Anne Miller Real Estate LLC

One common misconception when it comes to real estate commissions is that there is a standard fee or percentage within the real estate industry. In truth, there is no common price. A real estate commission is negotiated between a real estate agent and either the homebuyer or seller. In the past, home sellers often paid the commission for both the seller and buyer. But as of Aug. 17, 2024, that has changed so that sellers pay their own agent and buyers pay their own. However, home sellers can offer to pay a buyer’s agent in order to make their listing more appealing to cash-strapped homebuyers who may not have much money left over after their down payment to pay their own agent.

Looking to find a good buyer's agent? A good buyer’s agent can ease the path to homeownership, while a bad one can result in a bumpy ride. You should not just take the first buyer’s agent you meet (as two-thirds of homebuyers do), or blindly accept the recommendation of a friend (more than half do this). Instead, it’s best to interview at least three agents and ask them a few questions. For example, What neighborhoods do they specialize in? What's their schedule and availability? Or how long they've been a real estate agent?

Going solar is one of the best things you can do for your home and many homeowners around the world are doing just that. It can lower your power bill by generating your own electricity from the sun, increase your home's value by adding a renewable energy source, and reduce your energy dependence on your utility provider and avoid expected cost hikes.

Since we are in the hurricane season, an important thing to have with you in case a hurricane passes through your location is a hurricane supply kit. If you don’t plan to evacuate in a hurricane, you should have a well-stocked hurricane kit. This cost is minimal compared with some of the other hidden expenses, but it’s worth mentioning. This includes nonperishable food, drinking water, first-aid kits, life vests, flashlights and batteries, candles, and matches.

How long does it take to find a real estate agent? Finding a real estate agent could take between a couple days to a couple of weeks. Your real estate agent should be your most trusted consultant during the home-buying process. Don’t skimp on the search—even if you’re in a rush. If you find the agent that fits you, the whole process will go a lot more smoothly.

4th of July is tomorrow as we all celebrate Americas birthday! Fireworks are a big part of 4th of July so here are some safety tips if you are planning on lighting off any fireworks. Never give fireworks to small children, never throw or point fireworks at other people, always follow the directions on the packaging, make sure spectators keep a good distance from the fireworks, and when lighting the fuse, quickly step away from the firework.

A home inspection is something that protects your financial interest in what will likely be the largest purchase you make in your life—one in which you need as much information as possible. For example, learning that a home needs repairs costing $20,000 or more could change your mind about wanting to buy it, or the amount you’re willing to spend. Considering the health and safety of your family is also important. Home inspections can uncover potentially hazardous items in a home—such as bad wiring, unsafe heating or cooling equipment, or even structural issues—that the average person won’t likely notice with a quick look around.

What is a home inspection? A home inspection is something that protects your financial interest in what will likely be the largest purchase you make in your life—one in which you need as much information as possible. For example, learning that a home needs repairs costing $20,000 or more could change your mind about wanting to buy it, or the amount you’re willing to spend.

How long does it usually take to get approved for a mortgage? It takes about 2 weeks to get approved. Getting approved (or pre-approved) for a mortgage is no simple process. Lenders need to examine your documentation, review your financial information, and reconcile any problems. So even if all your documents are in order and you’re a stellar candidate, expect to wait two weeks or more to find out if you got the green light.

Many young homebuyers grew up with the aspirational idea that their first property would be a starter home. Typically a small two-bedroom, one-bath single-family house, starter homes were a tried and true way for buyers to gain a foothold on the real estate ladder, which they would climb to ever larger and more expensive homes. While the promise of a sweet starter home on a cul-de-sac may linger as an initial dream home, today’s real estate market paints a much different reality.