Real estate is a well known to be competitive. We try to help you be a step ahead of everyone else in selling your home, and investing in another.

It is the never ending question for future homeowners. To rent or to buy? That is the question.

Renting a home is a good option for some, but buying a home just might be the best thing for you. There are some big advantages to buying a house that will help you get out of your renting rut and focus more on your future.

Build Equity

You may not realize this, but when you rent a home - you help someone else build equity. Any changes that you make with your landlord's approval puts money back in his or her pocket. When you buy a home of your own, you have the chance to build equity of your own, which you can use to obtain a loan later.

Save On Your Taxes

When you rent a house, you cannot deduct the money you spend on your taxes. Though some…

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Agent Frank Mondelli hosted a Broker Open House on Willow Pond Road, and showcased the home's great features to fellow agents.

So you just listed your home on the market with a respectable agent from Tom Crimmins Realty, what can you do to attract potential buyers? Hosting an open house should be on top of that list. 

But did you know there is such a thing call Broker's open house? We know, it's like you learn something new every day!

What is a Broker's Open House?

A broker's open house is hosted by the selling agent and showcases the MLS listed home to other brokers and real estate professionals whose clients who might be interested, while answering any questions. This open house is not open to the public.

According to…

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One of the first (and very important) steps in qualifying for a mortgage is to have your bank run your credit report. Your credit report has a major impact on what type of mortgage loan you qualify for.

What is on my credit report?

 Your credit report will consist of three separate scores from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Transunion and Experian. The scores from each bureau are usually different of varying degrees. The report also consists of all your monthly payment obligations and your payment history on each one. What banks do with your credit report is to make sure you have a history of making your payments and making them on time. If you are behind on any of your payments, the bank will see this on your credit report. They…

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People fail to realize that a real estate agent is an experienced, trained, licensed and often seasoned professional. Yes, you have to 'interview' and hand pick your real estate agent, but it is important to have one to guide you and work for you when you are selling your home.

Providing you find a reputable agent that you feel comfortable with - there is no better way to sell your home.

Aside from having all the necessary tools, contacts and needed internet access, a realtor knows how to properly market your home to get you, the seller, the best possible price.

Realtors are also savvy negotiators. Strong negotiators usually bring much more in the way of final agreed sale price to substantially cover a seller commission and beyond to put more…

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Selling a home is not an easy thing to do. Many steps have to be taken to assure your home sells quickly and for a seller friendly price. Preparation of the home's condition and marketing the home are two very key early steps in the process.  

Some people feel they can sell their home on their own, they fail to realize a professional will advertise the home using the realtor's state of the art marketing, negotiate the best price, and make the process as stress free as possible for the seller.

Photos, Photos And More Photos!

Buyers want to see photos. They lure people and get their curiosity up. Consider hiring a professional photographer and include a virtual tour of your beautiful home! If you are selling your home in the winter, you should…

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Things are moving in the right direction, regarding real estate, because the economy has gotten much stronger! If you are already a homeowner and you are looking to make a sound investment don't look any further. Real estate investment property is your answer providing you have good credit and income as well as a substantial down payment.

Buying a two family or multi-family home is one of the best investments you can make. There is no better time because prices of homes are down and mortgage rates have bargain opportunities. With a minimual monetary investment you can own a home and your tenants can pay your mortgage, repairs and improvements in many cases.

Second homes that are tenant occupied are allowed to be depreciated or written off for a…

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Buying a home can be long drawn out and stressful process. It is important to surround yourself with true professionals. Among these professionals are a real estate broker, an attorney, a home inspector and a mortgage broker.

Your first stop aside from maybe sitting with a real estate broker to make sure you feel comfortable and "hit it off" is to contact a mortgage broker to learn or verify your true buying power. Many naive buyers look at homes first and then worry about buying power. Wrong! Aside from not wasting your time, seller's time and real estate agents time - a buyer needs to pre qual from a reputable banking institution for various reasons:

  • You need to know true buying power
  • You need to know the monthly cost or expected budget
  • …

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It's never too early to think about or plan to buy real estate. Aside from saving as much as possible, it is vital to establish good credit and make sure to keep your credit blemish free.

Here are some suggestions to establishing good credit:

  1. For the college students - if your parents have good credit and pay bills on time ask to piggy bank onto their charge account to gain positive credit ratings.
  2. Get your own minimal charge card or two. Usually a gas card or department store card is an easy one for a new applicant to secure.
  3. Don't pay your new charge card off entirely each month. Pay the minimum for a few months then pay it off. Repeat this process. Credit bureaus like to see this.
  4. College loans help establish credit. Pay them on time…

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There are many common mistakes renters make while apartment hunting. We broke down a checklist for potential rents into two parts. In case you missed it, here is Part 1 from last week.

  1. Are there carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms? Are they hard wired or battery operated? Is there a working burglar alarm?
  2. How about further security? Do you have your own exterior door and key or is it a common for all the tenants? Is it a buzz in set up? Are there security cameras or possibly security guard or doorman? 
  3. Is there ample shopping nearby - even walking distance? Are these any nice restaurants close by?
  4. Is there a pet policy? You might not have a pet now but you may want one another day. Or you may not want to hear a neighbors dog barks…

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There are many common mistakes renters make while apartment hunting. We broke down a checklist for potential rents into two parts.

  1. Potential renter should check past recent utility bills. Inquire about how will home is insulated. Remember heat rises. Are you on the first floor and helping heat the second floor? Are windows new or are you losing heat?
  2. Did you buy a cup of coffee and stake out the block and area? Did you do this on different days and different times? Is parking an issue? Try to get away with leaving a small depost to stall for some time and stand watch.
  3. DId you meet yout neighbors? Don't be afraid to ring a few doorbells. Introduce yourself. Ask questions. Make a list of questions that are important to you.
  4. Do you have easy…

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