How does tech support the home buying process?

People are demanding more technology in the home buying process. Mortgage automation provider Ellie Mae recently conducted the 2017 Borrower Insights Survey to gain value industry insight from homeowners and renters. According to the survey, 57 percent of homeowners applied for and finished their mortgage in person, while 28 percent did so through a combination of in-person and online interactions.

An additional 11 percent applied for their mortgage online with no professional, in-person interactions. Other findings from the survey revealed 30 percent of millennials began their mortgage application online and finished with an in-person lender meeting, while 28 percent of Generation X and 20 percent of Baby Boomers did the same. Respondents said they valued speed, security and simplicity during the lending process, which Joe Tyrrell, executive vice president of corporate strategy at Ellie Mae, said providers can achieve by leveraging new technology. 

"There's no question that technology is playing a larger role in the home buying experience," Tyrrell explained. "As we expected, many homeowners are seeking a faster and more streamlined experience. And it's not just a millennial phenomenon; it's homebuyers of all ages and both genders."

Here are three specific ways technology can improve or expand the home buying process:

"Potential buyers can find their realtor completely online."

1. Streamlines process to find trusted realtors 
Before the rise of modern technology, homebuyers relied on yard signs, print advertisements and referrals to partner with a real estate agent. Now, potential buyers can find their realtor completely online. With a few clicks of their mouse they can have instant access to agent reviews, feedback and vital information. These online review sites not only give the power back to the buyers, but let highly skilled realtors stand out from the competition. 

2. Makes finding and comparing mortgages easy
Part of the home buying process is finding and comparing various lending options. When the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau developed the Know Before You Owe mortgage disclosure rule in 2015, the agency designed it to remove some of the confusion surrounding the loan process. This ruling lead to the rise of online comparison tools in an effort to make the mortgage process easier for all homebuyers. For example, the Affordability Calculator from Chase allows buyers to quickly and easily see what kind of home they could afford based on their income, debts and down payment. 

3. Allows buyers to purchase homes from afar
Technology has opened up many new possibilities for potential home buyers who are moving to a new city or state. Most busy professionals don't have ample time to travel to their new city to check out the local real estate, The Washington Post reported. Now, these buyers can set up automated criteria on online real estate listing services to find the exact houses they are looking for. Then, they can set up virtual tours and walkthroughs with real estate agents. Once they have narrowed down their choices, they can either buy sight unseen or make a quick visit to hammer out the details.

5 steps you must take to get ready for an open house

Hosting an open house is a necessary step in the home selling process. Not only do people rarely purchase a home without spending ample time within its walls, but it also allows you to open up your house to wider market of potential buyers. If your home is inviting during this event, your chances of selling your house in a reasonable timeframe skyrocket.

Getting ready for an open house these days is a lot more than tidying up and pulling freshly baked cookies out of the oven. Not only are there more houses on the market these days, but home buyers are becoming smarter about the various tricks sellers use to draw them in. To increase your chances of finding buyers at or above your listed price, consult your real estate agent and use these tips to get ready for your open house:

"Hire a professional cleaning service."

1. Clean (or hire a professional cleaner)
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a seller is to show off a messy, dirty home, according to Bankrate. Throwing a successful open house should involve more than just picking up toys and sweeping the floor. You need to conduct a thorough, deep clean of your home. If you're not the most talented cleaner, hire a professional cleaning service to come in the day before to make things look spotless for potential buyers.

2. Get rid of the clutter
You might love all your knickknacks and personal items, but your visitors at your open house will not. After all, how can they envision themselves living in the home if they are constantly bumping into unnecessary furniture pieces or seeing rows and rows of family photos? There is nothing inherently wrong with a comfy, cluttered home, but this is not the image you want to project to homebuyers. Consider de-cluttering and putting certain accessories and furniture into storage for a little while, Realtor.com suggested.

3. Don't forget about the exterior
You might not be a gardener, but this doesn't mean your landscape shouldn't look well-groomed. Buyers likely won't make it through the front door, if they are first greeted with peeling paint, overgrown flower beds, an unmowed lawn and other unappealing elements. Hire a landscaper to spruce up your home's exterior and consider investing in nice patio furniture for your front porch. This way, your home is as inviting from the outside as it is on the inside.

"Consider bringing in a professional home inspector."

4. Spread the word on social media
Yard signs and real estate advertisements are still solid ways to market your open house, but they shouldn't be your only choices. With the rise in modern technology, you have plenty of social media platforms and innovative online tools at your disposal to spread the word that your home is for sale. U.S. News & Word Report wrote that social media advertising for open house is a dynamic approach that may draw in many more potential buyers. Even if your friends are looking to purchase a home, they may know or reach someone who is hoping to buy.

5. Conduct a home inspection
When you have plenty of eager homebuyers at your open house, you don't want them to notice your leaky plumbing, inconsistent air conditioning or drafty windows. This occurrence could be even worse if potential buyers ask your realtor about an electrical wiring or siding problem they didn't realize you had. To avoid this embarrassment, consider bringing in a professional home inspector to go through your house and point out any potential issues. This way, you know what issues you face, and your realtor can answer your buyers' questions honesty and comprehensively. 

When should you put your home on the market?

When is the ideal time to put your house on the market? If you're thinking late spring, around May 1 to 15, you would be correct, according to new analysis from Zillow. The real estate expert reported that homes across the country, on average, sell nine days faster and for 1 percent higher than the average listing during this timeframe. For most of America, home sellers who listed in April or May were the most successful.

Late spring is ideal for sellers
The research found that weather patterns and regions of the country impacted the ideal selling time. Sellers in warmer areas of the U.S., such as California or Florida, have more flexibility than those in Massachusetts or Colorado. In Baltimore, Maryland, for example, the ideal selling timeframe is April 1 through 15. These homes sell 21.5 days faster during this time at 0.9 percent above the average premium. The report also found the idea day of the week to list Maryland homes is on a Saturday.

"In Maryland, the ideal selling timeframe is April 1 through 15."

"With 3 percent fewer homes on the market than last year, 2017 is shaping up to be another competitive buying season," Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Svenja Gudell explained in a company press release. "Many home buyers who started looking for homes in the early spring will still be searching for their dream home months later. By May, some buyers may be anxious to get settled into a new home— and will be more willing to pay a premium to close the deal."

What do these home buyers want?
According to the 2016 Zillow Group Report on Consumer Housing Trends, typical buyers spend just over four months shopping for a home. When broken down by generation, millennials — who represent 42 percent of homebuyers — shop for four months, while Baby Boomers —16 percent of the home buying population—spend 18 percent more time than millennials. 

The report also found that affordability and safety are still the most important factors for potential home buyers. These individuals want their homes to be in a safe neighborhood and the price tag to not range past their set budget. Meanwhile, they prefer usability and square footage in regards to interior features. Other desires home buyers may look for include close proximity to work, schools or shopping, along with being move-in ready. Here are a few strategies to help your home stand out from the pack this spring:

  1. De-clutter and professionally clean your house before inviting over potential buyers.
  2. Tour other model homes to get an idea of what buyers are looking at.
  3. Pay attention to the exterior of your home and boost your curb appeal.
  4. Hire a home inspector to check for problems or issues.

Contact someone from Alban Inspections today if you want to get your home ready to sell this spring season.

Realtors: Here are 4 ways to prepare your clients for home inspections

Buying or selling a home can be nerve-wracking for all parties involved. Yet, when it comes to the home inspection process, your clients' stress levels may go through the roof, no pun intended. As a realtor, you will work with all types of buyers and sellers during the inspection phase. To avoid potentially stress or awkward situations along the way, here are four ideal ways to prepare your clients for their home inspection:

1. Start with an honest conversation 
Before you schedule any home inspection, you must first have an open and honest talk with your clients, according to Zion Realty. In this conversation, you should advise them to prepare themselves to hear that there may be potential deficiencies in their home. You also should urge them to disclose serious problems or issues they may know about. This may include past catastrophes, prior renovation work and various maintenance records, if applicable.  

"Remind your clients that a home inspection is a smart move."

2. Remind them not to take the findings personally
Most homeowners are proud of their residence, which is why you should encourage them not to take any of the home inspector's comments or findings personally. It's never easy to hear that your home has a few unsightly water stains or peeling, cracked window frames. It's even more difficult to hear that you might need to replace your HVAC system or fix faulty electrical wiring in your kitchen.

Sit down with your clients and remind them that a home inspection is a smart move for them, as the American Society of Home Inspections states they "give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition." While it might be hard to hear that their beloved house is far from perfect, they'll appreciate the higher market price or easier selling process in the end.

3. Conduct a simple walkthrough beforehand
RIS Media suggests that realtors conduct a short walkthrough with their clients as another great way to prepare them for the inevitable home inspection process. Come prepared with a checklist of interior and exterior items you want to have a look at with the homeowners. This may involve anything from turning on lights to inspecting their ducts to looking at their gutters.

"Approach the topic of repairs in an easy manner."

During the walkthrough, you can gently point out potential issues they might encounter and other smaller problems they might be able to resolve themselves before the inspection. For example, if you point out a leaky faucet, instead of immediately telling them they have to fix it, wait for them to ask you first. Then, this is your chance to approach the topic of repairs in an easy manner by saying something along the lines of, "I probably would if it were my home."   

4. Maintain the peace
Home inspections could get a little tense, especially if the buyers are involved in the process. As the realtor, you are responsible for not only keeping the peace in the moment, but to remind your clients before that the inspector is only doing his or her job. Meanwhile, the buyers may be as equally nervous as your clients because they want to get a good deal on their new home.

Reaffirm to your clients that you realize how important their home is to them, but simultaneously urge them to approach the situation logically and without lots of emotion. If your clients seem to be upset by a comment from a potential buyer or finding from the home inspector, take them aside and remind them why they are selling their home in the first place. Essentially, the main goal with any home inspection process is to ensure that all parties get the best deal during the buying or selling journey. 

4 tips for preparing your lawn for spring [Video]

Even though Old Man Winter maintains his icy grip across the much of the country, spring isn’t too far away! And it’s never too early to begin getting your lawn ready for the new season. We’ve compiled a list of four helpful tips for getting your lawn looking it’s very best for the warmer weather ahead:

Make the most of that mid-winter thaw by getting out there and raking your lawn and removing any dead leaves and other debris that you can find. Raking can also help stimulate the grass and begin the post-winter growing process.

Start spreading fertilizer on your grass, which can help your grass to begin growing again. Just be sure to wait until the snow and ice thaw! It can also help to use pre-emergent, which stops the growth of crabgrass.

Take a close look at your trees and see if you can see any dead branches. If you do observe dead branches, consider starting the trimming process, ideally with the help of a professional. Dead branches can pose a threat to your safety and property, so it is important to take action before the leaves start growing again.

The best way to deal with weeds is to take steps to stop them from growing in the first place! Spread herbicides around after the final winter thaw and remove any weeds that you already see growing.

Thanks for watching! Enjoy gardening!

Reducing risk: 7 important fire safety and prevention tips

Home fires are a significant threat to life and property.  According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, there were 365,500 house fires across the U.S. in the year 2015, causing an estimated $7 billion in total damage. More troubling still is the fact that around 2,650 people as a consequence of house fires in the same year. While the figures are concerning, house fires are easily preventable, and there are a number of strategies that you can implement to protect your family from injury or even death in a house fire. Read on to learn more:

Common causes of house fires
Before an examination of prevention and safety tips, it is helpful to take a closer look at the kinds of things that can cause house fires. According to Reader's Digest, they include:

  • Heaters 
    Space heaters present a notable risk of fire if they are left on to overheat or if they come into close contact with items that could catch alight – think curtains or clothes. Furthermore, faulty furnaces can increase fire risk. Be sure to keep space heaters away from other items and run them in a well ventilated room.
  • Electronics
    Basically anything that uses electricity poses a risk of fire in the home. For example, items such as microwaves or toasters pose a threat if the wiring in the cord is damaged and frayed. Overusing extensive cords with multiple cords can also increase fire risk. If you observe any of these issues, take steps to remedy them.
  • Candles
    Candles can become a threat if they are left unattended and near flammable objects – curtains, for example. 
  • Poor wiring
    Home wiring that has become faulty or ineffective is a common problem in older abodes. This presents a risk not only for fire, but also electric shocks. If you suspect that your home has a wiring problem – maybe your sockets have issues working – be sure to contact a professional.
  • Cigarettes
    Unattended cigarettes and other smoking materials are a major cause of house fires nationwide. Fire can occur, for example, if a homeowner falls asleep and drops their cigarette on a flammable surface, or disposes of a lit cigarette in a trash can filled with flammable items.
Installing smoke alarms throughout your home is an important fire safety strategy.Installing smoke alarms throughout your home is an important fire safety strategy.

Effective fire safety and prevention tips
The list above is by no means exhaustive. House fires can be caused by any number of things. So what are the most effective ways to reduce your risk of a fire at home and stay safe? Some of the best approaches include:

1. Develop an evacuation plan
It is important to have a plan of action in place, should a fire occur, HGTV explained. An evacuation plan will take into account all viable exits from the home, and will include safe (or safe as possible) ways to escape from each part of the house. It's not effective, however, to have just one escape plan – for example, jumping from the second floor window. An effective evacuation plan will take into account how to exit the building safely in various scenarios. The evacuation plan should also incorporate common sense measures, such as dialing 911 and leaving property behind. 

2. Hold regular drills
Having a fire drill with your family can help to ensure that you and your family are as well-versed as possible on how to respond to a fire emergency. The American Red Cross advised that the drill should be conducted every year, at least two times. 

3. Test smoke alarms regularly
The American Red Cross advised fitting as many smoke alarms as possible, particularly in areas vulnerable to fire such as the kitchen, as well as in bedrooms. Indeed fire alarms are perhaps the most effective tool available when it comes to saving lives in house fires. Certainly, the National Safety Council reported that, thanks to working smoke alarms, your risk of perishing in a house fire can be reduced significantly – by as much as 50 percent. 

"Working fire alarms can reduce risk of death by as much as 50%."

Ensuring that you have smoke alarms is just the first step, however. It is important to ensure that the smoke alarms are in working order. This means conducting routine smoke alarm tests. The source noted that this should be done at least once every month, although it can't hurt to check more than that. When it comes to safety, it is worth the small amount of effort. Most fire alarms cease working when they run out of battery power. If changing the batteries doesn't help, then it's time to buy new smoke alarms.

4. Invest in fire extinguishers
Another line of defense against fire are extinguishers. HGTV noted that it's wise to have more than one fire extinguisher, keeping multiple throughout your home, in places such as bedrooms and hallways. They are especially vital in the kitchen. The source elaborated that, as with smoke alarms, fire extinguishers need to be inspected routinely to ensure that they are in working order. 

5. Don't leave flammable items unattended
As detailed above, house fires are often caused by flammable items, such as candles or cigarettes, being left unattended. If you do opt to burn a candle inside, for example, ensure that you keep an eye on it at all times, keep it on a level surface and away from flammable object and blow it out if you leave the house, Reader's Digest advised. When it comes to smoking, it is better for your safety, and the health of your family, to do so outside. If you must smoke inside, however, it is important to take sensible precautions such as using ashtrays and keeping your cigarettes away from flammable items and surfaces, such as the furniture, Reader's Digest explained.

Consider Alban Inspections
Alban Inspections provide an array of services, including general home inspections, radon testing, home energy efficiency inspections and more. If you're looking to learn more about the safety of your home or are looking to get more information about your property before moving, contact Alban Inspections today. To learn more, click here. 

3 cost-effective ways to increase your home’s value [Video]

Hi there! Are you looking for way’s to increase your home’s value on a limited budget? Look no further, as we’ve got three surefire strategies that can help you sell your home for more money, without breaking the bank. 

Homes that look better on the inside tend to sell for more, so start decorating! Paint typically starts at around $20, and it can make all the difference. What are you waiting for? Break out the brushes and get painting!

Bathrooms and kitchens are important when it comes to making a sale, and if your bathroom and kitchen spaces are a little outdated, it can be a big issue. A great way to make more money on your home is to give these spaces a facelift. If your budget is really tight, even small changes like painting cupboards and installing more modern fixtures can help.

Take a look at your lawn. Is it dull and uninspiring? If the answer is yes, it could be eroding your home’s value. Simple ways to spruce up your lawn include planting flowers or trees, ensuring that the grass remains mowed, and adding furniture such as tables and chairs.

And there you go! Three tips for boosting home value that won’t break the bank. Thanks for watching!

7 ways to make your home more secure

Home break-ins are unfortunately very common: According to the Burglary Prevention Council, across the country, a burglary will occur roughly every 15 seconds. This kind of crime can happen in any neighborhood, so it's important for individuals to keep the risk in mind. And while it perhaps isn't possible to eliminate the risk of a break-in entirely, there are a number of strategies that can be implemented by homeowners to lower the chances of a burglary occurring.

If you are keen to learn more about the ways you can make your home more secure, read on. We've compiled a list of seven effective tips:

1. Don't hide a key
It is easy to become secure and complacent, particularly if your neighborhood experiences little crime. The age old tactic of hiding a spare key – under the mat or a potted plant, for example – is actually a risky one, Consumer Reports noted. This is for the obvious reason that burglars will often look in those places first, in a bid to secure easy entry to your home. Don't take the risk by hiding the key – give it to a friend or family member instead.

2. Install a security system
This may seem like obvious advice, but it is surprising how few homes have working alarms and/or security systems. As detailed by Money Supermarket, alarms are one of the best defenses your home can have. They range in price and scope, from basic to sophisticated, so you should be able to find something that suits your budget. 

3. Use more secure locks
Home improvement store chain Lowes advised investing in deadbolt locks for your front and back doors to strengthen the protections already in place. Given that standard locks are at risk of being tampered with, deadbolt locks can serve as another line of defense against burglars, giving you peace of mind in the process.

4. Maintain your yard
While trees, bushes and shrubbery can improve your home's curb appeal, if you let it grow out of control you are providing more spaces for intruders to hide, Bankrate argued. Consequently, it helps to keep your plants trim and tidy, as well as trying your hardest to remove areas where a burglar could potentially hide.

There are many ways to make your home more secure.There are many ways to make your home more secure.

5. Always keep entry points locked
According to an article from Safewise, a surprising amount of burglaries occur – some 30 percent– after a criminal accesses the home via an unlocked door or window. That's why simply ensuring that all door and windows are locked before you leave your home is so important. Indeed, don't become complacent – you may live in a safe neighborhood, and you may be tempted to leave that window open to let in a spring breeze while you run to the store, but that's a mistake, as the risk of a break in remains. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry. 

6. Post signs
Having signage from a security company around your property can definitely help deter criminals. This is an effective strategy, even if you don't necessarily have a security system in place! 

7. Don't publicize your absence
As advised by Money Supermarket, it is important not to advertise your travel plans. Very often burglars will live close by, and they may be attuned to your absence – whether it's for a long vacation or business trip – so it's wise to be discreet as possible. Ask trusted or neighbors or friends to check in your home while you're gone, and try not to tell too many people that you will be leaving. As the source noted, this means refraining from publicizing your travel plans in detail on social media. 

10 simple ways to make your home more eco-friendly

When it comes to helping protect the environment, the maxim "every little bit helps" is certainly apt: There are so many small yet effective ways that you can contribute to environmental protection. From recycling to careful water use to energy consumption reduction – the fight to save the environment starts at home!  

Better still, homes that are more eco-friendly are growing in demand from buyers, with green features in particular being a considerable draw, a New York Times article reported. Interest in green-friendly homes is especially notable among younger buyers, a Long Island realtor, Jolie Powell, told the publication.

So what are you waiting for? It's time to make your home as eco-friendly as possible. We've compiled a list of 10 easy to implement strategies that can help. Check them out:

1. Insulate your attic
Leading British newspaper, The Telegraph, interviewed DIY expert and television host George Clarke, who stressed the importance of proper attic insulation to prevent energy loss – especially in the winter months, as the heat from your HVAC system rises into the attic. Without adequate insulation the heat will escape, driving up your energy bills. Clarke advised that making the insulation even more eco-friendly by ensuring that the material is recycled. In addition to reducing your overall energy use, you'll notice that your heating bills begin to drop considerably. 

2. Prevent leaks
Energy is easily lost through cracks in walls, window frames and door frames. A cost-effective way to prevent this from happening, preserving energy, is to use caulking around windows and sealant in any place that you can find a crack, the U.S. Green Building Council explained. 

"Without adequate insulation heat will escape, driving up your energy bills."

3. Use a composting pail
According to Real Simple magazine, composting buckets can be used in your kitchen. Simply discard food waste in the pail, and once it begins to break down, move it outside to another compost bin. Once enough has accumulated it can be used in your yard! Not only are you doing something good for the environment, you are saving money on compost that you might otherwise buy at your local home goods store. 

4. Switch to LED lighting
Simple, yet effective, making the switch to LED lighting is a great way to save on energy, the source Energy Informative explained. Florescent lights are also similarly effective. The bulbs last longer and can reduce your use of electricity by up to 80 percent in some cases. Most leading home goods stores stock LED and florescent bulbs, so there's no reason why you can't make the switch to this green-friendly option.

5. Use a thermostat timer
It can be tempting to leave the heat running at home while you're at work during the winter months, so that you have a nice cozy home to return to. This is a bad idea, however, for the environment and your wallet. According to House Beautiful, an effective way around this is by using a thermostat timer. With this device you can have your heat turn off while you're at work, and then turn on again shortly before you arrive home. This way you can return to a warm home and still save on energy.

6. Consider a water aerator
According to Real Simple magazine, water aerators can help reduce the amount of water you use. Better still, they are highly cost effective and can be easily attached to your faucet. The source noted that water aerators can cost as little as $3.

Installing solar panels is an effective strategy. Installing solar panels is an effective strategy.

7. Use green-friendly furniture
If you're moving home or redecorating, one notable way to reduce your carbon footprint is to use green-friendly furniture, the Telegraph advised. This essentially means furniture that is constructed from materials that have been recycled. The source noted that while this kind of furniture is still relatively rare, demand will likely grow as environmental awareness becomes even more commonplace.

8. Install solar panels
A less cost-effective option, although more impactful in terms of going green, is to install solar panels The Telegraph advised. The strategy is particularly effective if you live in a climate where sunshine is plentiful.  

9. Keep an eye on electricity use
Perhaps one of the most simple ways to help reduce energy use to pay attention to how electricity you are consuming. This means switching off lights when leaving the room, and unplugging electronic devices if you plan to be away from home for an extensive period of time. The Telegraph reported that certain products are now available to buy that can actually provide you with accurate readings of how much electricity you are using, and wasting, on a daily basis. 

10. Reduce air conditioning use
If at all possible, try to find ways to limit your use of air conditioning in the summer. An effective strategy, particularly at night time, is to use your ceiling fan. Pulling your curtain or shades during the daytime can also help keep the room cooler.

Remodel your kitchen and bathroom to maximize value [Video]

What rooms are most important in the eyes of homebuyers? The kitchen and master bathroom, according to Trulia, which means sellers need to spend time renovating them to make sure they look their best.

Remodeling a kitchen can be a massive project to take on, and everyone has their own favorite characteristics. The source suggested gleaning insight from neighboring homes currently for sale—this will help you figure out whether granite or flagstone is the better option.

When it comes to the bathroom, don’t wipe it down to a clean slate. Instead, Trulia recommended shifting your focus to smaller projects, like updating the faucets and even the towel rack. These are small but noteworthy changes that don’t make the space too flashy, but instead provide the bit of modernization buyers are always on the prowl for.

Thanks for watching, tune in next time for more home improvement tips!