Posts with tag 'For Buyers'

Like many people, you've probably dreamt of owning a vacation property. But is 2020 the right year to take the plunge on a second home? After all, mortgage rates are at a historical low. But this is a time of economic uncertainty. And we don't know when the economy will fully recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. There's a lot to consider before you invest, which is why Our REALTORS® give you this rundown of the pros and cons of buying a vacation home in 2020.

• Pro: Mortgage Interest Rates Are Hitting Record Lows
  If you have the income stability, buying a vacation home in 2020 may make a lot of sense. Mortgage interest rates at a historical low and it's predicted that this will continue into 2021. According to Freddie Mac, the average interest rates in August 2020 dropped below 3% for the first time ever.

  Click Here to Read More...

Whether you're looking for Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, there's one thing you can count on: Our REALTORS® are there to make the whole process easier for you. We'll guide you every step of the way so you can make informed choices.

Unfortunately, even savvy buyers often believe some real estate myths.

It's no surprise certain real estate myths are so common. They've been around a long time and it's easy to pick them up through word of mouth. Some real estate myths were truths once upon a time. However, real estate changes quickly – and it's important to move with the times.

To make things even more complicated, the coronavirus pandemic has changed real estate in a very short time. Buyers and sellers around Long Island need to be aware of how COVID-19 has shaped the local market, but it's also crucial not to overcorrect.

Click Here to Read More...

Are you thinking about capitalizing on the Airbnb trend and purchasing a rental property? You're certainly not alone! Millions of homeowners around the world have embraced Airbnb as a second or even primary source of income, but success isn't as simple as shopping for a Suffolk County home for sale and setting up a mattress in a spare room. Prepping your home to become part of the hospitality industry isn't for everyone, and it takes work to turn your home into an Airbnb earner. Our REALTORS® are here to help you make an informed decision, with a look at the pros and cons of jumping on the Airbnb bandwagon.

Should You Consider Airbnb?

• Turn a Second Home or Spare Room into Extra Income
  Let's start with the biggest pro, and the reason you're probably interested in Airbnb in the first place. If your home has a good location and you prep it properly, you can turn your Airbnb property into a significant source of income. It takes work to excel with Airbnb, but if you stick with it, the payoff can be significant. You can rent out unused space in your own home, or purchase a property specifically as an Airbnb investment. Either way, you can generate extra income without Airbnb being your main job.

  Click Here to Read More...

Owning your own home remains a crucial part of the American dream, but it isn't always easy. From growing debt problems to an ever-changing real estate market, there are plenty of potential roadblocks to homeownership. For veteran and military home buyers, there are some options well worth considering. 

Our REALTORS® are proud to have helped countless veterans and active servicemen and women buy homes—in many cases, their first homes. We're grateful for the opportunity to help. If you're a veteran or military homebuyer, keep these tips in mind as you start the homebuying process. 

1. Know Your VA Loan Options
   One of the biggest advantages active military and veterans have when purchasing a home is the ability to secure a VA loan. These home loans are backed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and are much more flexible than ordinary loans. In most cases, they cover 100 percent of a home's cost, require no down payment, and allow you to buy a home without having to pay for private mortgage insurance. 

   Click Here to Read More...

When you're buying a house, many intangible factors come into play. Is it in a safe neighborhood? How is the school system? Does it have a great view? Our REALTORS® find that for many people, job commute is one of the top criteria for evaluating homes.

Today's job landscape has gone beyond the traditional nine-to-five workday, so commute time isn't such a cut-and-dried issue. Here are some expert tips for putting job commute in perspective when choosing a home to buy.

• How Far Is "Too Far?"
  According to the Census Bureau, the average commuter travels just over 25 minutes each way, which is the equivalent of adding an extra half-day to your work week. Times are even higher in congested metropolitan areas. If you're considering a certain home, take a test run of your potential commute under actual traffic conditions so you have an accurate picture.

  Click Here to Read More...