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Understanding Non-Contingent vs. Contingent Real Estate Contracts
When it comes to buying or selling a home, a ratified contract between the buyer and the seller is necessary for the transfer of property. It’s very important to understand the different contingencies within the contract that must be met before the final sale is completed. As real estate agents we are seeing more and…
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Looking for a job? What about Trades?
In 2023, the Homebuilders Association of Virginia (HBAV) found itself facing an unexpected challenge – a shortage of contractors that threatened to impede the thriving homebuilding industry. For example, this became very clear when I called on four different electricians with a big opportunity and none of them called me back. Amidst this challenge lies…
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Showing Homes in Rainy or Snowy Conditions
When it comes to house hunting, the weather might not be the first thing on your mind. Most people aim for sunny days to tour homes, but there’s an opportunity when it’s raining to uncover latent defects. It might not sound appealing to go in the rain, but there are advantages to embracing these weather…
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REALTOR® vs. Real Estate Agent Distinction
Picture this: You’re in a room filled with potential connections, ready to deliver your 60-second elevator pitch about your profession in real estate. You confidently state your role, and then comes the inevitable question: “What’s the difference between a REALTOR® and a real estate agent?” It’s a common question that deserves a clear answer. Understanding…
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Details Matter in Contracts
Buying a house can be an emotional rollercoaster. From falling in love with the perfect bathroom mirror to envisioning playful afternoons on the backyard swing set, every detail can feel like an essential part of making that house your home. But what happens when all of that disappears in the blink of an eye? Let’s…
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Understanding the Power of MLS vs. The Internet When Selling Your Home
When you sell your home, you will uncover thousands of websites that claim to be the best way to market your home, and this has sellers questioning the necessity of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Understanding the differences between these platforms can shed light on why the MLS remains to be the cornerstone for successful…
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Don’t Skip Title Insurance to Save Money
When purchasing a property in Virginia, a title search should always be one of your first steps in the due diligence process. A title search is the examining of public records to verify the property’s legal ownership history and uncover any potential issues that might affect the title. This search can tell you so much…
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Appraisal vs. Assessment
What is the difference between the “Assessed” Value of a home and the “Appraised” Value? This can be very confusing for homesellers and homebuyers when considering the value of a home. Assessed Values The Assessed Home Value is a figure used by your local government to determine property taxes. A county assessor evaluates the property’s…
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Why It’s Not Crazy to Sell Your Home Now
Selling a home towards the end of the year might not be the first choice for many homeowners, but in today’s market, it can actually be a smart and strategic move. Here are some reasons why it could be the perfect opportunity to sell your property. 1. Reduced Inventory, Increased Visibility During the holidays, many…
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Why the Shift to Fully Online Transactions is Not Here Yet
In today’s age, the idea of completing real estate transactions entirely online seems like the obvious solution to closings, yet several factors have hindered the complete shift to digital. 1. Regulatory Hurdles and Legal Complexity One of the biggest reasons keeping us from doing real estate closings digitally is the intricate web of regulations and…
