Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make—and while it’s exciting, it’s also full of potential pitfalls. The good news? Most mistakes are totally avoidable if you know what to watch for. Here’s how to dodge the most common buyer blunders. 1. Skipping Pre-Approval Looking at homes without a pre-approval is […]
You found a home you love. It checks all the boxes. But before you submit that offer, pause—and ask the right questions. These questions can uncover hidden issues, prevent regrets, and give you negotiation leverage. 🧠 About the Property 1. How long has the home been on the market?If it’s been sitting for a while, […]
Mortgages can be confusing, especially when you're trying to figure out which type is right for you. FHA, VA, and conventional loans each have different requirements, benefits, and trade-offs. This guide breaks them down in plain English—so you can make a confident decision. 🏦 What Is a Conventional Loan? A conventional loan is not backed […]
Touring homes is one of the most exciting parts of the buying process—but it’s also where many buyers get distracted by shiny features and overlook red flags. This guide will help you stay focused on what really matters and evaluate properties with clarity. 📝 Before You Go: Be Prepared 👀 What to Look For in […]
If you’re thinking about buying a home, one of the smartest first moves you can make isn’t house hunting—it’s getting pre-approved. Pre-approval isn’t just a financial formality; it’s a strategic advantage that can help you move faster, negotiate better, and avoid heartbreak. 💳 What Does “Pre-Approved” Actually Mean? Getting pre-approved means a lender has reviewed […]
Selling your home isn’t just about putting up a sign and hoping for the best. If you want to sell quickly—and at the best possible price—you need to approach the process with a strategy. This step-by-step checklist will help you prep your home like a pro and impress buyers from the moment they walk in. […]
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone—but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t have a clear roadmap. From getting your finances in order to closing day, there are dozens of decisions to make. This checklist breaks it all down step by step so you can move forward with confidence. 1. Know Your […]
Timing your sale can have a huge impact on how fast your home sells—and how much it sells for. While the “best time” to sell depends on your local market and personal situation, understanding seasonal trends can give you an edge. 🌸 Spring: The Traditional Sweet Spot Why it works: 💡 Tip: List early in […]
You’ve accepted an offer, passed the inspection, and made it through the appraisal. Now it’s time for the final milestone—closing day. While the buyer does most of the signing, sellers still have a few key responsibilities to ensure a smooth handoff. Here’s what you need to know. 🗓️ What Happens on Closing Day? Closing day […]
You’ve accepted an offer—congrats! But before the deal closes, one crucial step can make or break it: the home appraisal. Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned pro, understanding how this process works (and how to prepare) can help protect your deal and your asking price. 📊 What Is a Home Appraisal? A home […]
Most buyers think they’re making a rational decision—but the truth is, home buying is deeply emotional. Understanding how buyers think (and feel) can help you stage, present, and position your home to trigger a strong “yes.” 🧠 Why Emotion Matters More Than Logic A buyer might say they’re looking for square footage, updated finishes, and […]
The price tag on a home is just the beginning. Many first-time buyers are surprised by the additional expenses that come with purchasing a property. To help you budget wisely and avoid financial surprises, here are 10 hidden costs every buyer should know about. 1. Home Inspection Fees Before finalizing a purchase, most buyers schedule […]
One of the biggest financial perks of owning a home is appreciation—when your property increases in value over time. But appreciation isn’t magic. It’s the result of several market forces and strategic choices. Here’s how it works, and how you can make it work for you. 📈 What Is Real Estate Appreciation? Appreciation is the […]
The real estate market is filled with half-truths, outdated advice, and internet rumors. Whether you're buying or selling, believing the wrong thing can cost you time, money, and opportunities. Let's clear the air and bust some of the biggest myths still floating around. 🧨 Myth #1: “It’s Always Better to Wait for the Market to […]
When mortgage rates move, the entire housing market reacts—and so should your strategy. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding how interest rates affect affordability, demand, and timing can give you a serious edge. Here’s what you need to know. 📈 What Happens When Rates Rise Rising interest rates make borrowing more expensive. That affects: 💡 […]
You’ve probably heard that real estate is one of the best ways to build wealth—but how does it actually work? And can it really benefit you even if you’re just starting out? The answer is yes. Here’s how buying a home creates long-term financial upside—even without being a real estate investor. 🏡 Equity: Your Wealth […]
With rising interest rates and unpredictable markets, many people are wondering: should I keep renting—or is it still smart to buy? The answer depends on your financial goals, lifestyle, and how long you plan to stay put. Let’s break it down. 🏠 The Case for Buying Owning a home builds equity—and that’s a form of […]
Moving isn’t just about packing boxes and changing addresses—it’s a deeply emotional shift. Whether you’re excited, anxious, or grieving what you’re leaving behind, the emotional impact of a move can catch even the most organized person off guard. Here’s how to handle the transition with clarity, calm, and care. ❤️ Acknowledge the Grief Even when […]
When choosing a neighborhood, one of the most underrated—but impactful—decisions is whether you want to walk or drive. Your daily lifestyle, transportation habits, and long-term convenience all hinge on how your community is designed. So which one matters more? It depends on you. 🚶♂️ The Case for Walkability Walkable neighborhoods prioritize people over cars. Think […]
Moving to a new city or state can be thrilling—but also full of unknowns. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or lifestyle, it’s easy to overlook key details that can lead to stress or regret. Here are the top mistakes to avoid when making a big move—and how to do it right. ❌ 1. Relying […]
Buying a home isn’t just about the mortgage—it’s about your lifestyle and long-term affordability. Many buyers underestimate the day-to-day costs of living in a new location. Whether you’re relocating or just upgrading, here’s what to factor into your real-world budget. 🏡 Housing Costs Start with the basics, but dig deeper than just the price tag. […]
Even if you don’t have kids, the school district your home is in can significantly impact its value—and your resale potential. Buyers consistently prioritize education zones, and homes in top-rated districts tend to sell faster and for more money. Here’s why it matters (and what to consider). 🏫 Why School Districts Drive Demand Top-performing school […]
Buying a home is a big deal—but buying into a neighborhood is just as important. The right location can elevate your lifestyle, support your goals, and even boost your future resale value. Not sure what to prioritize? Here’s how to evaluate a neighborhood when you’re not totally sure what you want. 🧭 Step 1: Know […]
You never get a second chance to make a first impression—and that’s especially true in real estate. Staging helps buyers emotionally connect with your home, making it easier to sell quickly and often for more money. The good news? You don’t need a professional to make a big impact. Here’s how. 🛋 Why Staging Works […]
When the market is hot, homes seem to sell overnight. When it slows down, even great properties can sit. Pricing your home correctly—especially in a shifting market—is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Here’s how to set a price that attracts buyers and maximizes your return. 📉 Understand Market Conditions Start by identifying […]
You’ve built up equity, and maybe you’re ready for something new—but is this actually the right moment to list your home? With shifting market conditions and rising interest rates, many homeowners are unsure. Here’s what the data says—and how to decide what’s right for you. 🏡 Current Market Snapshot The real estate market isn’t what […]
If you're thinking about buying a home, you've probably heard mixed messages. Some say wait. Others say go now before rates rise again. The truth? The best time to buy depends on both market trends and your personal goals. Here's how to look at the data—and decide what's right for you. 📊 What the Housing […]
💼 Relocating Is Expensive—We Help You Cut Costs (Without Cutting Corners) New job. New city. New home. And a ton of new expenses. At FTP Realty, we believe relocating shouldn’t break your bank. So we built a model designed to put money back in your pocket at every step of your homebuying journey. 💰 Where […]
🕰️ Relocation Comes with a Clock—and We Keep It Ticking You’ve accepted the job. Now you’ve got 30, maybe 60 days to uproot your life, buy a home, and get settled in a city you barely know. Without a smart plan? It’s chaos. With FTP Realty? It’s smooth sailing. We’ve helped relocating professionals buy homes […]
Buying a home in a city you barely know? That’s brave. But too many relocating buyers end up with regrets—and costly ones at that. At FTP Realty, we help relocation clients every single week. And we’ve seen the same 5 mistakes pop up again and again. Here’s what to avoid—and how to do it better. […]
Relocating to Columbia, MO but your new home isn’t move-in ready? Here’s how FTP Realty helps you find the perfect short-term solution—fast. 🕳️ The Relocation Gap: When Your Move Date and Closing Date Don’t Match Even the smoothest moves hit a snag when your old lease ends or your home sells—but your new one isn’t […]
Corporate relocation packages can be a goldmine—if you know how to use them. Here’s how FTP Realty helps you unlock every dollar when moving to Columbia, MO. 🧾 Corporate Perks That Pay—If You Know How to Use Them Relocation packages can include thousands in reimbursements, housing credits, and tax perks—but most employees don’t use them […]
Moving to Columbia, MO? Discover which neighborhoods offer the best mix of commute times, amenities, and lifestyle for working professionals. 📍 Neighborhoods That Work for Your Work-Life Balance Relocating for a new job is stressful enough—you shouldn't have to guess where to live. At FTP Realty, we specialize in helping professionals land in the right […]
Relocating to Columbia, MO? Discover how FTP Realty streamlines the remote home buying process, offering virtual tours, integrated services, and significant savings. 🧭 Why Remote Buyers Choose FTP Realty Relocating professionals often face challenges like limited time, unfamiliar markets, and coordinating between multiple agents and lenders. FTP Realty addresses these by offering: 🛠️ Streamlined Process […]
Buying your first home doesn’t have to feel like running a marathon in dress shoes. We’ve all heard the stories: – Endless paperwork– Confusing calls– Agents that ghost you– Lenders who take 3 weeks to email back At FTP Realty, we do it differently.We built a system that’s fast, simple, and actually built around you. […]
Buying your first home? One word matters more than square footage: financing. A killer kitchen won’t help if your loan is a disaster.That’s why we help you choose the right mortgage first—before you fall in love with a listing. Let’s break down the most common first-time buyer loans—and how to find your perfect match. Don’t […]
Let’s be honest: mortgages can feel like a different language. APR. PMI. DTI.And don’t even get us started on “escrow.” It’s no wonder most buyers just nod, sign, and hope for the best. At FTP Realty, we say: No more guessing.We break the mortgage process down in plain English—so you can make smart moves, not […]
Let’s be real—homebuying can feel like a mess. You’ve got your agent.Your lender.Your underwriter.Your appraiser.Your anxiety. Now imagine handling all that with just one person—someone who knows both sides, keeps you informed, and actually puts money back in your pocket. That’s us.That’s FTP Realty. Here’s how we simplify the homebuying process (without oversimplifying your options). […]
Buying a home starts with one word: pre-approval. Not listings. Not showings. Not Zillow binges at 2 a.m. Just one powerful step that sets everything else in motion. At FTP Realty, we make it fast, free, and zero-pressure.No headaches. No hard sells. Just answers. Let’s break down what it is—and how you can start yours […]
Buying your first home? You’ve probably got a million questions.And zero clue where to start.We get it. That’s exactly why we offer free homebuyer consultations—no strings, no pressure, just real talk. This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s your cheat code to buying smarter, faster, and with way more confidence. Let’s break it down. Let’s Start […]
Sounds too good to be true, right? You buy a home.We do the paperwork.You get our entire buyer agent commission (FTP Realty's commission), credited to your loan. Yes. All of it.Not a portion. Not a rebate.100%. This isn’t some shady marketing trick. It’s the real deal—and it’s saving first-time buyers in Columbia and Boone County […]
So you’re buying your first home.Exciting? Absolutely.Expensive? You bet.But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be. At FTP Realty, we believe first-time homebuyers should start strong—not stressed. That’s why we’ve lined up serious buyer incentives that put money back in your pocket. We're talking thousands in savings, real fast. From commission credits to fee-free […]
