The housing market changes from season to season and year to year. What does 2019 have in store for buyers and sellers? The forecast looks promising. Here’s what the year may hold: Continue reading
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Tag Archives: Home Sales
What Is a Special Warranty Deed?
You probably didn’t think you’d need to pull out your dictionary when you navigate buying or selling your home. But if hearing the words “special warranty deed” has you scratching your head, you’re most likely not alone. Don’t let the jargon scare you! A real estate agent can help you understand the terminology. Continue reading
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What Is a Selling Agent and What Can They Do for You?
What Is a Selling Agent and What Can They Do for You?
Unless you’re in the real estate business, you may not know there are different kinds of agents out there — listing agent, selling agent, buyer’s agent, dual agent. How do you make sense of it all without taking real estate classes?
The terminology can be a bit confusing. For example, a selling agent does not represent the seller. Say, what? Continue reading
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The Difference Between a Deed and a Deed of Trust
There are so many legal terms to navigate during a real estate transaction. You might feel like you’re studying for the bar exam when you’re purchasing a home. While the help of a professional real estate agent certainly will help you in your journey, it’s good to arm yourself with information so you fully understand all the terms that are part of a real estate transaction. Here is the difference between a deed and a deed of trust. Continue reading
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What is the Congestion Relief Fee for Prince William County and how is it Calculated?
There are typical costs that are associated with selling a home in Prince William County – everything from administrative fees and taxes to real estate commission. One closing cost item that sellers tend to have questions about is the Congestion Relief Fee (also known as the Grantor’s Tax). Sellers want to know “What is the Congestion Relief Fee?”, “How is it calculated?” and “Does it impact me?” Let’s take a look into each question. Continue reading
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What is the role of a title company in Northern Virginia?
During the home buying process, roles like those of the realtor and home inspector are easily understood. Other roles, like the role of the title company, may be puzzling. It’s important to understand the critical role that the title company plays in the purchase of your new home, as it protects you from legal disputes over the property. If you are purchasing a home in Northern Virginia you have the right to use a title company or a real estate attorney to close and process your transaction. With most residential transactions in Northern Virginia, a title company is used. Here are some key points to know about your title company. Continue reading
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The Real Estate Contract: What is the earnest money deposit and how much should it be?
The time has arrived. You’ve found the home of your dreams and are prepared to make an offer. Now what? All real estate contracts must be in writing and a seller will not accept a formal offer without an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD). Earnest money is a deposit made to a seller showing the buyer’s good faith to proceed in a transaction. The EMD is an important part of the home buying process as it confirms to the seller that you are a legitimate and committed buyer. Without an EMD, a buyer could potentially make offers on several houses taking them off the market until they decide on their favorite. Continue reading
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Local Real Estate Market Stats and What They Mean to You
Are people buying real estate in today’s market? What price are homes in the area selling for? How long are homes staying on the market? All of these are good questions to ask your real estate agent whether you’re buying or selling. Continue reading
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The Psychology of Selling Your Home
As a realtor, I completely understand your attachment to your home. It may be the very spot where you got engaged, brought your babies home or completed one of your greatest DIY projects. Homes are meant to be places we love, and no matter how much you may need more space or look forward to a new location, letting go can be hard. Continue reading
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4 Reasons You Need a Price Strategy Advisor, (PSA)
When you search for realtors, are you overwhelmed by how many are in your area? And how to distinguish one from another? What you need is a realtor who has taken the next step to make your home-selling and buying experience a positive one. You need a Price Strategy Advisor, (PSA). As a certified PSA, I want to share with you four reasons why you should choose a realtor who has a PSA certificate.
Price Strategy Advisors Are Well Trained
Realtors who earn their PSA receive a certificate after completing an in-depth course on comparable pricing, valuation and market analytics. Those choosing to earn the PSA designation have to test out of the certification class. They know this educational component is important for accurately aiding their clients to help create the best buying or listing price strategies. They also take continuing educational opportunities seriously and value the importance of new ways to best serve their clients.
They Will Guide You Through the Maze
Whether you are buying or selling a home, a realtor with a PSA certificate can guide you confidently through the maze of complexities that come with buying or selling a home. Real estate has its own lingo, which can be very daunting. What is a Comparative Market Analysis? Does it benefit the buyer? The seller? Is the appraisal fair? Am I making a great bid, or am I overpaying? These are all intersections in the maze, and a realtor with a PSA can successfully navigate with you.
The Masters of the Comparative Market Analysis
Your PSA-certified realtor will not only guide you through understanding a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), but they are extensively trained in how to calculate this important tool. As mentioned in a prior blog, the CMA is an in-depth report that digs into the heart of your homes worth. The CMA is compiled using “comparables.” These are nearby properties similar to yours that have sold in the last three to six months. A realtor with a PSA certification knows how to use the data to ensure an accurate read on your area and your home. A well-done CMA and pricing strategy can also mean a faster selling time on your property.
PSA and the Code of Ethics in Valuation
Realtors with a PSA certificate also have a deep understanding of the National Association of Realtors (NAR ®) Code of Ethics. Realtors with a PSA certificate must be in good standing with the NAR®. This means that their knowledge and good standing can be seen in the valuation of your property and the realtor’s interactions with you, the valuation process, appraisers and others involved in the real estate process.
As you can see, a realtor holding a Price Strategy Analyst certificate can be an asset to your property sale or purchase, bringing integrity, knowledge and success to the table. If you are interested in learning more about the PSA certificate or a Comparative Market Analysis, please contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.
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