What Is Earnest Money? Buying a home is a significant financial decision that involves steps to protect both the buyer and seller. One key step is providing earnest money, a deposit showing you are serious about purchasing a property. This “good faith” payment reassures the seller, helps your offer stand out in competitive markets with …
How to Bid on a House with Multiple Offers Buying a home is exciting — but when you find the perfect property, only to learn there are multiple offers, it can feel intimidating. In a seller’s market, where housing inventory is low and housing demand is high, bidding wars are common. Still, competing doesn’t have …
What to Look for at Open Houses Attending open houses can be exciting, but it’s also easy to get distracted by fresh paint, new appliances, or well-staged furniture. At Justin Johnson Realty, we believe the real value of an open house lies in the opportunity to look beyond first impressions and assess the property’s actual …
How to Price Your Home in a Small Town Pricing a property is one of the trickiest decisions when selling a home. Set it too high, and buyers may stay away; too low, and you could leave money on the table. Every home and market is different, so understanding local trends and comparable sales is …
What’s The First Step I Should Take When Buying a Home? Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re unsure where to begin. Many first-time home buyers think about house hunting right away, but the process begins before you step inside a property. Taking …
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What Upgrades Add the Most Value Before Selling a House? Selling a home can be both exciting and stressful. Every homeowner wants the best possible price, but the real estate market can be unpredictable. Strategic upgrades are one of the most effective ways to boost value before listing. However, not all renovations are equal; some …
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What’s Included in Closing Costs When buying or selling a home, it’s easy to focus on the sale price and forget about the additional expenses that come with finalizing the deal. These are known as closing costs, a combination of fees that can impact your budget more than you expect. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer …
How Your Down Payment Impacts Your Mortgage When it comes to buying a home, your down payment plays a significant role in your mortgage. It can influence everything from your monthly payments to the types of loans you qualify for. Whether you’re putting down 3% or 20%, understanding how your down payment impacts your mortgage …
Hidden Costs of Buying a Home When you see a home’s price, it’s easy to think that’s what you’ll pay. But buying a home usually comes with extra costs that many buyers don’t expect. Things like inspections, insurance, and other fees add up and can make the final price higher than you planned. If you’re …
What Is Escrow? If you’re buying a home for the first time, you’ve probably heard the term “escrow” and wondered, What is escrow in real estate, exactly? Whether you’re navigating the real estate transaction steps or reviewing your closing costs, understanding escrow is key to protecting your investment and making the home-buying process smoother. At …