A home is a long-term financial asset. Estate planning helps you prepare for the future by deciding what happens to your home and other assets if you can no longer care for them. Here are the basics: What is an estate plan, and how is it different from a will? A will is a legal document that dictat

Are you thinking about buying a home but not sure where to start?    For a first time home buyer, it’s common to feel overwhelmed just thinking about where to start, what steps are involved, or what you need to research. I’d like to explain the process of buying a home in the Hampton Roads area (wh

Applying for a mortgage can be difficult, especially for people with nontraditional income sources, like self-employed workers, small business owners, gig workers, freelancers and anyone else who doesn’t receive a W2 from an employer.   Who is considered self-employed? Sole proprietors, indepe

アメリカでお家をご購入のお客様 アメリカでの家の購入に関して、まずは何からすればいいのか、どんなステップがあるのか、何を調べたらいいのか、考えるだけでなんだか圧倒されてしまうのはよくあることです。 アメリカ、特にハンプトンローズ周辺地域 (Hampton Roads- which includes Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Portsmouth, Newport News, Suffolk, Yorktown）での家の購入に関して日本語で解説してみたいと思います。私にとって、お客様とのコミュニケーションはとても大事です。もしこの

Home Loan Questions? Yes You should call local Mortgage Lenders! :) It is very important for you to understand what loan programs are available and best suit your financial situtaion.  Here is a good website to learn about Home Loans. https://www.houselogic.com/buy/how-to-buy-step-by-step/difference

When you take out a mortgage, one part of your closing costs will be title insurance. The premium is a one-time charge, and the policy protects the lender. You also can purchase owner’s title insurance to protect yourself, but it’s not required. Here’s what you need to know about what title insuranc

A title refers to the legal ownership of a property. It is a document that proves the rights of the owner and outlines any claims or liens against the property. When you purchase a property, you essentially acquire the title to that property, which grants you certain rights and responsibilities as t

Vinyl Plank vs. Laminate? Both of these fake wood flooring types have advantages over each other, and these are the advantages of vinyl plank when compared to laminate. Vinyl Plank is Often Waterproof; Laminate is Not Because of its entirely synthetic construction, vinyl plank is often completel

Condo fees cover various expenses related to the maintenance and management of the building and its common areas. Landscaping. General upkeep of the exterior of the building. Repair and maintenance of shared amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, elevators, and parking lots. Master insu

A condo, short for condominium, is a type of real estate ownership that has gained immense popularity over the years. Condos offer a unique living arrangement, providing buyers with an attractive alternative to traditional single-family homes or renting. If you're considering buying a condo, it's cr

Improving your credit score is crucial when it comes to purchasing a home. A higher credit score not only increases your chances of getting approved for a mortgage but also allows you to secure a more favorable interest rate, saving you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. If you're pla

Buying a home is an exciting and significant milestone in one's life. It is undoubtedly a decision that requires careful consideration and thorough evaluation of various aspects. One crucial step that buyers often contemplate is whether or not to order a home inspection. While some may view it as an

Mortgage Appraisal Frequently Asked Questions Appraisals play a crucial role in the mortgage process, whether you're a buyer or a seller. Understanding how appraisals work can help you navigate through the real estate transaction smoothly. Here are some frequently asked questions about mortgage appr

\An appraisal is a crucial part of the real estate buying and selling process. It is an unbiased evaluation conducted by a licensed appraiser to determine the fair market value of a property. Whether you are a buyer, seller, or obtaining a mortgage, understanding the appraisal process is essential.