If the time has come to sell your home, you may be considering listing the home as “for sale by owner” (FSBO) in an attempt to save the approximate 6% commission you would pay a realtor. But while some savvy homeowners can successfully navigate an FSBO situation, the vast majority come out ahead when they hire an agent. Before you make any hard and fast decisions, consider these four reasons why hiring a realtor to orchestrate your sale is almost always worth the cost.

You’ll Get More for Your Home

Experienced realtors have an in-depth knowledge of the housing market in your area and can reliably predict how much your home is worth. While you can do some quick comparisons and come up with an asking price, there’s a good chance you’ll either

Buying a home strictly so you can rent it out is a great way to invest in the real estate market and begin getting a return quickly. While rent varies in each state and even county, the average national cost of rent is still over $900, which is why buying a home for this purpose is so appealing.

In many cases, you can buy a home and have a mortgage that is even less than your future renters will pay, which can put a profit in your pocket even as you pay off the house. Before you buy any house and convert it into a rental, make sure you talk to your realtor about these four things.

Rental Competition

A rental does you little good if it’s already a renter’s market. If there are many rental homes listed, then other landlords will be competing

Whether you plan to embrace the minimalist lifestyle by looking for a smaller home or will move because the kids have all grown up and moved out, downsizing can be a challenge for many families, especially those used to a certain amount of space. You might have a hard time knowing what to look for when you need to find a home.

Less square footage should not be your only goal. If you’re looking for the smaller home that will still meet your needs, here are some things to consider. 

Remember All Your Stuff Will Not Come With You

People’s belongings typically grow to fill the space they live in. When looking for a new home, you can’t judge it by what will not fit. Instead, take an inventory before you begin your search. What things must be able

Real estate is hot in many areas of the nation. The demand for homes in urban and suburban areas has created seller’s markets throughout the country. A seller’s market means it’s easier to sell a house than to purchase one due to conditions such as property scarcity, gentrification, inflated pricing or rampant foreign investment.

In Michigan, the hottest real estate markets are in places as diverse as Detroit and Grand Rapids. While it may seem like a prime time to list your home in the state, be aware that you may still face struggles when offering your home for sale in a seller’s market. Consider the three situations listed below, and plan your real estate sale to protect yourself from each one.

1. Solid Buyers Reject Your Home

Even in a

As you approach retirement, you may be thinking about changing your living situation as you enter this new chapter in your life. There are many great reasons to buy a different home when you retire. It could be to downsize, a wish to live in a more temperate climate or simply a desire to start a new phase in a new place.

If this describes you, it’s a good idea to spend a little time now planning your purchase and move before you take action. Here are five steps to take for success. 

Know Your Needs     

Many people approaching retirement automatically assume that they will want to move to a better area or downsize because these are popular options. But that may not be the right option for you. Moving to a distant city or state could mean

If your family is growing and your business is booming, you may be considering moving to a bigger home. Upgrading to a bigger home is the best way to obtain the extra space you need for the children you are adding to your family, and winter is a great time to sell your current home and get started on the upgrading process. Here are a few reasons why.

Houses Valuations Are Better Just After Summer

Statistically, more homes are listed and sold in the summer months, which means fewer homes sell in the winter months, but there is one key benefit of putting a house up for sale in the winter. The prices of homes sold in the summer is typically higher than the price of those sold in the winter; however, this can actually be a benefit for you as you try