Dean Graziosi

The android smart phone is ubiquitous. It seems everyone is upgrading their older model phones so they can carry the newest technology in their pocket. And people are getting smarter about how they use their smart phones. While games will always remain a hot product, eventually people have to get back to work and focus on the task at hand. And when that task includes buying a home, here are some suggestions for the top real-estate related apps.

Glossary Real Estate Terms: This application will be useful by anyone who is involved with a real estate transaction. It is a comprehensive dictionary of real estate terms that is easily accessible. (Cost: Free)

Housing Loan Calculator: Trying to figure out what payments on a mortgage will be is easier for people with this app. Users can check their estimated monthly mortgage rate at any point in the buying or negotiating process. Use this app to help you configure the cost of a home mortgage. (Cost: Free)

Realtor.com: With this app, users can quickly find available houses in their area. It is updated every 15 minutes if the user has an active data connection. Houses viewed on the app can be saved and viewed later on a computer. (Cost: Free)

Google Maps: A priceless app that does not cost a penny! For people who get lost easily this app can point you in the right direction quickly. The interface is simple to use, especially for users accustomed to using Google Maps online. (Cost: Free)

Craiglist: It might not seem an obvious app to be included on a real estate list, but since Craig’s List includes home listings, it is a perfect fit. Utilize this app for finding homes that are not on a real estate agents radar. And then, once the house has been bought, app users can search for appliances and furniture to fill the house. (Cost: Free)

Real Estate by Smarter Agent: At first glance this looks like just another app for finding homes for sale. However, this app is set apart by the ability to search for sold homes as well. It is helpful to know what the neighborhood’s average sold home price is before an offer is made. (Cost: Free)

USHud Property Search: A free listing of foreclosures that one can browse on the go. Sounds good! Find distressed or ROI properties that might be available for a quick sale or a short sale. (Cost: Free)

There are other free Android real estate apps available and just as consumer should be smart when they shop for a home, so should they be smart when they download apps. Always check the current ratings and optimizations for each app to be sure it will work with the intended phone.

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The trend in obtaining a home mortgage tends to lean towards home buyers choosing a mortgage broker. And mortgage brokers are happy to let people continue on that trend, as evidenced by the number of them who comment on websites and articles that address this issue. Unfortunately, what too few of them add is that for some individuals, obtaining a mortgage directly through a bank is truly a better choice.

The first advantage is about saving money. Prospective home buyers who only need to borrow relatively small amounts will end up paying more in fees relative to buyers who are financing a larger amount of money. Mortgage broker fees of $1000 might make sense for a $250,000 loan, but make less sense for a borrower who only needs $50-$60,000. Those fees would be a full 2% of the amount being financed and that does not make sense. Skipping a broker will remove a layer of fees and reduce the costs attributed to financing a home purchase.

Another advantage of obtaining a mortgage directly through a bank comes when borrowers work with a bank with whom they have already established a relationship. Financial institutions want to keep as much of their depositors money as possible which is why they all offer a variety of home loans. It is a commonly held belief of financial institutions that if they can hook a client into using at least 3 or 4 of their services, then the client will stay with them longer. So to that end, banks and credit unions create attractive financial products to keep their existing customers in house.

Most people might not realize this, but not all mortgage brokers have access to every possible loan option available. Many times brokers will have a limited lender panel to choose from and then their clients are not presented mortgage options that might exist through community bank or credit unions. For this reason, shopping for a mortgage directly with a bank can result in lower fees and or rates.

The choice of how to obtain a mortgage is a personal one. All of the various pros and cons of mortgage brokers or working directly with a bank need to be weighed carefully by the prospective buyer. Even if that buyer has used a mortgage broker in the past, that does not mean it is the right choice for them now. Ultimately, one size does not fit all in the home financing market.

Due diligence is required of anyone who wants to purchase a home. For most people this is the largest single investment they will ever make and it makes sense to take the extra time needed to choose the financing option that is the best fit for your life at that time.

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There are two sides to every real estate sale, listing and selling. Each side is usually represented by a respective agent so as to help the process move along more smoothly.

The seller’s side is typically represented by the listing agent and the buyer’s side by the selling or “buyer’s” agent. Agents may deal with both buyers and sellers, but the majority typically focus on one or the other. Some even decide to handle one exclusively.

When you being the selling or buying process, you may wonder whether or not it would be best to hire a real estate agent. First do your homework. Search for your real estate agent the same way you would any other professional. Take care to do your homework and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

When you house goes up for sale, it will be listed in a database known as the multiple listing service, or MLS. Various agents who are helping prospective buyers will see that listing and can then show the house. Your agent will work for you to ensure you get the best deal you can. This means you will come as close as possible to getting your asking price when all is said and done. Your agent will help you to better understand the entire process and can advise you on whether or not to accept an offer.

As a buyer, your agent will work for you to ensure you find all the prospects in your area that meet your criteria. This is an important part of buying a home because you are making a very big investment. Once the sale is final, changing your mind isn’t an option.

Your agent will also help you  find listings you may not otherwise see. All you have to do is tell him or her the specific features you want and you’ll find yourself viewing properties in no time.

Whether you are the seller or buyer, your agent will be there to assist you with the entire process from beginning to end. This is especially important if you have never owned a home. You will learn a lot about the buying and selling of a house, how much to ask, and how much to offer. This information will serve you well the next time you decide to sell or buy.

Some people choose to sell their homes independently to avoid paying a realtor. Likewise, others choose to buy a home without the help of an agent. While this can work in many situations, both parties may not receive the best deal in the end. You should only do this if you are familiar with how the process works and you trust the person with whom you are doing business. Remember, both selling and buying a home are big decisions and should never be taken lightly. 

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