How does buying compare to renting?

Renting offers a lifestyle that's nearly maintenance-free. This may sound great, but consider that renting offers you no tax benefit, no equity, and most likely no protection against regular rent increases.

If your rent has averaged $700 a month for the last 10 years, you've spent $84,000 with nothing to show for it. Isn't it time you invested in yourself instead of your landlord?

If you buy a home it becomes a tax deduction. If you purchase a home that costs $100,000 and the property increases in value only two percent each year, your potential appreciation in just two years is nearly $4,200. And due to changes to the tax code, subject to certain restrictions, of the profit you make when you sell the house is tax-free as long as you own the property for a minimum of 24 months.

How do I price my house?

Always price your property sensibly. It is important to be realistic about your home's value and price it accordingly. To determine the fair market value, a real estate professional can supply information on comparable homes that have sold or gone under contract in your area.

Who actually sells my house — a broker or a sales professional?

Both. In legal terms, a real estate sales professional is an individual trained and licensed to act for other people looking to buy or sell a piece of property. While that definition applies to both, the broker is permitted to collect fees and/or commission for such work.

Thus, the sales professional – with whom you have most of your day–to–day contact – works on behalf of, and is compensated by, the broker.

How do I Market my home effectively?

You must choose the real estate company with the most sophisticated and savvy marketing techniques. Companies with much-visited Web sites, extensive available listings, web tools designed to help consumers buy and sell, and prominent, effective advertising and marketing materials are essential for identifying the right buyers and convincing them that yours is the house for them. The yard sign is just the beginning, but with a knowledgeable sales professional, your selling process can promptly reach a happy ending.

What is a home warranty?

The home warranty offers protection for you and your buyer, covering repair or replacement costs for breakdowns to most major systems and built-in appliances for up to a year after the date of closing. The seller is also covered under the warranty during the listing period.