Posts made by author 'Marcia Van Boskerck'

Getting your home ready for an inspection is crucial to ensure a smooth process and positive results. Here's a checklist to help you prepare:

• Keep Utilities On: If your home is vacant, make sure all utilities are still connected and that pilot lights are lit.
• Check Electrical Fixtures: Ensure that all electrical sockets, light fixtures, switches, and fans are working properly.
• Test Safety Devices: Confirm that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly.
• Inspect Plumbing: Verify that faucets and toilets are in good working order and free from leaks.
• Clean the Stove and Oven: A clean stove and oven will prevent smoke and false alarms during the inspection.
• Verify Doors and Windows: Make sure all doors and windows open and close smoothly and that all hardware is functional.
• Clear Acces...

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Home inspections are a critical part of the homebuying process, but there are many misconceptions about what they entail. Here are some common myths and the truth behind them.

1. The Inspection is Pass/Fail

A home inspection is not about passing or failing a house. Home inspectors assess the condition of the property and identify any defects. It's up to the buyer to decide whether to move forward with the purchase based on the inspection report.

2. Home Inspectors Determine if a House is Up to Code

Home inspectors focus on identifying defects that could impact the safety of your family or the value of the property. They do not conduct code inspections, which are meant to ensure compliance with specific building standards. Just because something isn't up to current code doesn't necessarily mean it's a defect. Building codes change over time, so a home built to code years ago may not...

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Struggling to attract buyers? Here are some strategies to help revive your home's appeal and get it sold.

1. Cover the Basics

If you haven't already, start by decluttering, removing personal items like family photos, repairing any obvious flaws, and giving your home a deep cleaning. A clean, neutral space allows buyers to imagine themselves living there. Review buyer feedback from any showings to see if they give clues to possible problems.

2. Revamp Room Staging

Consider rearranging your furniture to make small rooms appear more spacious or to create focal points in larger spaces. Effective staging can highlight your home's best features and improve its flow.

3. Enhance with Color

The right color scheme can transform a room's atmosphere. Whether you want to make a space feel larger, cozier, or more visually dynamic, a fresh co...

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If you're a Veteran or active-duty service member with a VA-guaranteed home loan and facing foreclosure, the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program could help you keep your home. This program is designed as a last-resort option when your loan servicer determines that no other alternatives—like repayment plans, special forbearances, or loan modifications—can prevent foreclosure.

How VASP Works

Under the VASP program, the VA steps in to purchase the modified loan from your current loan servicer. A modified loan means the servicer has adjusted the loan terms to make repayment more manageable for...

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Securing a mortgage is a crucial step in the homebuying process, and any missteps can lead to delays or even jeopardize your approval. To ensure a smooth path to homeownership, it's important to avoid these seven common mistakes that could delay your new mortgage.

1. Changing Jobs

Switching jobs during the mortgage process can raise red flags for lenders. Stable employment is a key factor in qualifying for a mortgage, and a job change might require additional documentation or create concerns about your ability to repay the loan. Changing jobs within the same field may be less of a hurdle to overcome but it will be a hurdle. If possible, delay any career moves until after your mortgage is finalized.

2. Increasing Debts

Taking on new debt, such as through credit cards or loan...

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