Metro Detroit Real Estate Blog

Understanding what documents are needed to sell a property can make the process run smoother. Those working with an agent may benefit from the escrow company assisting in retrieval. However, any home seller should be aware of the types of documents that are typically necessary in order to facilitate the expedient sale of a home. There may be some slight differences depending upon the state in which one owns a home and other applicable factors.

What Documents Are Useful?

Sellers who list their home for sale with an agent need to gather important information on the home. There may be variations depending upon the type of community, type of property and whether the buyer is choosing to reside in a property or use it as an investment property.

Unpermitted work can be a serious issue for homeowners, potential buyers and sellers. Uncovering that work performed proceeded without necessary permits may make it likely that the work was not done according to current codes, such as with electrical work. In addition, once it is known, it will be necessary to disclose any unpermitted work to potential buyers. However, what happens when this was not done and a new homeowner stumbles upon work which has not been properly permitted?

Review the Blueprints

A homeowner may get a better idea of unpermitted repairs by reviewing the blueprints. In this way it can be easy to notice whether or not a closet or sunroom was part of the original plan of the home. This may not provide information on the

It is finally time to stop renting and own a home. There are a number options available to prospective buyers, including single-family homes and condominiums. Buyers need to think about their specific needs and lifestyle prior to purchasing a home. Explore some differences between single-family homes and condos when looking to purchase a home.

Less Time on Maintenance

When it comes to living in a condo, many maintenance jobs are taken care of by the association. Owners can count on the association to hire workers to attend to tasks including yard maintenance, snow removal, landscaping and more. However, this cost is covered by the dues paid by condominium owners. At times, it may be necessary to pay in excess of those fees when the budget

Homeownership isn't for everyone. Oftentimes, renting a home, as opposed to purchasing a home, fits in better for some people. While rental housing works for millions of people, there comes a time when many are ready for something more. With these four items under control, people will know that they are equipped to dive into homeownership.

Clear on Personal Housing Requirements

Deciding on the perfect home takes many potential home buyers months to determine. They spend a great deal of time looking at different kinds of home styles and floor plans to get a sense for their needs. Since owning a home is a longer commitment, people should have at least a few ideas in mind for the kind of housing they would want in a property they own. These

Money talks when it comes to making an offer on a home, and in real estate, all-cash offers are big talkers.

But what if you don't have an all-cash offer? Does that mean your out of the running for buying your dream home? Not at all!

Though all-cash offers are enticing to home sellers, there are ways to make your offer look even more attractive.

Here are smart tips to compete with all-cash buyers and get the home of your dreams!

1. Get pre-approved for your home loan

All the tips in this article won't work unless you start with the most basic --you must get pre-approved for a home loan. Pre-approval is a guarantee to the seller that you have the funding to purchase the home.

Without it, your offer is weak, and the seller is sure to

One of the most important things that a homeowner can do when trying to sell their property is prepare for home showings. Buyers tend to respond more positively to homes that are clean, hospitable and inviting. Homeowners who get their home ready before buyers come often find it easier to sell their property. Good staging techniques can even lead to bigger offers. These tips will help.

Make The Home Cozy and Hospitable

Buyers like to imagine themselves relaxing in the home that they're thinking about purchasing. Sellers can make it easier for buyers to think of these fantasies by making their home look more hospitable. There are many ways this can be done. Draping a blanket over the arm of one chair, setting out extra pillows on the beds and

For many homeowners, one of the most important things to consider when trying to decide which home improvement projects to take on is return on investment. The right home upgrades can boost the sale price of a Commerce home and help homeowners recover their costs.

Deck Addition

Adding a deck is an inexpensive upgrade that typically costs between $5,000 and $10,000. A successful deck addition can deliver as much as 70% ROI. Containing costs is important for getting a high return on investment. This is done by using pressure treated wood instead of composite decking and by keeping the design of the deck relatively basic. It's also a good idea to landscape in the vicinity around the deck to make the new structure is as attractive as possible.

Improving curb appeal does not have to be hard or expensive. Small changes can make for a more appealing exterior and make a home more inviting for prospective buyers. Explore some of the easy ways homeowners can get started on improving their home's curb appeal.

Why Is Curb Appeal Important?

Seen as the frosting of a home, curb appeal generally improves the appearance of a home from the street. Potential homebuyers may use MLS listing photos and perform a drive-by of a property before deciding on which homes to actually visit. Making some small repairs and changes can help highlight a home's most attractive features, boost traffic to a listing and potentially increase the amount of potential visitors to a property.

Easy Updates to Do

Home inspections have benefits whether you're the buyer or the seller. However, this article will focus on the basic benefits to you as a homebuyer. Home inspections come at an additional cost, however, in the end, a thorough review of your prospective home could end up saving you money --or, at the very least, you'll have the peace of mind that you are getting what you paid for. 

Remember, there are other ways to save money with your home purchase, and it begins with getting matched with the right home loan. 

Contact us today for personalized home loan services and read on to see all the ways a home inspection will benefit you.

**Home inspections can sometimes be a requirement depending on the location and loan. Contact us for more details. 

Most homeowners have a surplus of things to maintain regularly…family, home, work, and required tasks such as keeping up the lawn. So, it comes as no surprise that finding ways to simplify lawn landscaping is on the top of many individual's priority list—including those that love communing with nature. These five outdoor landscaping hacks can help owners boost curb appeal while cutting back on expended energy for lawn upkeep.

1. Downsize and Minimize

Many homeowners unwittingly overwhelm themselves with excessive landscaping maintenance. Don't hesitate to go smaller and minimize landscaping so you can enjoy it more while working on it less. After all, sometimes the understated lawn offers the best curb appeal to DIY enthusiasts in the buyers