Real Estate Blog for Buyers and Sellers - Jeff Lauster

TALKIN' REAL ESTATE WITH JEFF

Understanding Cash to Close When Purchasing A Home

Understanding Cash to Close When Purchasing A Home

Even before starting your home-buying journey, you're probably already aware that the numbers aren’t just about the home’s purchase price and your down payment. There are dozens of smaller fees, expenses, credits, and adjustments in the real estate transaction that you need to account for. This i
Easy and Inexpensive Bathroom Updates You Can Make Before Selling Your Home

Easy and Inexpensive Bathroom Updates You Can Make Before Selling Your Home

As with the kitchen, the bathroom plays a huge role in making a good impression on home buyers. They love the allure of a fresh and relaxing space where they can envision themselves enjoying a little luxury at the end of their day. So whether you're already staging your home for sale or making up
Where to Keep Your Down Payment Savings For Your Dream Home

Where to Keep Your Down Payment Savings For Your Dream Home

For many aspiring homeowners, trying to save enough money to cover the down payment and closing costs is their biggest hurdle to homeownership. It may feel like an overwhelming task, a goal that takes a considerable amount of time and effort to accomplish. It isn't surprising, considering that th
5 Ways Your Neighbors Can Affect Your Home's Value

5 Ways Your Neighbors Can Affect Your Home's Value

There's so much work to do once you decide to list your home for sale. From decluttering and deep cleaning to minor fixes and a fresh coat of paint, you must focus on presenting your home in the best possible light to attract buyers. But have you considered the influence your neighbors have on pro
From Date Nights to Mortgage Payments: Tips for Couples Buying Their First Home Together

From Date Nights to Mortgage Payments: Tips for Couples Buying Their First Home Together

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it’s not only love that fills the air, but a renewed sense of commitment among couples. From lovely surprises to grand gestures, the romantic holiday serves as a catalyst for them to take the next step in their relationships, such as buying a home togethe
The 10 Best Markets for First-Time Buyers This Spring

The 10 Best Markets for First-Time Buyers This Spring

For a while, buying your first home hasn’t just felt hard. It may have felt out of reach. Not because you weren’t ready. Not because you weren’t trying. But because every time you ran the numbers, they didn’t work. That’s why so many first-time buyers stepped back. But after years of sitting on
7 Simple But Effective Habits For A Cleaner and Tidier Home All Year

7 Simple But Effective Habits For A Cleaner and Tidier Home All Year

Aiming to have a cleaner and calmer home this year? You're still on the right track for a fresh start. Before life gets busier and mess slowly creeps back in, we’ve rounded up small but impactful habits to start now, and which you can actually stick to for the long term. It's as simple as it s
Why You Should List Your Home at the Beginning of the Year

Why You Should List Your Home at the Beginning of the Year

New year, fresh possibilities. And if you're a homeowner considering selling, you might be surprised to learn that the start of the year is also an ideal time to list. Listing your home at the beginning of the year can give you a competitive edge, get ahead of the market, and attract serious buy
Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell

Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell

Planning to sell this spring? While you may be tempted to hold off until the first blooms or the spring showers hit, that’s actually waiting too long to get started by today’s standards. Buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. So, it’s worth it to tackle repairs now and make sure
Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home?

Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home?

You may not want to put your homebuying plans into hibernation mode this winter. While a lot of people assume spring is the ideal time to buy a house, new data shows January may actually be the best time of year for budget-conscious buyers. Kind of surprising, right? Here’s why January deserves
Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate

Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate

If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you’ve probably thought: “I’d like to move… but I don’t want to give up my 3% rate.” That’s fair. That rate has been one of your best financial wins – and it can be hard to let go. But here’s what you need to remember… A great rate won’t make up for a home
Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 2]

Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 2]

When selling a home, it's not uncommon for your buyer to ask for more time before closing. This request to extend the closing date might be due to financing, inspection, paperwork delays, or life changes, among other reasons. It’s frustrating, yes, and may leave you wondering what it means for you
Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 1]

Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 1]

When selling a home, it's not uncommon for your buyer to ask for more time before closing. This request to extend the closing date might be due to financing, inspection, paperwork delays, or life changes, among other reasons. It’s frustrating, yes, and may leave you wondering what it means for you
Biggest Home Inspection Red Flags To Look Out For Before Buying

Biggest Home Inspection Red Flags To Look Out For Before Buying

You think you've finally found your dream home and your offer has already been accepted, which means you’re heading into the inspection. You’re already halfway through the process! However, since buying a home is one of the largest investments you can make, a comprehensive home inspection is al
More than 600 designers weigh in on the hottest kitchen trends

More than 600 designers weigh in on the hottest kitchen trends

More than 600 designers weigh in on the hottest kitchen trends Industry survey finds a push for neutral and natural and more organization Designers say neutral palettes and greens will be popular color choices in kitchens, like this one by Otogawa-Anschel Design Build in Minneapolis. (Spacecraftin
5 Reflective Questions To Ask Yourself Before Deciding To Buy A House

5 Reflective Questions To Ask Yourself Before Deciding To Buy A House

The moment you decide to become a first-time home buyer is a huge feat on its own. After all, buying a home is both a momentous financial and emotional commitment. And just like any critical decision, you need to be sure it's right for you, no matter what anybody else says. Asking the right questi
Don't Overlook These Signs of Foundation Problems on A House

Don't Overlook These Signs of Foundation Problems on A House

A house is only as stable as its base. It can have luxurious finishes and modern appliances, but without a strong foundation, it can pose safety concerns that can potentially put you and your family at risk. Foundation problems are dangerous since they can lead to significant issues throughout th
5 Ways to Involve Your Children in The Home Buying Process

5 Ways to Involve Your Children in The Home Buying Process

Since purchasing a new home is a monumental decision, house-hunting can be a stressful and emotionally draining experience. Add kids to the situation, and it can get even more complicated. However, involving your children in the home-buying process can make it more meaningful. Moving into a new home
Curb Appeal Projects to Focus On If You Want To Sell Your Home This Spring

Curb Appeal Projects to Focus On If You Want To Sell Your Home This Spring

What is curb appeal? To put it simply, curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of a home's exterior. It’s how welcoming a house looks from the street, which includes landscaping, exterior maintenance, architecture, and overall appearance. Why is curb appeal crucial to attracting potential buyer
Don't Know How Much To Offer on A House? Let These Questions Guide You

Don't Know How Much To Offer on A House? Let These Questions Guide You

Throughout your home-buying journey, there's nothing more exhilarating than finding the home of your dreams. You can’t wait to try new tasty recipes in that spacious kitchen or relax in your cozy nook with a book in hand. Once you think you’ve found The One and the daydreaming is over, the next th
7 Huge Signs It's Time To Sell Your House

7 Huge Signs It's Time To Sell Your House

Your home isn't simply one of your biggest investments. More than just a physical shelter, it’s a space where precious memories are made. But as much as you love your home, there will always come a time when you feel like it’s time to move. According to the National Association of Realtors® 2024 P
Down Payment Assistance Programs: How Do They Work To Help You Become A Homeowner

Down Payment Assistance Programs: How Do They Work To Help You Become A Homeowner

Buying a home is no easy feat. You usually have to put money down equal to a percentage of the final purchase price, or your down payment. Having this upfront cash on hand may not be easy for everyone. In fact, it's one of the major hurdles when buying a home. This is why down payment assistance p
Planning To Sell This Year? Don't Forget To Factor in These Closing Costs

Planning To Sell This Year? Don't Forget To Factor in These Closing Costs

If you're thinking about selling your home this year, you’ve probably been monitoring its value for a while so you can sell and still get a substantial profit. But before you start counting how much money you’ll make, don’t forget to factor in seller closing costs into the sale price. Let's take a
Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 2]

Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 2]

Planning to buy a home in 2025? With only a few days left ‘til the new year, it may seem like an extremely distant and daunting goal. But the good news is that you still have the whole year ahead of you, which means you can take it step by step. Getting started today is already a huge feat, so here'
Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 1]

Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 1]

Planning to buy a home in 2025? With only a few days left ‘til the new year, it may seem like an extremely distant and daunting goal. But the good news is that you still have the whole year ahead of you, which means you can take it step by step. Getting started today is already a huge feat, so her
What You Should Know About Buying or Selling A Home in Winter

What You Should Know About Buying or Selling A Home in Winter

From December to February, the real estate market is at its slowest due to the holidays and the cold weather in many regions. But according to the National Association of REALTORS®, over 11,300 existing homes and 1,600 new homes are sold per day on average from December to February. That's still a
Pros and Cons of Buying A Home Near A School

Pros and Cons of Buying A Home Near A School

During house-hunting, it isn't just the house itself that you have to consider. The property’s location still plays an important role, especially its surrounding areas and the neighborhood. A home’s proximity to a school will likely be one of the many factors you consider, whether or not you have ch

Understanding Cash to Close When Purchasing A Home

Understanding Cash to Close When Purchasing A Home

Easy and Inexpensive Bathroom Updates You Can Make Before Selling Your Home

Easy and Inexpensive Bathroom Updates You Can Make Before Selling Your Home

Where to Keep Your Down Payment Savings For Your Dream Home

Where to Keep Your Down Payment Savings For Your Dream Home

5 Ways Your Neighbors Can Affect Your Home's Value

5 Ways Your Neighbors Can Affect Your Home's Value

From Date Nights to Mortgage Payments: Tips for Couples Buying Their First Home Together

From Date Nights to Mortgage Payments: Tips for Couples Buying Their First Home Together

The 10 Best Markets for First-Time Buyers This Spring

The 10 Best Markets for First-Time Buyers This Spring

7 Simple But Effective Habits For A Cleaner and Tidier Home All Year

7 Simple But Effective Habits For A Cleaner and Tidier Home All Year

Why You Should List Your Home at the Beginning of the Year

Why You Should List Your Home at the Beginning of the Year

Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell

Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell

Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home?

Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home?

Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate

Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate

Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 2]

Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 2]

Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 1]

Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 1]

Biggest Home Inspection Red Flags To Look Out For Before Buying

Biggest Home Inspection Red Flags To Look Out For Before Buying

More than 600 designers weigh in on the hottest kitchen trends

More than 600 designers weigh in on the hottest kitchen trends

5 Reflective Questions To Ask Yourself Before Deciding To Buy A House

5 Reflective Questions To Ask Yourself Before Deciding To Buy A House

Don't Overlook These Signs of Foundation Problems on A House

Don't Overlook These Signs of Foundation Problems on A House

5 Ways to Involve Your Children in The Home Buying Process

5 Ways to Involve Your Children in The Home Buying Process

Curb Appeal Projects to Focus On If You Want To Sell Your Home This Spring

Curb Appeal Projects to Focus On If You Want To Sell Your Home This Spring

Don't Know How Much To Offer on A House? Let These Questions Guide You

Don't Know How Much To Offer on A House? Let These Questions Guide You

7 Huge Signs It's Time To Sell Your House

7 Huge Signs It's Time To Sell Your House

Down Payment Assistance Programs: How Do They Work To Help You Become A Homeowner

Down Payment Assistance Programs: How Do They Work To Help You Become A Homeowner

Planning To Sell This Year? Don't Forget To Factor in These Closing Costs

Planning To Sell This Year? Don't Forget To Factor in These Closing Costs

Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 2]

Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 2]

Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 1]

Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 1]

What You Should Know About Buying or Selling A Home in Winter

What You Should Know About Buying or Selling A Home in Winter

Pros and Cons of Buying A Home Near A School

Pros and Cons of Buying A Home Near A School