Chris Kouros's (chriskouros) Blog

  12 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your REALTOR® Make sure you choose a REALTOR® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs. 1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like man...

  8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR® Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here's why...

  Does Moving Up Make Sense? These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move. 1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look ...

  Take the Stress Out of Homebuying Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible. 1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also ...

  Tax Benefits of Homeownership The tax deductions you’re eligible to take for mortgage interest and property taxes greatly increase the financial benefits of homeownership. Here’s how it works. Assume: $9,877 = Mortgage interest paid (a loan of $150,000 for 30 years, at 7 percent, using year-fi...

  7 Reasons to Own Your Home1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations ar...

  Questions to Ask When Choosing a REALTOR®Make sure you choose a REALTOR® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs. 1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate - like many other ...

  Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons ...

  5 Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes1. They don't ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.2. They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house. 3. They don't find the right agent who's willing to help them through the homebu...

  10 Ways to Prepare for Homeownership1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income. 2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of thr...