Real Estate Resources for Home Buyers and Sellers : CapeAtlanticHomes.com

September 2014 Housing Market Report

The monthly national and local housing report includes national and local trends. The September 2014 report includes mortgage rates, inventory levels, return on investment charts and more. read more...

Top 15 Reasons For Owning a Home

There are dozens of financial and personal reasons why you should own your own home rather than rent. This slide show lists the Top 15 reasons everyone should consider buying a home as per Harvard University's Joint Center For Housing Studies. read more...

Buying a Vacation Home

For many people, buying a vacation home is one of the best decisions they will ever make. Spending time in a vacation home can generate wonderful family memories over the years, and there may be some serious financial advantages as well. The key is to choose the right location, as well as the right home. Accessibility, area amenities and rental potential all come into play. read more...

Negotiating Tips for Buying a Home

Unless you decide to pay full price for your dream home, you will need to negotiate a price that is acceptable to both you and the seller. Your real estate agent is experienced in negotiations, and it makes sense to involve the agent every step along the way. Sometimes emotions run high and one little misstep can make negotiations difficult. Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to make the negotiation process for buying a home as quick and easy as possible. read more...

Negotiating Tips for Home Sellers

Selling your home is an emotional process, and it is sometimes difficult to remain detached as potential buyers critique your house and bring up negatives in order to negotiate a lower price. To strike a successful deal, you may have to negotiate with a buyer on the selling price as well as other elements of the deal like the closing date. Make sure to choose an experienced listing agent familiar with the real estate market in your area to guide you through the negotiations. read more...

Things to Consider when Buying your First Home

Buying a home for the first time is an exciting fulfillment of the American Dream. As a first time homebuyer, you need to do your homework in order to avoid pitfalls before you make an offer. With some time well spent, you can make a wise decision and enjoy your starter house or dream home for many years to come. Here are some important things to consider as a first time homebuyer. read more...

Understanding Short Sales

A short sale in real estate occurs when the bank holding the mortgage on a home agrees to accept less than the full amount owed on the mortgage when the home is sold. With the bank’s approval, the seller of the property agrees to sell the home at a lower price, even though the proceeds on the sale will not cover what is owed on the mortgage. In some cases, the homeowner may owe more than the selling price. The lender agrees to accept a percentage to pay off the mortgage loan from the homeowner or the new homeowner. read more...

What to Expect at Closing

After searching for your dream home, or at least a suitable home in a great location, you are ready to close the deal. Your realtor probably guided you through the process of completing a comprehensive home inspection to uncover any problems, and you may have purchased homeowner’s insurance. At this point, all that is left is to close on your new home in a procedure that may be called the closing or the settlement. read more...

What to Look for When Buying a House

Any house you choose in the Cape May area will provide wonderful benefits like moderate mid-Atlantic weather, close proximity to the ocean and all the amenities of a charming, historical town. Before you make a final choice, take a good look at the neighborhood, research the local schools and make sure you have easy access to your workplace. Then focus on the layout, curb appeal and condition and of the home so you can enjoy living in it for many years to come. read more...

How Much Can You Really Afford to Spend on a Home?

Buying a house is probably the largest investment you will ever make. But how much is too much when it comes to buying a dream home for your family? Deciding how much to spend is a decision that will affect your financial future for years to come. Your real estate agent can guide you by explaining extra expenses you may not anticipate, like mortgage insurance, closing costs and points. As an informed homebuyer you can purchase a house you want while staying within a realistic budget. read more...

Give your House That WOW Factor When It’s Time to Sell

When you decide to move, it is time to get your house ready for a quick sale. Remember that you will never get another chance to make a good first impression on the buyer. That means letting go of your emotional attachments and looking at your home through the eyes of the homeseeker. Even small changes like making minor repairs, putting on a fresh coat of paint and cleaning up the yard can make a big difference in the appearance of your home. Small improvements can translate into increased marketability and the chance of putting more money in your pocket at closing. read more...

Finding the Best Mortgage Rate

Locking in the best mortgage rate is important because the rate you get affects the monthly mortgage payment you make. If more of your hard earned cash goes toward interest payments, you have less to spend on your dream home. It makes sense to spend some time learning how to land the best possible mortgage rate when you buy a new home. Once you understand the basics, your real estate agent can put you in touch with a mortgage broker who will provide you with loan quotes from a variety of lenders. read more...