Homebuyer resources
117 guides, articles, videos, and podcast episodes to help you buy with confidence, written and produced by exclusive buyer agents.
Looking for something specific? The search below reads every word of every piece, not just the titles. Ask it the way you would ask us: what something costs, what a term means, whether something is a good idea.
Investors - Evaluating Properties and Locations
One of the most reliable methods is the After-Repair Value (ARV) approach. ARV represents a property’s estimated market value after all renovations are completed. It allows investors to calculate potential profit before committing to a purchase.
DC's Youngest Exclusive Buyer's Agent: Latino, Bilingual, ABR-Track at HomeBuyer Brokerage
In an industry where most real estate agents split their loyalty between buyers and sellers, William Iraheta Flores has made a different choice, and he is making it at an age when most of his peers are just getting started.At just 24 years old, William is the youngest member of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA) and an agent at HomeBuyer Brokerage, the leading brokerage in the DC-Maryland-Virginia market that represents home buyers exclusively. No seller clients. No dual agency. No conflict of interest.
House Hunting Red Flags DMV Buyers Should Know
Touring homes across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia is exciting, especially when a house has good bones or real potential. But red flags don't often show up on a listing photo. Some are only visible once you are in the house and if you are not looking closely, you can miss them entirely.
New Amazon Kindle Book Advocates for Home Buyers and Consumer Protection in Real Estate
How To Buy A Home: Make Your Dream a Reality is now available on Amazon Kindle and Audible. At 83 pages, this home buying guide is concise, jargon-free, and built around one goal: giving home buyers the honest, buyer-focused guidance they deserve from an experienced exclusive buyer's agent.
HomeBuyer Brokerage Supports World Central Kitchen: Helping Communities When It Matters Most
HomeBuyer Brokerage is committed to supporting organizations that provide meaningful, immediate help to people in need.One organization we are proud to support is World Central Kitchen (WCK), a nonprofit known for delivering fresh, nourishing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and emergencies around the world.
🎧 PodcastCredit Triggers, What Are They And How Can You Avoid Them
A credit trigger is a situation when a credit bureau shares your information with other lenders as a trigger lead.This typically happens when applying for a home loan. You can avoid trigger leads
Steps to Buying a Home: Everything You Need to Know
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. Whether you're a first-time buyer or returning to the market after years away, the process can feel overwhelming.
Home Buying Class for Washington DC, Maryland & Virginia Buyers
Online home buying class for DC, MD & VA buyers. Learn the process, ask questions, and gain confidence with exclusive buyer agents.
Buying A New Construction Home-What Are the Advantages?
Homeownership dynamics in the Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia region have continued to evolve through 2025 into early 2026.
The Housing Affordability Crisis: Why Homes Are So Expensive and What Buyers Can Do
Housing affordability in the United States is a major economic challengeThe American Dream has shifted from an attainable milestone to a distant goal. According to a recent Bright MLS consumer survey, nine out of ten Americans believe housing affordability is a serious problem that crosses age, income, and regional lines.
HomeBuyer Brokerage Supports Habitat for Humanity: Building Homes, Communities, and Hope
At HomeBuyer Brokerage, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. This belief is at the heart of why we proudly support Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and improving homes and strengthening communities around the world.
▶ VideoWhat Is Dual Agency
What is dual agency? When a single real estate agent or broker works for the buyer & seller in a transaction. Why should a home buyer care? Can one real estate agent equally serve the best interests of the seller & the buyer at the same time? If a real estate brokerage has a written agreement with a seller to represent their best interests, can that brokerage also represent a buyer's best interest?
▶ VideoFirst-Time Home Buyer Class: Everything You Need To Know To Buy A Home
Home buying class taught by Victoria Ray Henderson, Owner and Broker of HomeBuyer Brokerage, and Ramez Fahmy of First Heritage Mortgage empowers home buyers in Washington D.C., Maryland & Virginia
2026 Housing Market Forecast for Maryland, Virginia & Washington, D.C.: What Home Buyers Need to Know
As we head into 2026, the U.S. housing market is entering a phase of transition and stabilization after several years of higher mortgage rates and tighter housing inventory. Home buyers in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., should experience a more balanced market.
Real Estate Expert Jeremy Manning joins HomeBuyer Brokerage
HomeBuyer Brokerage announces Jeremy Manning has joined the firm as an Exclusive Buyer Agent.
▶ VideoReal Estate Lingo Explained with Rich Rosa
What is a down payment, earnest money deposit, fair market value, market value, and assessed value? Rich Rosa is the co-owner of Buyers Brokers Only, an exclusive buyer brokerage serving home buyers in the Greater Boston and New Hampshire area. Rich is a past president of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents and talks with Victoria Ray Henderson, owner and broker of HomeBuyer Brokerage about the language of real estate. This was recorded for the NAEBA podcast, Listen Up Home Buyers!
True Buyer Agents: Why Exclusive Representation Matters When Buying a Home
Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make. In a competitive and often confusing real estate market, who represents you matters just as much as which home you choose.
Open House Checklist for Home Buyers: What to Ask and Look For
This overview covers the key things you can expect to learn at an open house, how to conduct yourself during your visit, and the questions you should consider asking the listing agent or other real estate professionals.
Is it a Buyer's Market?
In this episode of Listen Up Homebuyers, host Victoria Ray Henderson and exclusive buyer agent Jeremy Manning discuss the current real estate market trends, focusing on the shifting dynamics affecting homebuyers.
King Street Cats
King Street Cats is proud to be the only cat-exclusive, none-kill rescue facility in Alexandria, Virginia. King Street Cats is an all volunteer-run and rely solely on private donations. With no paid staff every dollar donated goes to the welfare of the cats. King Street Cats has free-roaming, so you can come and hang out on the weekends with the "cat-friendliest cats" in town.
What is an Escalation Clause in Real Estate
Across the country, the housing market has begun to shift in favor of home buyers. During the fall of 2025, exclusive buyer agents with HomeBuyer Brokerage successfully helped clients secure homes below list price, often with seller contributions toward closing costs. It was truly encouraging to see conditions tilt in favor of buyers.
What Every Buyer Should Know About Condo Documents
Buying a condominium or cooperative property offers a unique form of homeownership, blending private ownership of your unit with collective responsibility for the common areas. However, navigating the condo document review can be complex, particularly when it comes to understanding the governing documents and financial health of the community association.
🎧 PodcastMoney, Mortgages and Policy: What Quantitative Easing Means for Home Buyers
In this episode of the Listen Up Homebuyers! podcast, host Victoria Ray Henderson talks with Ramez Fahmy about the implications of President Trump's announcement regarding a $200 billion investment in mortgage-backed securities. This decision is aimed at lowering mortgage rates, but what does it mean for prospective homebuyers and the housing market?
7 Reasons Why Winter Is the Best Time to Buy a Home and How to Make It Work for You
Buying a home in the winter is significantly different from buying in spring or summer. In several ways, winter home buying is impacted by lower inventory, less buyer competition, more negotiation power and navigating winter driving conditions.Let’s break this down in more detail.
🎧 PodcastHousing For Everyone on Listen Up Home Buyers
Listen Up Home Buyers meet Peggy Bailey is the Vice President of Housing and Income Security, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Ms. Bailey talks with Victoria Ray Henderson about housing issues and housing insecurity.
Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades and the Benefits of Working with a Green-Certified Broker
As a home buyer advocate, my goal is to provide buyer clients with information that potentially saves money while they create an energy efficient home.
Buyer Broker Agreements What You Need To Know
Rules regarding representation in real estate changed last year. How have the changes impacted the way home buyers work with real estate professionals?
The True Cost of Buying A Home
Buying a home involves multiple expenses beyond the purchase price. Preparing for inspections, lender fees, settlement costs, and potential buyer brokerage commissions will ensure a smooth and informed home-buying process.
▶ VideoWhat Is A Home Appraisal?
What is a home appraisal? On this episode of the podcast, Listen Up Home Buyers! Jeremy Manning, an appraiser and exclusive buyers agent, explains the appraisal process.
Representation in Real Estate and Why It Matters
Who represents you when buying a home? Is it the agent from the open house? The buyer’s agent who is showing you properties? The dual agent who says they work for the seller but will also work for you?If you are not sure who represents you, you’re not alone.
Federal Tax Benefits for Energy Efficient Appliances
This article on Federal Tax Benefits for Buying Energy Efficient Appliances was updated on August 17th, 2025. The update provides information on energy tax rebates and incentive programs which have changed or been eliminated with the signing of the One Bug Beautiful Bill Act.
What are Contingencies in a Real Estate Contract?
A contingency is a clause in a contract offer that allows a home buyer to void their offer if the terms of the contingency are not met satisfactorily. In other words, a contingency offers a layer of protection for the buyer.
▶ VideoListen Up Home Buyers! Aromatherapy
Katrina Piehler is a certified health and wellness coach, licensed massage therapist, and essential oils, educator. What is aromatherapy? What are the benefits? Katrina answers these questions and provides her expertise.
▶ VideoWhat is a Pocket Listing? What Buyers Need to Know
The way listings are marketed is a topic of serious concern. A pocket listing or office exclusive listing refers to a situation where the seller agrees to limit access to their property exclusively through the listing agent or brokerage.
First Time Home Buyer Programs in Maryland
The 2025 Guide To Buying A HomeAre you considering buying a home but don’t know how to begin? The first step is learning the basic steps to prepare for your journey. Maryland offers a range of state and local programs to help first-time buyers afford a home, often with down payment assistance, decent interest rates, and home buyer classes. Here’s what you need to know in 2025.
First Time Home Buyer Mistakes
After years of historically low housing supply, housing inventory is finally on the rise. That's according to the housing inventory and supply data from the National Association of Realtors. While an increase in housing inventory is welcome news, higher interest rates and economic uncertainty create a real challenge for home buyers.
Who Represents You When Buying A Home
Homeownership has become a major element in achieving the American Dream. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds that over 86% of buyers agree homeownership is still the American Dream. Prior to the 1950s, less than half of the country owned their own home. However, after World War II, many returning […]
▶ VideoDeck Safety with Glenford Blanc, Owner of Pro-Spex Home Inspections
Glen Blanc the owner of Pro-Spex a residential and commercial inspection company serving the Greater Washington DC area. Glen shares his expertise on deck safety. How can you tell a deck is safe? How can I determine, when touring a home, if a deck is safe?
▶ VideoWhat is a Mortgage Broker?
In this episode of Listen Up Home Buyers, host Victoria Ray Henderson speaks with mortgage loan originator Mark Morant about the essential steps in the mortgage application process.
The Dual Agency Dilemma: Should A Home Buyer Sign A Dual Agency Agreement?
In the world of real estate transactions, the concept of dual agency is a contentious topic, sparking debates and raising questions about the conflicts of interest and transparency.
Maryland Home Ownership Programs
Buying a home is one of the most significant milestones in life, but for many buyers in Maryland, the journey can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, Maryland offers a wide range of programs to help home buyers.
▶ VideoThe Right Way To Install Siding
How do you know if the siding on a house has been installed correctly? We always recommend having a home inspection before purchasing a home. Here's what you can look for when you visit a property.
▶ VideoDo I Need Flood Insurance?
What is flood insurance? What is the FEMA flood insurance program? How do I know if I need flood insurance? Jeff Jackson the Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Federal Insurance Directorate, leads flood insurance operations for the National Flood Insurance Program at FEMA. He is the guest on this episode of the podcast, Listen Up Home Buyers!
▶ VideoRadon Gas! What every home buyer should know about the health risks
Exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon gas is odorless, colorless and long-term exposure to this gas can lead to serious health consequences.
▶ VideoWinter Home Inspections & Home Maintenance Tips
Meet Glenn Grutta the owner of Vector Home Inspections in Massachusetts. Glenn offers advice to home buyers on what to expect during a winter home inspection. In addition, Glenn offers winter maintenance tips for home owners. Victoria Ray Henderson is the owner & broker of HomeBuyer Brokerage serving home buyers in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Silver Spring Maryland Nicest Place To Live in the U.S.
Silver Spring, Maryland, has consistently been recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. Located just outside Washington, D.C., this vibrant and diverse community has a laid back charm with city conveniences.
Commitment to Home Buyers Amid Shifts in the Real Estate Landscape
As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, The HomeBuyer Brokerage remains dedicated to serving the unique needs of homebuyers in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia
▶ VideoWho belongs to the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents
Meet some of the real estate agents & brokers in the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents We are licensed real estate agents and brokers who only represent home buyers! An exclusive buyer brokerage does not take listings, and never practices dual agency or designated agency.
▶ VideoFEMA on Listen Up Home Buyers! Flood information
FEMA has announced a reinsurance program to manage future flood risks. Learn more from Jeffrey Jackson the Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Federal Insurance Directorate within the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA) at FEMA
What is a buyer's agent fee?
A buyer's agent or in our case, an exclusive buyer’s agent, is a real estate agent who represents the interests of the buyer in a real estate transaction.
What is an Exclusive Buyer's Agent?
Embarking on the most important financial decision of your life demands absolute confidence in your chosen agent's loyalty. But who is your real estate agent working for?
What is an Exclusive Buyer's Agent?
What is an exclusive buyer's agent? How are exclusive buyer agent's different from traditional Realtors? An exclusive buyers agent advocates for home buyers in every real estate transaction.
▶ VideoWhat Is An Exclusive Buyers Agent
You have heard of buyer agents but did you know there are exclusive buyer agents? These real estate professionals only work for home buyers never sellers. Exclusive buyer agents & brokers never take listings and never work for home sellers. At the HomeBuyer Brokerage, we are members of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (naeba.org) a professional organization dedicated to serving buyers in every real estate transaction.
The Primary Reason Real Estate Agents Face Lawsuits
Real estate agents must complete continuing education classes to maintain their licenses. At the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR), I attended an ethics class taught by a real estate attorney who shared insights from his experiences representing real estate agents in court. The most common issue leading to lawsuits against real estate agents is the failure to disclose material facts.
▶ VideoListen Up Home Buyers! Required Buyer Broker Agreements
Listen Up HomeBuyers! On this podcast episode, Andi DeFelice owner and broker of Exclusive Buyer’s Realty in Savannah Georgia talks with host, Victoria Ray Henderson about changes in the real estate industry. Beginning August 17, 2024, there will be required buyer broker agreements and no offers of buyer agent compensation on the Multiple Listing Service.
▶ VideoListen Up Home Buyers! New real estate rules impact home buyers
On this episode of the podcast, Listen Up Home Buyers!, New Rules in Real Estate Guest Andi DeFelice owner and broker of Exclusive Buyer’s Realty in Savannah Georgia talks with host Victoria Ray Henderson about what home buyers can expect when new rules go into effect on August 17th, 2024.
Relocate to the Washington D.C Metropolitan Area
Washington, D.C., a city synonymous with politics and power, is much more than just life on Capitol Hill. Located along the banks of the Potomac River, the nation's capital is a culturally rich city offering a broad range of job opportunities and attractions.
🎧 PodcastSteve Brobeck with Consumer Federation of America on Listen Up Home Buyer!
Listen Up Home Buyers! The guest is Steve Brobeck with the Consumer Federation of America. Steve talks with host Victoria Ray Henderson about the NAR lawsuit and settlement. This podcast was recorded December 2023.
The VA Allows Buyer Agent Compensation
On June 11, 2024, The Department of Veterans Affairs issued a temporary fix that allows eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses to pay certain real estate broker fees when using their VA home loan benefits.
▶ VideoFlood Risk and Flood Insurance with FIMA at FEMA
Jeffrey Jackson the Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Federal Insurance Directorate within the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA) at FEMA talks flood risks, climate change and flood insurance in America.
Buying A Home with A Buyer's Agent
Unlike other brokerages, working with sellers and buyers…we’re dedicated to you, our buyer client. We are committed to giving you exceptional, loyal, and reliable service you can trust.
Separating Fact From Fiction After The NAR Settlement
Recent news headlines regarding the National Association of Realtors settlement have been shockingly misleading and wrong. Even my trusted news sources had stories with headlines that read, “Realtor settlement expected to lower housing prices”and “The Realtor settlement will help home buyers but prices are still too high”Let's take a look at the facts
The Impact of Climate Change and Sea Level Rise on Home Insurance
Many homeowners in the United States are seeing a rise in home insurance due to forest fires, rising sea levels and an increase in hurricane activity.
▶ VideoExclusive Buyer Agents in Real Estate
How are exclusive buyer agents different from buyer agents? EBA's work for brokerages that only represent home buyers. Rich Rosa the President of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents talks with Victoria Ray Henderson.
▶ VideoSpotted Lantern Fly on Listen Up Home Buyers!
The spotted lantern fly is an invasive insect first found in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, the spotted lantern fly has moved to most mid-Atlantic states and Michigan.
Biden Administration Mortgage Program for First and Low-Income Home Buyers
Record low housing inventory and record high prices has made it impossible for many people to own a home. Through a combination of policy changes, incentives, and grants, the White House plan aims to alleviate the burden of housing expenses, particularly for low- and middle-income households.
▶ VideoCommissions Lawsuit Impact on the Real Estate Industry
Steve Brobeck, Senior Fellow with the Consumer Federation of America on the real estate commissions lawsuit and the impact it will have on the real estate industry. Victoria Ray Henderson is host of the podcast, Listen Up Home Buyers!
How Much Is My Home Worth?
The value of a home is determined by a real estate appraiser, a professional who specializes in determining the value of real property. An appraiser is a trained and certified expert with the primary goal of assessing a property's worth based on market conditions, the property's characteristics, and recent sales of similar properties
▶ VideoHomeowners Insurance with Daetara Johnson
What should be included in a homeowners insurance policy? How do I know how much insurance is needed?
Should I do a home inspection?
A home inspection is an important part of the home buying process. Should you have a home inspection? The short answer is, yes! It is in a home buyers best interest to have the home they are purchasing inspected by a licensed home inspector. A buyer will typically utilize one of three types of home inspections.
▶ VideoListen Up HomeBuyers! What is an Exclusive Buyers Agent?
What is an Exclusive Buyers Agent? Rich Rosa the President of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents talks with Victoria Ray Henderson. What is the difference between a buyer's agent and an exclusive buyer's agent? What is designated and dual agency in real estate?
▶ VideoDown Payment Assistance Programs with Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac
Do you qualify for down payment assistance through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?Skip Cobb is the owner of Revolutionary Mortgage based in Maryland explains how home buyers can take advantage of two programs, the Fannie Mae Purchase Plus Program and Freddie Mac Borrow Smart Program which is linked to Home Possible.
How To Keep Mice Out of Your House
When the weather turns colder, mice look for warm places to live. Humanely getting rid of mice can be a daunting task, but there are a few simple methods that you can use to get them gone for good.
▶ VideoThe Stressful Housing Market For Home Buyers
Housing inventory is low and buyer demand is high, what are buyer agents doing in this market to help home buyers? Members of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents share their experiences and strategies.
Is the Housing Recession Over?
The summer of 2023 has active home buyers and hesitant home sellers as the number of new listings on the market in July hit a more than 2 decade low.
A Comprehensive Guide to Home Maintenance and Repair for First-Time Home Buyers
As seasoned exclusive buyer agents, we understand that buying your first home is an exciting milestone! However, along with the joy of homeownership comes the responsibility of maintaining and repairing your property. I
The Best Local Buyer Agents
How do you evaluate a buyer’s agent? What factors should be considered when evaluating a real estate agent? The first step is knowing the different types of agents in real estate. Traditional real estate brokerages have buyer agents, listing agents, dual agents and designated agents.
🎧 PodcastListen Up HomeBuyers! TOMU Modular Construction
Listen Up, Home Buyers! Meet Chris Osaka the Chief Executive Officer for TOMU a high amenity modular dwelling manufacturer for leisure and hospitality. What are modular homes? Are they different from tiny houses and accessory dwelling units?
What Is An Earnest Money Deposit? Do I Need One When Buying A Home?
An earnest money deposit, or EMD is a sum of money that the buyer deposits into a non-interest-bearing account, typically with a title company. This deposit is usually anywhere between 1%-3% of the total sales price of the home and is made once a buyer's offer has been accepted by sellers.
How To Buy A Home Guide
Homebuyer Brokerage is happy to present our "How to Buy a Home Guide". We believe this guide is a valuable reference for you as you navigate the sometimes intimidating waters of home ownership.
🎧 PodcastListen Up HomeBuyers! Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland
Jeffrey Dee is the President CEO of Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland. Jeff has been with Habitat since 2013 in a variety of capacities and during his tenure achieved a 161% increase in funds raised for Habitat Metro Maryland.
Buyer Broker, Buyer Agent or Realtor?
What is a real estate agent? A real estate agent is someone who has passed a real estate examination and obtained a license to work in a state or jurisdiction. In the Greater Washington D.C. area, many real estate agents are licensed in the District, Maryland and Virginia. This allows the real estate agent to work in each state and the District of Columbia. A real estate agent becomes a Realtor by joining the National Association of Realtors.
▶ VideoSteps To Buying A Home
This first time home buying class, taught on May 13, 2023, covered every step home buyers take when purchasing a property. Exclusive Buyer Agent Lisa Velenovsky Hayashi, Ramez Fahmy with Caliber Home Loans & Victoria Ray Henderson taught the class.
Preserving Forests in Montgomery County Maryland
From 2008 to 2016, development in Montgomery County Maryland cleared 1,383 acres of forests. On April 3, 2023 Montgomery County’s Forest Conservation Law was updated with the goal of protecting, planting and maintaining trees and forests to benefit county residents.
▶ VideoTOMU High Amenity Modular Dwellings
TOMU creates high amenity modular dwellings for leisure and hospitality. The villas come 95% complete with heating and air conditioning, high-efficiency windows, an on-demand water heater with additional options.
Buyer Agents in DC
House hunting typically begins online. Many buyers, especially first time home buyers, look at homes for sale and dream about homeownership. At some point, whether it’s money you’ve saved or maybe a job promotion, the dream becomes reality. That’s when you want to interview buyer agents or in our case, exclusive buyer agents.
What You Should Know About Maryland State Homestead Tax Credit
To help Maryland homeowners offset large assessment increases on their principal residence, the state of Maryland established the Homestead Property Tax Credit.
20,000 New Black Homeowners by 2030 in Washington D.C.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has launched the Black Homeownership Strike Force or BHSF in an effort to address home ownership disparities in Washington D.C.For years, Black Americans across the country were intentionally excluded from the opportunity to purchase homes and build wealth.
Washington DC Metro Market Update
December 2022 saw the lowest number of new pending sales since 2014.At the same time, the median price fell year over year for the first time since 2016 which is 15% lower from the peak of the market, according to data compiled by Bright MLS on the Washington D.C. Metro region.
▶ VideoWhat's It Like To Live on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.
Capitol Hill is the largest historic residential neighborhood in Washington DC. Eastern Market, Potomac Ave and Capitol South are the Capitol Hill Metro stationsThe US Capital construction began in 1793 and some Capitol Hill homes date back to the early 1800s.
▶ VideoLiving in Silver Spring Maryland
This video from HomeBuyer Brokerage gives a quick overview of Silver Spring Maryland. Adjacent to Washington D.C., Silver Spring Maryland has four Metro stations on the redline, restaurants with cuisine from around the world, and a variety of home styles.
What is TOPA?
The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act was enacted over thirty years ago by the D.C. Council. It was an effort to protect renters from being kicked out of their homes without appropriate notice from their landlords.
BREAKING NEWS Beware of Housing Market News Headlines
In a college class I took years ago, a teacher played a film of a protest at a U.S. embassy in a foreign country. The camera person was surrounded by protestors. They were shouting and shaking their fists at the camera.
▶ VideoWill A Rise in Conforming Loan Limit Impact Home Buyers?
What does a rise in the Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac conforming loan limit mean for home buyers? Ramez Fahmy is a mortgage lender and the branch manager for Caliber Home Loans in Rockville Maryland. Ramez explains what the new conforming loan limit means for buyers and what other options are available for buyers at this time.
▶ VideoBuyer Representation in Washington D.C., Maryland & Virginia
Real estate representation matters. Listing agents represent the needs of home sellers. Shouldn't home buyers have full representation too?
How Paying Rent May Improve Credit Scores
Freddie Mac announced a partnership in early November 2022 with Esusu, a company that works with property managers and renters to report rental payments to credit bureaus as a way to improve credit scores.
▶ VideoListen Up Home Buyers! Women of NAEBA II
Members of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents share strategies for homebuyers in a competitive market. What is an escalation clause? When do I do a pre-contract home inspection and why? What is a home sale contingency?
How Much Money Is Needed For Closing Costs and Down Payment?
With few exceptions, home buyers need a significant amount of cash when purchasing a home.There are closing costs associated with the purchase and the down payment. Closing costs cover a wide range of expenses that are necessary to secure the loan and to transfer the title from Seller to Buyer.
How to Buy Into A Cooperative in Washington D.C.
Cooperative housing is a type of ownership common to buildings in cities like New York and Washington D.C. Co-op owners have purchased a share in a nonprofit corporation jointly owned by the building inhabitants. As a shareholder, the owner shares in the expenses and responsibilities for maintaining the upkeep of the property. In comparison, with a condo purchase, the buyer purchases the interior or inside the walls and ceiling of a condo.
▶ VideoResponsibilities of a Real Estate Settlement Attorney or Agent
Peter Parente, a Settlement and Business Development Officer with Stewart Title, works out of Washington D.C. Peter talks with Victoria Ray Henderson about the role of the settlement company in a real estate transaction.
▶ VideoDrones for Roof Inspections
When a roof is too steep or unaccessible, a drone may be used for the roof inspections. The drone is controlled by the home inspector and used to take pictures of the roof. In many cases, these photos are more accurate than if the inspector had climbed the roof and done a visual inspection!
▶ VideoHomeowners Insurance Explained
Daetara Johnson is a personal line account manager with Joseph W McCartin Insurance serving Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. Daetara offers her advice on homeowners insurance.
🎧 PodcastWomen in NAEBA on Listen Up Home Buyers!
Meet exclusive buyer agents and brokers Charlotte Lemon with The Real Buyer's Agent in Charleston SC, Rona Fischman broker-owner of 4 Buyers Real Estate in Cambridge MA, and Nikolina Lecic broker-owner of Exclusive Buyers Real Estate in Rochester Minnesota!
🎧 PodcastListen Up HomeBuyers! Mortgage and Market Conditions
Ramez Fahmy Branch manager and lender with Caliber Home Loans talks with Victoria Ray Henderson. Are we in a housing bubble? Will the housing market crash? What are the benefits of a VA loan? All these questions and more answered on the podcast
🎧 PodcastListen Up Home Buyers! Electrical Wiring
Meet Tim Rohde Jr, Vice President of Tomato Electric serving homeowners and businesses in Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for 34 years. Tim is a licensed electrician and has 16 years in the trade. He talks with Victoria Ray Henderson about electrical wiring in the home.
▶ VideoFresh Ideas for Kitchen & Bath Design
Guests TiAndra Houston and Caitlin Donahue are residential and commercial designers in the Washington DC and Baltimore area
🎧 PodcastListen Up Homebuyers! All About Roofing
What should you know about roof shingles? How do I know if my roof needs to be replaced? These questions and more are answered during this podcast, All About Roofing! with Brian Carpenter owner of Semper West Roofing.
Listen Up Home Buyers with Michael Dufour First Savings Mortgage
How do you purchase a home? Talking to a lender is a start! Michael Dufour with First Savings Mortgage in Bethesda Maryland walks us through the steps of financing a home purchase.
Women in NAEBA on Listen Up Home Buyers
Meet exclusive buyer agents Charlotte Lemon with The Real Buyer's Agent in Charleston SC, Rona Fischman broker-owner of 4 Buyers Real Estate in Cambridge MA, and Nikolina Lecic broker-owner of Exclusive Buyers Real Estate in Rochester Minnesota! How to be a competitive offer in the 2021 spring market.
Buying a Home Pandemic Podcast 2, 2020
This is the second episode of Listen Up Home Buyers' advice for buyers during the pandemic. How do you write a competitive offer? How can an exclusive buyer's agent help me in this market? How can a home buyer protect their best interests while making a competitive offer?
Buying a Home Pandemic Podcast 3 2020
Buying a Home During the Pandemic? Host Victoria Ray Henderson the owner and broker of HomeBuyer Brokerage talks with exclusive buyer agents, members of NAEBA, share advice & tips on how to protect home buyers in these challenging times.
Listen Up Home Buyers RedBird ReDesign Advice & Tips for Home Buyers
Victoria Ray Henderson talks with Colleen Quinn owner of RedBird ReDesign about affordable renovation and home design projects.
Home Buying Advice & Tips with Rona Fischman 4 Buyers Real Estate
Rona Fischman is the Principal Broker with 4 Buyers Real Estate in Massachusetts. Rona is one of the founders of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents. naeba.org
Home Buying Advice & Tips from Ben Clark in Salt Lake City Utah
Buying a home in Salt Lake City Utah? What should you expect? Listen to Ben Clark, Exclusive Buyer Broker & Owner of Home Buyer Representation Inc
Advice and Tips from Gea Elika Buyer Broker in NYC
Looking for a home in Manhattan, Queens or the Bronx? Elika Real Estate represents you-the home buyer. Listen to Gea Elika for advice & tips!
Advice and Tips from Mike Crowley with Spokane Home Buyers
Mike Crowley is the Broker and Owner of Spokane Home Buyers in Washington State. Mike talks about strategies for winning in a competitive offer situation and more!
Advice and Tips on using a VA loan, obtaining seller credits and living in Savannah, Georgia
Andi DeFelice, Associate Broker of Exclusive Buyers Realty in Savannah, Georgia discusses home buying strategies with host Victoria Ray Henderson.