Windermere Blog | Category: Buying

August 27, 2018

Building Character - Balancing a Home's Personality and Amenities

Posted in Buying by John Trupin

It's sometimes said that the limitations of a house are what help make it a home. For many, however, it is a point of pride to accept only the finest in their new residence. How can you find the balance between cultivating a lived-in home with personality and quirks versus a house with cutting-edge amenities that improve quality of life? To get to the bottom of that, we gathered a list of six...
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June 27, 2018

The Risks and Rewards of Purchasing a Bank-Owned Home

Posted in Buying by John Trupin

The process of purchasing a home directly from a lender can be long and arduous, but could very well be worth it in the end. If you have your sights on a particular home or are looking to find a deal on your first, working directly with the lender may be your only option. Purchasing a bank-owned home is not for the faint of heart, here are some tips for negotiating the REO process:
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June 25, 2018

What's in a Condo? The In-Between Style of Home That Might Be the Right Fit for You

Posted in Buying by John Trupin

Condominium homes are a great, low-maintenance choice for a primary residence, second home, or investment property. This alternative to the traditional single-family home has unique issues to consider before buying, as well as unique benefits. Here’s some background information to help you decide whether purchasing a condo is a good match for you.
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June 11, 2018

A Beginner's Guide to Securing a Mortgage Loan

Posted in Buying by John Trupin

Entering into debt is a concept I grew up diametrically opposed to. I was raised, like many with frugal family members, to understand that anything you couldn’t pay for on the spot was something you couldn’t afford. But as we age we learn the pathway to financial growth requires a commitment beyond what many of us can deliver up front. Building and stabilizing wealth is, for many families...
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May 21, 2018

How to Get Started in Real Estate Investing

Posted in Buying by John Trupin

Investing in real estate is one of the world’s most venerable pathways to building wealth. When properly managed, income from renting or real estate investment trusts can provide you with the financial security to plan out the rest of your life. The conclusion is easy to envision, but knowing where to begin can be overwhelming, particularly for anyone who has never previously owned a home.
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April 25, 2018

10 Key Qualities to Look for When Selecting an Agent

Posted in Buying by John Trupin

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial and emotional purchases of a person’s life. That’s why it is so important to find an agent that can not only help you navigate the home search process but one who can also answer your questions and represent your needs from start to finish.
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April 04, 2018

5 Deal Breakers that can blindside home buyers

Posted in Buying by Kenady Swan

Purchasing a home can be a complex endeavor for even the most well-prepared home buyer. You’ve diligently saved for your down payment, followed the market, researched agents and now you are ready to make an offer on your dream home. Don’t let these 5 “Deal Breakers” come between you and your new home.
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March 26, 2018

How Tax Reform Affects Homeowners

Posted in Buying, Selling, and Market News by Sonja Riveland

New tax legislation was signed into law at the end of 2017, and it included some significant changes for homeowners. These changes took effect in 2018 and do not influence your 2017 taxes. Here's a brief overview of this year's tax changes and how they may affect you*.
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March 14, 2018

Homeowners Insurance: Protecting Your Home

Posted in Buying by Kenady Swan

In addition to providing shelter and comfort, our home is often our single greatest asset. And it’s important that we protect that precious investment. Most homeowners realize the importance of homeowners insurance in safeguarding the value of a home. However, what they may not know is that about two-thirds of all homeowners are under-insured.
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March 07, 2018

Myths and Truths About Millennial Home Buyers

Posted in Buying and Living by Zacarias Dumas

In recent years there has been a lot written about millennial's and their impact on the housing market. Because of this there are also a lot of misconceptions about what this generation wants from a home. To start, it’s important to know that there are more than 71 millennial's, which are defined as those aged 22-37.
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