some home improvements, but aren’t sure which ones make the most financial sense, don’t miss “The Renovations That Will Pay Off the Most for Your Home in 2017,” published by Realtor.com. 

While some renovations sound like they’re a home run for your home’s value, in actuality, big-ticket projects recoup far less than some of their simpler counterparts.

You may not have kids right now, but chances are you may be entertaining guests one day who do. Below are some sound strategies to make your guest's visit low-stress and safe by baby-proofing your home. These are great ways to put your guests at ease and do your best to protect their little ones from harm by investing in some modest pre-visit baby proofing.

As you probably know, having a real estate license doesn’t make someone a great agent. In fact, in any given market, a relatively small percentage of the total number of agents are responsible for a majority of the business. This means that when you’re evaluating agents, the odds of picking someone with relatively little experience or actual skill can be disconcertingly high.

So how do you know you’re in danger of working with a rank amateur? Here are some standard “sniff tests” to help you sort through the masses:

Congratulations! You've found a home to buy and have applied for a mortgage! Before you begin purchasing new furniture or begin moving your money around, consult your loan officer. They will be someone who can tell you how your decisions will impact your home loan.

Below is a list of Things You Shouldn't Do After Applying for a Mortgage. Some may seem obvious, but some may not.

Are you looking to buy a home? Are you looking for a new build or an existing home? Investopedia put together an article offering their two cents on the subject. But if you are leaning toward purchasing a new build, then there is a question you need to ask yourself: Do I need to hire a real estate agent to represent me when I buy a new home from a builder?

You probably don't need a detailed survey to tell you that the kitchen is one of the most used spaces in a family home. It serves as a hub for meals, a communal space for gathering, and often a message center for family traffic. Some consider the kitchen the 'brain' of the home. 

Many homes have kitchens that are small or overrun by clutter. The mess can be a significant barrier to enjoying the space. Without some intentional organizational systems in place, a kitchen can feel almost useless, missing out on the potential of being deemed 'the brain.' 

It’s tempting to skip the final walk-through when buying your home, but as a Realtor, I view a final walk-through as a crucial step in the home buying process. Final walk-through’s assure you that the property you are purchasing is in the agreed-upon condition.