Should You Be Picky When Looking for a Real Estate Agent?

Columbia IL real estate homes for sale

A lot of first time home sellers or buyers wonder if they should really be picky when they pick their real estate agent, or if they should just get it over with and pick someone. The answer is pretty simple: be picky. Here are a couple of questions you should ask your agent. "How long have you been a real estate agent in Monroe County?"  If your … [Read more...]

Mudrooms Are Great for Waterloo, IL Homes!

buy a home in Waterloo

If you have a family with kids, then you know how messy the front area of your home can get, especially during the spring season. In addition to your kids leaving their shoes, hats, jackets, sports gear and more all over the entryway, they’ll often track in mud and water, making a mess out of the floor. If this is the case with you, then you should … [Read more...]

How to Score a Good Deal on Great Homeowner’s Insurance

real estate homes for sale Columbia

Your home is likely the largest investment you will ever make. Carefully selecting a homeowners insurance company will help to protect this investment and your family. The cost of insurance varies greatly between providers and it's important to shop around for the best deal. There are other things that may lower the cost of your homeowner's insurance, … [Read more...]

2013 Mortgage Rates Will Stay Steady For Buyers

Tammy Mitchell Hines

While low interest rates have been hard on those wanting to make a good return on their investment, those looking for homes for sale in Waterloo IL will be happy to know 2012’s historically low rates are expected to continue throughout 2013. Feds Priming the Pump Last year’s low mortgage rates are due to actions taken by the Federal Reserve to help … [Read more...]

How Are Foreclosures and Short Sales Affecting the Housing Recovery?

Tammy Mitchell Hines

While the housing market is recovering nationally, many experts warn how there is almost two markets. The traditional housing market and the market for distressed properties. Recovery in one may not be affecting the other. Uneven Recovery Foreclosures represent many challenges to the housing industry. Distressed properties depress surrounding home … [Read more...]