Articles Tagged "For buyers"

Technology has made it possible to buy and sell property with very little in-person contact. In fact, you can be an entirely different city during your real estate transaction. Our real estate agents have helped many buyers find new homes using video conferencing and other online tools. Here are their top 5 tips for anyone who is interested in buying a home remotely

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As the summer heats up, Livingston County's real estate market continues to move at a brisk pace. The most recent market data is highlighted by inventory growth, a substantial decrease in the number of days homes are spending on the market before being sold, and a slight decrease in median sales price compared to the spring. Our real estate agents are here to keep you informed with all of the latest data on Livingston County Market Activity for July 2022.

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You're ready to sell your home, but you aren't sure if you can handle the task on your own or if you should hire one of our real estate agents. We think it's important for potential home sellers to understand what a real estate agent does so that they better understand the value and convenience provided by an agent. Here's what you need to know. 

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As spring turns to summer, the Livingston County real estate market continues to heat up along with the weather. The latest trends show increases in inventory in Livingston County and decreases in the number of days that properties are spending on the market before being sold. Our real estate agents have all of the latest details in our report on June 2022 Market Activity in Livingston County.

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When the weather gets warm, the flowers start blooming, and the days grow longer, you can be sure that we're entering one of the busiest times of year for real estate transactions. Staying up to date on the latest real estate trends in Livingston County is key to achieving your goals, whether you're planning to buy or sell a home this spring. Our real estate agents are here to help you make informed decisions with the latest market activity data for Livingston County.

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If you want the security of knowing that other homeowners in your area must maintain their homes to a specific standard, our real estate agents know that purchasing a home in an HOA can encourage a clean, well-kept neighborhood.

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There are a thousand little details to take care of as you go from one house to another. It can easily get overwhelming. However, it's not so bad with a little bit of planning. Here are a few tips to make your move in 2022 as seamless as possible.

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Utilizing the services of a real estate agent to help you sell your home in 2022 is a wise decision. A real estate agent can save you time when it comes to navigating paperwork and can get you a much better price for your home. But once you've said yes to using an agent, how do you find the right one?

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Information is power when you're making a real estate decision, and understanding the latest market trends can help you achieve your goals. We keep a constant eye on the most up-to-date data on the real estate market in Livingston County to help you make informed decisions when buying or selling a home. Our real estate agents have all of the latest details in our December Market Activity report for Livingston County.

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Are you considering purchasing or selling a home in the Livingston County area? Achieving your goals starts with a solid understanding of the latest local real estate trends, and our team keeps a constant eye on the data to help you make informed decisions. Our real estate agents have the latest data in our November monthly market activity report for Livingston County.

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It's no secret that the housing market has been HOT for the past several years. However, all market trends eventually come to an end. Buyers have started asking our real estate agents whether things are finally cooling down and what they should expect going forward. 

While no one has a crystal ball, the latest data shows that inventory is creeping up, some homes are staying on the market for longer, and some home sellers are cutting prices. What does this mean for you and your home buying or selling prospects? Here are a few of our predictions. 

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Moving into a new home is always exciting. But moving involves more than just adapting to a new house. You'll also be in a new neighborhood, and it's important to take the time and get to know that community. The following are fun and easy ways to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.

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Shopping for a home is so much easier when you can base your decisions on real, proven data, and our real estate agents keep a watchful eye on the Livingston County real estate market in order to keep you up to date on the latest trends. Staying up to date on the trends makes it simpler to choose between comparable homes, make competitive offers, and plan out your budget for a home purchase in advance. Discover all of the latest trends in our report on September Market Activity for Livingston County real estate.

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Our real estate agents know that moving creates exciting lifestyle changes, but it also presents challenges for relocation. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, planning and organizing your move will make things much easier.

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If you've dreamed of owning a vacation home your whole life, you're certainly not alone. Vacation home purchases were up 16% in 2020, an increase that was driven by the pandemic and the flexibility of remote work. Whether you need a new place to rest and relax, or you're looking to supplement your income with a rental property, it's easy to see the appeal behind investing in a second home.

Especially here in Livingston County, with our close proximity to relaxing lake living.

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When the real estate market favors sellers, our real estate agents know that it's common for homebuyers to get into a bidding war. A bidding war occurs when two (or more) potential buyers put in offers on a home at the same time.

If one offer includes terms or conditions that are more favorable, the seller can select that offer. However, it's also possible that the buyers will need to revise their offers one or more times until one offers a higher price. Here are some guidelines to follow when you're in a bidding war. 

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Our real estate agents spend every day immersed in the Livingston County real estate market, and we are happy to share the key details with you to help you make informed real estate decisions. Catch up on all of the latest data for Livingston County real estate with our May Market Activity data.

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A deep understanding of the local real estate market is critical to success, whether you're ready to buy, sell, or simply gathering information to help you decide what to do next. The Livingston County real estate market has seen increased activity this spring, and our team is keeping an eye on every detail to help you stay informed as you plan your next real estate transaction. Our real estate agents have all the key information, in our April Market Activity report for Livingston County real estate.

April Market Activity for Livingston County

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At Griffith Realty, our real estate agents are always working hard to support the success of our clients.

A big part of that commitment is staying engaged with every detail of how our local market is changing. By identifying trends, we help you reach your real estate goals here in Livingston County.

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If you can't find a home that has enough of the essentials you're looking for in an area you like, you may want to consider buying land and having your own home built. This lets you build to your specifications, customizing your house to suit your needs and preferences.
  
Our real estate agents recommend knowing the following 5 things when you're thinking about buying land:  

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Our real estate agents work with many military veterans interested in buying a home. Servicemembers have unique access to a special mortgage loan program sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Known as the VA home loan, it provides mortgage loan options with favorable terms and few upfront costs.

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As the holiday season lights up our lives, you may think buying or selling a home is the last thing on someone's mind. While our real estate agents understand that most individuals are quite busy during this time of the year, we want all of our potential clients to know that we're working around the clock to make their real estate goals come true. In fact, we've helped many men and women add buying or selling a new home to their holiday checklist. Have you been wondering whether or not you should wait until 2021 to follow through on your real estate plans? 

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As we inch closer to winter, families, professionals, and investors are warming up to the idea of purchasing or selling real estate. Our real estate agents at Griffith Realty understand that adapting to our new normal may involve buying or selling your home. If you're interested in moving forward with your real estate goals in Livingston County, you're not alone.

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As the leaves change, so too are the lifestyle needs of many families throughout Livingston County. The home has become a schoolhouse for students, an office for professionals, and so much more of the center of our everyday lives. It's no surprise that families, couples, and single individuals are all strongly considering buying or selling a home to meet their evolving lifestyle needs. Our real estate agents at Griffith Realty are aware that you may be more interested in buying or selling your home now that you know the full demands of your day-to-day lifestyle. If you're currently considering your real estate goals, it's important to know that many other buyers and sellers are debating the same thoughts.

Current Market Activity in Livingston County

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So you made an offer on the home of your dreams, and the seller accepted. The last thing you want to do is prolong the closing. Your mortgage is contingent on you maintaining the same financial profile throughout the closing period, and any abrupt changes may lead to problems or delays. Our real estate agents made a list of the five things you shouldn't do during the closing process.

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In a competitive real estate market, home sellers have an advantage over buyers. You can still find a great home at a price you can afford, even in this type of market, but you may need to make your offer stand out in case the seller receives other offers. The amount of money you're willing to spend is important, of course, but there are also other ways to give your offer a boost in the eyes of the seller.

Our real estate agents suggest the following ways to make your offer stand out in a competitive housing market:

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As the sun begins to set on summer, there are many women and men who have grappled with the question of whether or not now is the right time to buy or sell a home in Livingston County. For many families, traditional summer vacations were traded for backyard staycations and creative at-home summer camps. Our real estate agents at Griffith Realty understand that this summer has highlighted the need for specific features throughout your home, including dedicated office space, more exterior entertaining space, and separate transitional areas for your whole family to utilize. Thankfully, the market activity around Livingston County continues to be very accommodating to both buyers and sellers.

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As we continue to move towards our "new normal", one of the seemingly larger obstacles many homeowners face is whether or not now is the right time to buy or sell real estate in Livingston County. Our real estate agents at Griffith Realty understand that this life-changing decision is only made more difficult with the increasingly uncertain times we're living in. While we may not know when much of our normalcy will return in our day-to-day lives, we can assure you that the real estate industry has adapted to the "new normal" and is offering unique opportunities for buyers and sellers throughout Livingston County to achieve their real estate goals.

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We sure do love our pets! More than 85 million American families own dogs, and many communities are tailored to our furry friends. If you're looking for a neighborhood that will easily accommodate your pup, our REALTORS® have pieced together these tips to make your search easier.

1. Sidewalks
   For many homeowners, a sidewalk is considered a "nice to have" feature. However, if you own a dog, pin this at the top of your must-have list. Consider neighborhoods with wide, well-paved, and brightly lit sidewalks to ensure that you'll enjoy walks around the area with your furry friend. In addition to sidewalks, consider neighborhoods with trails to explore. It's a bonus if the neighborhood provides dog-accessible water bowls and waste bags.
2. Garbage Cans
   Public garbage cans allow you and your pooch to enjoy more pleasurable walks without having to take poop bags home for disposal. If you find a fully-decked-out doggy station with a garbage pail and disposal bags, you know you've hit the jackpot. Other than garbage cans, look out for cookies and water bowls. If your neighborhood is dog-friendly, you'll spot bowls filled with clean, fresh water outside business parks and shops. You may also find artisan dog cookies at various cash registers. Parks might feature multi-tiered fountains, with a special spout just for pets closer to the ground.

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Searching for your dream home is exciting, but it can be a burdensome task as well, especially if you've looked at a lot of houses and still haven't found "the one." One of the most rewarding parts of showing Brighton homes for sale is helping house-hunters realize their dreams and find a home they love. Trusting your gut while being practical can be challenging. Our real estate agents provide some tips for how to know when you've found what you're looking for.  

1. It Feels Like Home
   Sometimes when you walk in the door of a house, you immediately feel comfortable. Even if the current homeowners' furniture and personal belongings are in the home, you feel happy and can envision your own stuff there. 
2. It Meets Your Requirements
   Before you start house hunting, it's critical to sit down and make a list of must-haves for your new home. If you can check off most of the boxes on your list for a specific home, it may just be the one that's found you! While it's true that you may have to compromise on some things, think about what's important to you. For example, if a fenced yard for your dog is a must, but you love a home with a great yard but no fence, remember that you can always install one after you move in.

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For a variety of reasons, many people consider moving away from their hometown. Whether it's for a new job or just a new start, here are some helpful money-saving tips before you relocate to one of the great Brighton homes for sale.

1. Create a Budget
   This is the number one rule for all major financial undertakings. Have a reasonable idea of what your expenses will be and build in a cushion to cover unexpected costs. Include factors such as moving services and supplies, deposits and down payments, fuel, and overnight travel.
   
   
2. Save Your Tax Refund
   Tax refunds are more or less "found" money not accounted for in regular household budgeting, so they can go a long way toward covering the expenses of moving.
   
   
3. Pare Down Your Possessions
   Start going through clothing, furnishings, and other household items to determine what stays. Take whatever doesn't make the cut and pick up some extra bucks by holding a garage sale or selling the items through eBay or a consignment shop. As a bonus, you'll reduce expenses and labor by having less to move.

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Moving to a new town can be exciting, but also stressful. Our real estate agents strive to help clients find the right homes for them, but even the best Brighton homes for sale come with an adjustment period. That's only natural!

When you move to a new place, you have to learn routines all over again. It's easy to feel like you've been thrown off your rhythm. Give it a little time, however, and you'll be "street smart" enough to appreciate your new surroundings.

Let's look at some ways you can make a new town feel like home:

1. Start Meeting New People
   Even if you're happy with your move, leaving friends behind can be a drag. Get off to a fresh start by introducing yourself to your neighbors and others you run into. Busy adults can find it hard to make friends, so consider joining some clubs or community organizations.

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Buying a home is a big decision. For buyers ready to make an offer on any of the Livingston County homes for sale, it is a decision that involves finding the perfect fit for their family and financial future. For sellers, it means choosing the right buyer who will take care of the property and safeguard the memories they made in the home. As a buyer, writing a personalized offer letter can help seal the deal. A well-crafted letter assures the seller you are the right person to entrust their home to.

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Buying and selling real estate often involves walking a tightrope of good timing. Can you sell your current home in time to avoid double mortgage payments? Will you have enough money for a down payment when your landlord is ready to sell?

Contingent offers and first right of refusal are tools designed to help level the playing field, but they have different implications. Our real estate agents demystify contingent offers and how they can affect your negotiations on Brighton homes for sale.

What Is a Contingent Offer?

"Contingent" refers to a condition fulfilled only upon the occurrence of another condition. In real estate, contingent offers attach a specific condition or conditions required before the sale is finalized. Typical contingencies include passing inspection, loan approval, and sale of the buyer's home. These often involve first right of refusal.

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If you're in the market to buy one of our Brighton homes for sale, one of the area's gorgeous waterfront properties might top your list of possibilities. While there are many things to love about living on the lake, it's not for everyone. Here are things to consider before making your decision.

1. Lakeside Living Can Bring Peace and Serenity Locals who live on the lake tell our REALTORS® how much they love the quiet serenity. There's nothing quite like enjoying a cup of coffee while relaxing and looking out over the water. It seems almost impossible to hold onto worry and stress when you're listening to the crashing waves and watching beautiful sunrises and sunsets. 
   
   
2. There Are Many Health Benefits There are health benefits associated with living on the water. Since there are plenty of opportunities for walking, biking, swimming, and boating, you'll probably also get more exercise, which is beneficial to your health and well-being! 

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When Two Households Become One

Brighton homes for sale are part of an important real estate trend that's playing out all across the nation: More and more home buyers are looking for properties for their blended family.

Blended family describes any family where at least one partner has children from a previous relationship. Foster families are thought of as blended, too. About two-thirds of active homebuyers in the United States today are buying for a blended family. They need real estate agents who understand their needs!

Our REALTORS® recognize that blended families have their own unique considerations when buying a home. Each blended family is unique, but every family member should enjoy enough space, respect, belonging, and privacy.

Here are a few things to consider when you're house hunting for a blended family home:

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Many buyers seeking out Brighton homes for sale dream of spending the rest of their lives in the home they choose. This dream often includes paying off the mortgage as soon as possible and living a debt-free life. While it's a noble goal, you might be surprised to learn that paying off your home early isn't always the best financial move. 

Our REALTORS® offer a few important things to consider as you weigh the pros and cons of paying off your mortgage ahead of schedule.

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Multigenerational households are growing rapidly.

The popularity of multigenerational households, where parents, children, and grandparents all live together under one roof, is a growing trend in the United States. It's known as "Multigenerational Living," and it's not going away anytime soon. A study by PEW Research found that in 2018, 20 percent of the U.S. population (64 million people!) were living in multigenerational homes. This is a significant increase from the 26.8 million people who lived this way in the 1960s.

When Our REALTORS® speak to families looking for multigenerational homes for sale in Brighton, they cite a variety of reasons including the rising cost of healthcare, family finances, and children who have moved back home after college. No matter what the reason, multigenerational living can and does work, as long as you have the right attitude and the right type of house.

So how do you find a home that's suitable for a larger number of people and designed to make everyone happy? Start with these tips.

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Are you moving to Brighton? Perhaps you have just bought a home in our area, or maybe you're still looking through Brighton homes for sale to find the right house to make into your new home. Whichever the case may be, you will be moving into a new neighborhood, and becoming part of your new community will mean getting to know your new neighbors. Taking that first step can be rather uncomfortable, but to help you break the ice, here are six ways to meet your new neighbors.

1. Spend time outdoors – Make it easy to meet you by spending time out in the yard, sitting on the porch or walking around your neighborhood. Be sure to wave at people or say hello when you pass so that they know you are friendly and interested in getting to know people in your new community. Chances are good that your new neighbors are just as curious about you as you are about them, and an open, friendly demeanor will encourage them to act on that curiosity and introduce themselves.

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So you've committed to buying a home, congratulations! Deciding to own a home is a big step, but there's still a lot more to work through before you move into your new digs. How you pay for that home is what we're talking about, and getting a mortgage is how to get there. As a first-time homebuyer, you likely have a lot of questions about getting a mortgage, so our real estate agents put together this list of tips for applying for a one.

First-Time Buyer Mortgage Tips

• What Can You Afford?
  This is a great place to start your mortgage journey, and it begins with affordability. Generally speaking, lenders will look at your finances and use approximately 25% of your gross income to project what you can or should afford in a mortgage. Using that formula, you can play around with the numbers. In other words, if you make $100,000 per year, then you should be able to spend around $25,000 on housing annually or about $2,000 per month.

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There's nothing quite like lugging your gear to the slopes for a day of winter fun, and this year you can enjoy all of your favorite winter sports close to home in one location. Mt. Brighton Ski Area, located in Brighton, is the area's top destination for skiing, snowboarding, and all sorts of cold-weather fun.

Whether you're an experienced veteran of the slopes or you're learning the ropes for the first time, everyone can have a great time visiting the mountain. Our REALTORS® have all the key info on what to expect from a legendary day of skiing, snowboarding, or spectating at the Mt. Brighton Ski Area.

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Buying a home is a significant investment that requires you to dig deep into your pockets. At first, it may feel like an impossible challenge. However, it is not as impossible as it seems. With a little planning and the application of a smart financial strategy, you can move into your new home sooner than you may think.

Four Strategies that Lead to Homeownership

• Get Your Financial House in Order
  As a general rule, you will need to save at least 5% of the home's price for a down payment. That is why our REALTORS® recommend getting your financial house in order as soon as possible. This involves cleaning up your credit, paying down debts, and trimming your monthly expenses to the bare minimum. You may need to sell-off non-contributory assets such as extra cars, refinance existing loans, or cut back on the weekly latte meetings with friends. These factors have considerable influence on your ability to save. When these are taken care of, you will find it much easier to save up the down-payment. How long it takes to accomplish these objectives is up to you. Motivated buyers have been known to do all of this in one year. More commonly, it takes between two to three years.
  
  

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Whether you're in the market for Brighton homes for sale or Howell homes for sale, you've got the right allies in your corner with Griffith Realty. Our REALTORS® will go the extra mile to help you find what you're looking for in our Livingston County, MI area.

Many people interested in Livingston County want to know more about its amenities, and we're always happy to oblige. One area where Livingston stands out is its world-class healthcare. Healthcare makes a difference in the quality of life here in Livingston.

Four excellent healthcare organizations serve our residents. Let's find out a little more about them right now:

1. IHA - 524 Byron Road, Howell, MI 48843
   IHA Family & Internal Medicine is one of the largest multi-specialty medical groups in the state. It has been around the Howell area since 1996. Growing rapidly in recent years, it now has 200 staff and providers. The medical team currently covers 19 specialties. A new 12,000-square foot facility will bring a wide range of new services, including even better diagnostic imaging and emergency care.
   
   

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There is something special about a walk around the neighborhood.  More than a little bit of exercise, it is the perfect way to meet your neighbors which strengthens the sense of community.   When you're ready to begin your search for Brighton homes for sale, our REALTORS® will be prepared--with walking shoes on--to help you find the perfect neighborhood.

What is Walkability?

Walkability is a broad term that encompasses a neighborhood's walking trails, sidewalks, and pathways, as well as its proximity to schools, shopping, and recreation. Communities with high walkability scores are those that are pedestrian friendly and are well-connected to nearby attractions and amenities.

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Are you caught in the rental trap? If you are dreaming of buying your own home instead of renting, you might be unable to see a clear way to get there with the ever-rising cost of rental payments. 

So how does one escape this trap to begin paying off their own mortgage instead of your landlord's current mortgage? It might not be as hard as you think. Our REALTORS® offer these four ways to start saving to buy one of our Brighton homes for sale.

1. Work to reduce your current housing bills
   Ideally, you should be spending no more than 30 percent of your income on rent. If your current rental is eating up a higher percentage of your income than it should, consider a less expensive place. While downgrading may mean living with fewer conveniences and/or in a less desirable area, it could help you save for a down payment on a home of your own. Lowering your rent-to-income ratio can also help you create a more stable financial profile for yourself, which can be helpful when it comes time to apply for a mortgage loan.
   
   

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Are you ready for one of the most fun, family-friendly events of the year in the Milford area? It's almost time for the Kensington Fall Festival, which features food, shopping, and fun, educational activities for every member of the family. The festival takes place at the Kensington Metropark Farm Center, which works year-round to help residents learn about agriculture in a fun, engaging setting. It's a great opportunity to enjoy local attractions, support local businesses, and have a fun time in the process. Our REALTORS® are excited to tell you more about what to expect from the Kensington Fall Festival this year.

Family Fun, Fall Festivities & Food Close to Home

The Kensington Fall Festival
Location: Kensington Metropark – 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, Michigan
Date/Time: October 6 - 7, 2018 from 11 am to 4 pm

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Every now and then when you are searching for a home, you will see the term "contingent," which can be confusing for anyone new in the real estate industry. A contingency simply means that a certain condition needs to be met before a buyer can finalize the purchase of a home. If the contingency isn't met, the house will still be available for sale on the open market. Here are just a few of the most common contingencies and how our REALTORS® can help guide you throughout the entire home buying process.

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If you've been searching for your dream home among Brighton homes for sale, you're probably tired of hearing about the seller's market. Unfortunately, you can't avoid the seller's market dynamic. Inventories are low. Home prices are high. To further complicate your quest, mortgage rates keep fluctuating.

Our REALTORS® understand your concerns about the current home buying climate. We've put our best advice into our quick-read guide: "How to Survive in a Seller's Market."

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Buying your first house is hard work. You crunched the numbers, saved your downpayment, and are ready to start touring Brighton homes for sale.  But are you ready?  Have you thought about homeowners insurance?  Homeowners insurance ranks at the top of the home-buying checklist along with mortgage pre-approval and deciding between a lakefront home or downtown condo.  Consider these things about homeowners insurance coverage to avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.

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5 Ways to Save for a Down Payment

Saving for a down payment isn't an easy task. Many first-time home buyers feel overwhelmed paying such a large sum of money in addition to the various closing costs involved in buying a home. However, you can save enough money for a down payment by following these simple tips and taking advantage of special financing programs. Our REALTORS® have compiled this list of helpful hints so you can save your money for a down payment and purchase your dream home. 

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You've scoured the local real estate market searching for Brighton homes for sale and found the perfect home: The one that makes you excited to envision your future life. But wait! It's not quite over yet. You still have to close on your new home to make it official, and there are a few things that can jeopardize that event. Make sure to avoid these five things:

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6 Things to Consider Before Buying Your First Home 

When you're searching for your first home, the process can seem overwhelming. The thrill of finding the right place and making an offer. The anxiety of the home inspection process. The stress of waiting to see if your loan goes through. These emotions and other factors may result in you paying more for your home than you should.

Our REALTORS® believe that buying a home is a big part of the American dream but you shouldn't pay more than your dream is worth. Our advice to you: Don't Overpay for Your First home. We offer these important tips to help you avoid the overpayment dilemma.

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