
When the market heats up and the competition is crazy, potential buyers are sometimes tempted to make a sight-unseen offer. That means making an offer without viewing the property in person. Sight unseen offers are common in this era of online shopping and advanced technology. And with the global COVID-19 pandemic keeping more Americans physically distant, homebuyers are more willing to put an offer on a home without physically seeing the property.
However, putting in an offer sight unseen can be risky. If you're considering this approach, do your homework and let our real estate agents help on the ground so you can make your offer safely, smartly, and without any hesitation. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

A pool is a fantastic amenity and a prominent feature that many homebuyers desire. However, like any other special feature of the home, a pool requires proper maintenance and upkeep — which is one reason why some homebuyers would rather not make an offer on such a listing. Our real estate agents are here to help you determine if a pool is right for your next home.
As you search for South Bend homes for sale, is a pool high on your must-have list? Believe it or not, some homebuyers don't even consider if they want or need a pool before they begin their home search. This uncertainty can present added stress when you're on the fence about making an offer on what may be your dream home. Let's look at some of the potential benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a home with a pool.

Buying a home for the first time can be a challenge. At Cressy & Everett Real Estate, our real estate agents are always there to advise you. That means not only finding you the best South Bend homes for sale, but helping you make the right choices every step of the way.
Buying a home may seem intimidating at first, but there's good news. Many buyers simply jump into the process with both feet. If it throws them a curveball, they often end up having to walk away from the home they want. By spending some time researching – like you're doing right now – you are much more likely to succeed.
Your real estate agent is there to guide you, but in the end, you make all the decisions. So, the more you know about buying a property, the easier it'll be. A little knowledge goes a long way! Here's how to beat the odds as a first-time homebuyer.

If you're tired of paying rent but would like to pay a bit less than a typical single-family home costs, buying a condo in Saint Joseph, MI can offer the best of both worlds for some buyers. You'll own your unit and will build equity, but outside maintenance will be taken care of. In addition, prices for condos tend to be less than those for single-family homes.
Our real estate agents suggest the following five things to look for if you're thinking about buying a condo:

There may be a point when you're faced with a sudden transition and have to purchase a new property even before you sell your old one. In this scenario, you might wonder if you should apply for a bridge loan to span the gap between the sale and purchase. Our real estate agents explain how bridge loans can ease the transition from one house to another.
Also known as "gap financing," bridge loans are temporary loans used in residential and commercial real estate. They provide a lifeline for buyers who are eager to buy a new home before they've sold their current one. Unless you have enough cash for the down payment, it can be hard to qualify for a loan to finance a new home while you're still saddled with mortgage payments on your current home.
With a bridge loan, you'll use the loan amount as the down payment for your new home, which makes the process go more smoothly. And like home equity loans, HELOCs, and mortgages, your current home will serve as collateral. You can then move into your new home and start focusing on selling the old one.