John Watts's (zwatts1) Blog

Many home buyers are not aware of all fees charged that makeup the total cost of purchasing a home.  Some of these fees are normally paid prior to closing while others are paid at closing.  Fees paid at closing will be itemize on your closing statement which you should receive a copy to review pr...

Home market shift has cause home buyers to focus on price as well as other things to make their home buying experience more attractive.   Buyers need to better understand the parts of the contract to create a win-win environment for themselves. Buyers now have more inventory and less competition ...

Buying a home is stressful, whether you are buying a starter home, upgrading, or downsizing.  In a sellers’ market this can be extra stressful.  During that cycle, buyers compete in a multi-offer environment.  For some buyers it may be advisable to wait for the market to cool off. On the other ha...

Before starting the home buying process, be sure to take time to understand costs associated with purchasing property.  These costs include down payment and closing cost.  Closing cost include both prepaid and actual expenses to close the deal.  Most loan types, the buyers’ credit score and down ...

Mortgage rates are rising in today’s housing market, and this affects how much a home buyer can afford to purchase. Likewise, your credit score and down payment have a similar affect.  All of the above items have a direct effect on how large a loan you can get.  When in the market to purchase a h...

When shopping for a mortgage loan, credit score plays a key role in determining eligibility.  Therefore, it is necessary to understand the importance of a high credit score when preparing to purchase a home.  Lenders decide how likely you will repay your debt based on credit score.  Credit scores...

One of your early steps in your home buying process is to fully understand your finances.  This is not a fun step, but a very necessary to determine how much you can afford to avoid future financial problems.  This requires gathering financial information to answer questions from a mortgage lende...

Homeowners over 55 are seeking solutions in their daily lives that will help them maintain and provide their safety and security.   Smart technology is part of the answer to help older people to age in place.  This will improve their quality of life and allow them to be independent longer.  Such ...

National Association of Realtors (NAR) says in a report that we are in an unusual housing market.  Existing home sales have fallen recently, but buyers are still anxious to purchase a home.  Mortgage rates and sales prices are higher, and currently experiencing low inventory of existing homes for...

The housing market is beginning to show signs of getting back to normal.   This is indicated by fewer contract signings and decrease in pending home sales recently.  The only area that has seen an increased number of sales is the northeast.  With fewer contract signings this is an indication that...