In Financing

What Is the Difference Between an FHA Loan and a Conventional Loan

What is the Difference Between an FHA Loan and a Conventional Loan?

When you’re a first-time home buyer, reason suggests that you want to play it safe when it comes to the loan you choose. In other words, you probably seek to apply for a mortgage in which you’re likely to be approved.

Thus, conventional wisdom suggests you should go for a conventional loan, right? Well, much like looks, words can be deceiving.

An FHA home loan could potentially be a better fit for you. Generally speaking, the qualification standards for an FHA home loan are easier and don’t require as high of a credit score. That isn’t to throw shade at conventional loans, though.

But before we get too heavy into the details, let’s back up a bit, as you may be wondering what a conventional mortgage is and how it compares with other mortgage loan products. Depending on your needs and financial abilities, you may find that there’s nothing at all conventional about a conventional loan. Here at Bungalo®, FHA loans are among the more common loan program selections for buyers, but our specialists are more than happy to work with you if a conventional loan is the one you ultimately choose. Understanding the distinctions of each will help you make the right decision. So, let’s get into learning more about these loans and what makes each unique.

What is a conventional loan?

A conventional loan simply means that the loan is not insured by a federal agency. Unlike a VA loan – which is backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs – or an FHA loan – which is funded by the Federal Housing Administration, an arm of the Department of Housing and Urban Development – a conventional loan is essentially any mortgage product that is separate from the government.

What does “backed” mean? A government backed loan is an indication that the government guarantees a mortgage lender that they’ll be fully compensated in the event the borrower defaults.

The fact that a conventional loan is not a government backed loan makes it harder to obtain if you don’t have a high enough credit score. Since lenders make their approval decisions based upon risk – meaning the likelihood that a borrower will be able to make their mortgage payments – a conventional loan applicant must reach a higher threshold. Risk can also affect what interest rate is charged. A lower interest rate may be possible when other factors are taken into account.

Take your credit score. Your credit score is used for a lot of things by creditors in addition to interest rate determination. It serves as a barometer of how you manage your expenses. The higher the credit score, the more reliable a potential borrower is considered to be.

How high does your credit score need to be for a conventional loan? Truthfully, there is no magic number, as lenders assess creditworthiness through many different variables, such as salary, your tax documents, available savings, assets and a few other factors. Generally speaking, though, conventional loan approval requires a score of at least 620, according to Experian.

Now let’s talk about the FHA loan.

What is an FHA loan and why are they a top pick for first-time buyers?

As previously noted, an FHA loan is backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Ever since it was created – back in the mid-1930s – it’s been one of the more popular mortgage programs, particularly among first-time buyers, who represent about a third of the housing market at any given time, according to the National Association of Realtors. The reason why goes back to approval – it’s notably easier in comparison to a conventional loan. Whereas a conventional loan entails a credit score of 620 or more, it’s possible to be approved for an FHA loan with a FICO credit score that is between 500 and 580, or thereabouts.

Another major selling point for the FHA mortgage is down payments. One of the most common misconceptions about down payments is you have to come up with 20% of the house’s list price to be approved for a loan. Not true. With an FHA loan, borrowers can put as little as 3.5% of a home’s cost toward the down payment. One of the biggest obstacles to homeownership is the down payment since certain mortgages require borrowers to spend more up front, conventional loans being one of them (depending on their credit score, which we’ll get into more later). The FHA mortgage program has made the American dream eminently more attainable.

More flexible DTI

An additional advantage of FHA loans is a more lenient debt-to-income ratio. Often referred to as DTI, debt-to-income ratio refers to what percentage of a borrower’s regular income goes toward major payments, such as a car loan or credit card debt. The higher the percentage, the less discretionary spending that person has. Approval for an FHA loan is possible with a DTI of 50%. So if half of what you earn goes toward payment obligations, you may still qualify. With a conventional mortgage, borrowers’ DTI usually have to be less than 50% (although not always).

So, let’s review: Conventional loans require higher credit scores, lower DTIs (again, usually) and occasionally larger down payments when compared to the FHA mortgage. So it would seem like an FHA loan is a no-brainer pick if you’re a first-time home buyer seeking simplicity and cost convenience.

The truth is conventional loans have several things going for them as well – we wouldn’t be writing about them if they didn’t. Let’s start with mortgage insurance.

Mortgage insurance may not be necessary

Private mortgage insurance is something that lenders frequently require borrowers to purchase as a precondition to mortgage approval. Whether it’s necessary or not depends on the size of the down payment. Usually, down payments that are less than 20% trigger the need for private mortgage insurance, which provides financial cover for lenders should a borrower default. Those that can come up with 20% or more don’t have to buy private mortgage insurance, which includes those who choose a conventional loan. This fact alone can save borrowers thousands over the life of a loan.

Can you guess which one mandates private mortgage insurance? You got it: FHA loans do. This means even if you can afford to pay one-fifth of a house’s price upfront, mortgage insurance is still necessary. It also can’t be canceled, whereas mortgage insurance can be with a conventional loan. In fact, it’s automatically canceled once a house’s equity has reached a certain threshold, usually of around 78%.

The only way to cancel mortgage insurance for an FHA mortgage is by refinancing to a conventional mortgage.

Another check in the conventional mortgage column has to do with down payments. Earlier, we mentioned that conventional mortgage borrowers frequently spend more on their down payment. But it’s actually possible to be approved for a conventional loan with as little as a 3% down payment. There’s a caveat to this, though. If your credit score is deemed to be too low, then a 3% down payment likely won’t fly. Since conventional loans aren’t backed by the government, exceptionally low down payments are typically reserved for those with stronger credit, such as a credit score that’s in the high 600s or 700s.

Bottom line: An affordable down payment is possible with a conventional loan, but you’ll have to reach a higher standard of creditworthiness.

Higher loan limit for conventional mortgage products

If you’ve seen home prices nowadays, you know that they can get pretty expensive. In fact, while interest rate levels have been in record low territory for a while now, the median price for a home has risen every month for 113 months in a row, according to the National Association of Realtors.

This means that you may need to borrow more from a mortgage lender to afford your monthly payment. Conventional mortgages are more lenient in that regard. While both a conventional loan and an FHA loan have loan limitations, a conforming loan tends to be more flexible and has a higher loan limit ceiling. Much of this depends on the market that a house is selling in and the rules established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the entity that establishes the terms and guidelines of conforming loan products.

If the cost of a house goes beyond the limit established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, you may still be able to get a conventional loan, but it would depend on your credit score. And once again, the more that you seek to borrow, the higher your credit score will need to be, especially if it’s a jumbo loan, which is a type of conventional loan that is outside the purview of the FHFA. This means it’s a non-conforming loan.

Sellers frequently prefer conventional loan borrowers to FHA loan borrowers

Competition is a reality when you’re buying real estate; other people are almost assuredly to be interested in the property that you’re considering. You may have an edge on others with a conventional loan than with an FHA loan. There are several reasons why, but a big one has to do with appraisals. In order to be approved for an FHA loan, the property must go through an appraisal, the standards of which are governed by the FHA. In addition to assessing the property’s overall value, an appraisal examines the integrity of the building to ensure that it’s move-in ready. It also focuses on what repairs are needed so if anything needs to be fixed gets addressed.

These requirements place more onus on the seller as far as preparations are concerned. Since there isn’t as much red tape with conventional loans, sellers often choose the path of least resistance.

The same goes for inspections. In the event an FHA loan borrower decides before closing that they no longer want the house, the inspection stays on the home. That isn’t the case if the same scenario happened with a conventional loan borrower.

Bottom line: There’s more predictability and less regulatory scrutiny with a conventional loan borrower than an FHA loan borrower.

So, should you choose an FHA loan or a conventional mortgage? There’s truly no right or wrong answer – only the right one for you. And you can’t go wrong when you buy direct through Bungalo. Assuming pre-approval, we accept all mortgage loans and simplify the purchasing process, so you don’t have to worry about bidding wars or inspections; every Bungalo home undergoes multiple rounds of rigorous inspections conducted by licensed experts. So if you see it on our website, you know it’s move-in ready. This guarantee is backed by our 90-day post-close protection pledge. Contact us today to get started.

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Bungalo always encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation.

In Home Buying

Rent or buy a house: Making the right decision for you

To rent or own? It’s a question as old as the modern real estate market. The right answer for you and your family will depend on a multitude of factors — including your monthly finances, debt and interest in remaining in one place for an extended period of time. You’ll also need to look at the current market in your area or the area you plan on moving to and assess whether homeownership is a realistic possibility for you.

In this quick guide, we break it all down for you:

Pros and cons of renting

In many ways, renting is unquestionably the safe choice. You’ll put far less capital on the line initially and get the added flexibility of being able to leave at the end of your lease, whether that’s just a few months, a year or something longer. However, you’ll also have to adhere to the rules put in place by your property manager (something that can make it hard for a home to feel like “yours”) and lose out on the benefits of home equity and homeownership in general.

Some pros of being a renter include:

Fewer costs upfront: Buying a house takes a lot of cash upfront. Renting doesn’t. With a rental agreement, you’ll get to sidestep the down payment process as well as the myriad of additional fees it takes to transfer a property title from one owner to another. You’re also a lot less likely to take out extensive loans to pay for your housing, unlike with a mortgage agreement.

That being said, many leases still come with additional upfront costs, such as a security deposit and, in some cases, a broker’s fee. Security deposits are paid to the landlord at the beginning of a lease and typically returned to you at the end of your stay, assuming you leave the unit in good condition. A single month’s rent is a fairly common amount for this payment. Broker’s fees are paid to the realtor who helped you find the place (if there was one).

Additional flexibility: While not every house you buy will be your “forever” home, it still makes sense to stay in one place for a few years if you’re going to jump through the hoops of homeownership. Not so with renting. While longer-term leases are certainly out there, most leases are around 12 months, with some as short as one month. If you think there’s a good chance you’ll need to move in the years ahead to pursue a dream job or new adventure, a shorter-term rental agreement will probably make both logistical and financial sense.

No added maintenance costs: Have a problem with your dishwasher? Loose doorknob? Just call your property manager! This differs greatly from a homeownership situation, where the impetus is on you to keep up the maintenance of your home — whether that means regular DIY projects or calling in a contractor.

Disadvantages of a rental property, meanwhile, include:

No renovations / home improvement projects: Since there’s no guarantee you’ll be staying in your current location on a more permanent basis, it doesn’t make sense to invest a large chunk of cash into new countertops or a bigger bathtub. In addition, many leases will limit the kinds of alterations you can make to a property. After all, it’s not really yours to renovate.

Adherence to property manager rules: In addition to committing to the renovations your property manager decides to perform, you may also need to adhere to some additional rules. This could be anything from policies that limit indoor smoking to quiet hours (especially in an apartment building where you’ll have neighbors) to a ban on certain pets. That’s a lot less autonomy than you may want for your new place.

No equity: When you pay a mortgage you’re paying yourself. When you send a rent check to your landlord, you’re not. For the most part, the value of a home increases over time, barring factors like a property in disrepair, a decrease in livability in the area or a housing crisis. That means when you do choose to put your home back on the market, whether it’s a few years or a few decades down the road, you stand to make an extensive windfall. By renting, you lose out on this potential for equity.

Pros and cons of buying with a mortgage

If staying in a rental is the safe way to maintain the status quo, homeownership is your big jump into the unknown. Everything is a little bigger in the homeownership process: A bigger time commitment, larger upfront costs but also higher potential financial dividends. Are you ready to take the leap?

When you own your own home you get advantages like:

Ongoing equity: Few investments pay such consistent dividends as homeownership, especially if you plan on remaining in your new abode for many years to come. According to a 2020 report from the Federal Reserve, the net worth of homeowners is a staggering 40 times higher than that of renters. While some of this is self-selecting (wealthier people can more easily afford to own a home) it also says a whole lot about the way properties tend to increase in value over time.

While the market is certainly hot right now, making the mortgage rate on the home of your dreams a little more expensive than it might have been a few years ago, the potential long-term financial benefits of homeownership remain the same.

Be your own property manager: Having a property manager is a double-edged sword. On one hand, responsibility for the upkeep of the building falls to them. On the other hand, not every property manager is great about fulfilling this responsibility. Rather than wait for repairs or ask permission to make the changes you want to a home, why not take charge yourself? Homeownership means not having to answer to anyone when you repaint your kitchen or hire a contractor to build a deck in the backyard. It also allows you an extra level of privacy from random visits. There’s just something about a home truly being your home.

Be someone else’s property manager: Depending on the size and kind of home that you buy, you may be able to turn a part of your property into an extra unit for rent. Ideal homes for this kind of setup include duplexes, triplexes and properties with a detached unit, like a pool house. You can also decide between offering long-term leases for your space or short-term options through websites like Airbnb. Of course, properties with more space may also cost more initially.

However, there are some drawbacks, including:

A high barrier of entry: Buying has a far higher upfront cost than renting. Of course, if you have the money to handle these payments and still have enough left over for other monthly expenses and savings, then you get to take advantage of the additional equity of homeownership mentioned above.

Limited flexibility: The flip side of the flexibility of renting is the inflexibility of homeownership. Owning property ties you to one place at a time — ideally for multiple years so you can build up equity before resale.

Property taxes: In many parts of the country property taxes are no joke. According to nonprofit organization Tax Foundation, the median property tax in places like the New York City metro area, New Jersey, Chicago and much of coastal California top more than $4,000. If you don’t live in as hot of a housing market, you may have far lower rates. While property taxes are important, as one of the primary ways that states and municipalities get funds for education and many other important services, it may be a financial burden that you’d rather not deal with at this time.

Rent or buy a house: Making the decision

Ultimately, the decision to either rent or buy a home should come down to your financial position and where you see yourself in the years ahead.

Of course, even if you’re feeling ready to settle down or need the extra space, you’ll still need to remember the obvious: Houses are expensive. In addition to the cost of a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, you’ll also need to calculate a slew of additional fees and payments, both upfront and down the road (called “hidden” costs). Some common examples of upfront costs include transfer taxes, a recording fee for your state and a whole variety of closing costs. Hidden costs of homeownership include property taxes, any renovations you’ll need to undertake and homeowners association (HOA) or condominium association fees.

Overall, a good rule of thumb is that your monthly mortgage should fall between two and two and half times your gross income. If you can’t purchase a home that meets your needs within those limitations, it’s probably best to stick in the renters market for now.

Not only should your finances be in good shape now, but also be set up positively for the future. While the upfront costs of buying a home are substantial, you’ll also need to be able to consistently make each monthly mortgage payment for years, perhaps even decades. Even if you have plenty of money saved up now, be sure you’re also in a career or financial position that you think will stand the test of time — otherwise, your savings may not go quite as far as you had imagined.

Find the right real estate strategy for you

If your path forward will include buying a new home, then you should buy through Bungalo. Our innovative approach takes as much of the hassles, haggles and guesswork out of the home buying process as possible. In addition, our rigorous inspection and certification process means that you won’t have to worry about major surprises and maintenance costs down the road.

Here’s how it works:

Work with the mortgage lender of your choice: Get preapproved with the lender of your choice. Whoever offers the best deal for you, we’re happy to work with them.
Make a paperless offer: You can submit your offer online in minutes. No guesswork needed.
“No Hassle” purchase price: Bungalo homes accept the list price on a first-come, first-served basis. That means every willing and able homebuyer has an equal opportunity to own one of our homes.
Closing assistance: We offer an easy-to-use closing checklist that ensures you’ve done everything you need to hit your move-in-day target.

Home buying has become unnecessarily complicated. With Bungalo, it’s easy. Reach out today to learn more about who we are, and how we help potential buyers find the homes of their dreams.

Bungalo. Your clear path home™. *This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Bungalo always encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation.

In Home Buying

Buying a house in cash vs. mortgage: What makes sense for you?

As you get ready to buy a house, you’ll doubtless have a lot of questions, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. One of the most important: What’s the best way to pay?

If you have the financial resources to purchase a home without taking out a loan, that may seem like a great option. After all, without taking time to complete the mortgage process, won’t you be able to make a fast and appealing offer to the seller?

Before making your final decision, you should step back and evaluate all your options. There are pros and cons to cash offers and mortgages. Considering them will help you pick the option that’s right for you.

There’s also another variable to keep in mind: In today’s tech-enabled real estate market, there are channels that can change the whole process for making an offer on a home. Services such as Bungalo can deliver an experience with more certainty, clarity, and less competition than the conventional home buying steps.

Before diving too deep into the ideal way to find a house and make an offer, however, it’s ideal to weigh the positives and negatives of cash versus mortgages.

Making a cash offer: Pros and cons

A cash sale is a form of home buying without a home loan or mortgage. Despite the name, a cash offer doesn’t involve a literal pile of dollar bills. While you use a wire transfer or a check to transfer the funds, the deal is basically as simple as if you were paying cash.

Of course, most people who are simply buying a house to live in will apply for a mortgage instead of making a cash purchase. This comes down to the simple fact that a cash buyer must have enough money free to pay the full asking price and a cash flow to replace it. That’s a lot of money; the average person won’t be able to part with it all at once.

A buyer interested in accepting a cash offer may therefore end up dealing with iBuyers or real estate organizations interested in reselling houses en masse or using them in an investment property portfolio. These companies use corporate funds to buy houses in cash. Alternatively, people who are trading in larger, more expensive homes for modest houses may have the cash to make an offer.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of cash offers, what are the major pros and cons?

Pro:

Since cash offers involve fewer parties — with no mortgage lender involved to inspect the property or determine how much to loan — the closing process can be quicker and easier.
Cash offers are easy for sellers to accept, provided the cash buyer can provide proof that they have sufficient funds in the bank.
Some elements associated with a mortgage loan, such as mortgage insurance, don’t apply to cash offers.

Con:

Since making a cash offer involves paying the whole price for a home without a loan, a large segment of individual buyers won’t be able to afford this method.
Buying a home in cash ties up a large amount of money in the house, so less is left over to pay for other expenses.
Cash buyers take all the risk of the purchase on themselves and must guard against potential problems such as fraud.

In general, making a cash offer on a home is a way to take some of the time and uncertainty out of closing the deal. It is, however, limited to the relatively small segment of homebuyers who have enough cash on hand to meet a seller’s asking price without a home loan.

Applying for a mortgage: Pros and cons

Getting a mortgage loan from a lender is the standard way of buying a new home, albeit one that comes in many varieties. You can apply for a conventional loan or take advantage of special mortgage products like a jumbo loan, VA loan or FHA loan, depending on your targeted house and eligibility.

If you apply for prequalification and preapproval, you can receive an approval letter from your chosen lender during the home search, making it clear to sellers that your credit score and financial situation are strong enough to make an offer that meets their asking price. This is a sound approach to mortgage financing, as it can take away some uncertainty as you get closer to your closing date.

You can play the field when applying for a mortgage, seeing which lenders are able to offer you the best terms regarding monthly mortgage payment amounts, your mortgage interest rate and more. Not every loan is the same. By comparing what banks are willing to extend, you can protect your financial situation in the years ahead.

So, what are the pros and cons of this method of home financing, especially when put up alongside cash offers?

Pro:

The variety of mortgage loan products available allows homebuyers to match their requirements with a loan to fund their purchases.
With an approval letter, it’s possible to convey how much capital you have to work with when approaching a seller.
Sellers won’t necessarily choose a cash offer over a mortgage financed offer. A buyer willing to outbid the competition can defeat a cash buyer.

Con:

Extra time and paperwork come with applying for a mortgage, including a credit check that can briefly impact the buyer’s credit score.
If a home search goes too long, an approval letter can expire, meaning the prospective buyer has to apply for an extension or reapply for preapproval.
Closing a home sale can involve an appraisal and inspection process, extending this part of the sale.

Applying for a mortgage is the standard in the real estate space because it works, and has for years. While less splashy than making a cash offer, getting a mortgage loan can still get you the home of your dreams relatively quickly, especially with prequalification and preapproval.

Buying a house in cash vs. mortgage: Making your decision

Buying a house in cash vs. mortgage is a big decision. That doesn’t mean it has to be a stressful hang-up in your home buying process, however. In most cases, the choice will be made for you. Unless you have a large reserve of money in the bank, you’ll need to apply for some kind of home loan.

In a hot real estate market, as recently seen in many parts of the U.S., it can be tempting to lean toward cash offers. After all, with so many aggressive buyers attempting to make home purchases at once, this is a way to be quick and decisive, appealing to sellers’ desire for an easy closing.

You can still compete, however, no matter how hot the market is in your chosen area, and whichever method you plan to use to finance the purchase. In the end, the right choice for you will be the one that makes you feel most financially secure in the years to come — whether that means putting cash into the purchase or agreeing to loan terms.

One potentially overlooked option when buying a new home is to bypass the usual system of searching for houses on the open market and competing with other buyers. Alternative, modern home buying strategies, such as using Bungalo, allow you to combine some of the best aspects of cash transactions and mortgage loans.

Ideal house buying strategies: Beyond cash versus mortgage

If you’re buying through Bungalo, you’ve decided to buy a house in a different, more streamlined way, taking the best parts from various homebuying approaches.

A new way to browse for a home

Why is buying a home through Bungalo different than engaging in the standard approaches? The differences begin with the way you browse for available houses. You simply search through properties for sale on a user-friendly map view — including exclusive homes not yet listed anywhere else.

If you want to buy one of these homes, you simply submit an offer, without competing in bidding wars against other buyers. The purchase price is set based on other homes in the area, to ensure they are fair — you’re just paying for the home you’re getting, without the last-minute markups that can come with competitive bidding.

An easy approach to closing — whether cash sale or mortgage

Buying a Bungalo home works as if you were applying to purchase a property through a standard loan method. The difference comes in the easy closing process — more so than a standard mortgage preapproval or cash sale, Bungalo will tell you directly whether your offer has been accepted, with no scramble to bid against competing offers.

The simplified closing checklist will guide you through all the steps needed to finalize a sale. Some of the most potentially stressful parts of home buying — bidding, waiting for the closing to complete — have been streamlined to make the experience a pleasure.

Home condition and peace of mind

You can have peace of mind once you’ve moved into the new home, too. The houses are Bunglao Certified, which means professional inspectors have signed off on their integrity.

If a covered issue* does unexpectedly arise during your first 90 days in the new house, it’ll be taken care of at no cost to you. Being sure that everything in the house will work correctly can take some of the trepidation out of buying.

A new beginning for your home search

Are you ready to get started looking for your dream house? It’s as simple as looking at a map. With a mortgage preapproval letter from a lender or the appropriate cash assets set aside, you can turn your dream into reality in a few easy steps.

View listings in your area of choice to get started now.

In Selling a Home

What’s the best month to sell a house?

If you’ve decided to sell your house, there are a few things you should consider before putting it on the market. For example, are you hoping to sell your house more quickly or for maximum value? Does your region have housing market patterns that differ from the rest of the U.S.?

We can help guide you through the varieties within the home selling market to help you narrow down exactly when you should sell your house — whether based on season, region or month.

At Bungalo®, we understand the home buying process from start to finish and we work hard to make it easy for homeowners looking to buy and/or sell. We created Bungalo to help new and existing homeowners take control of the process from buying a home to figuring out when is the best month to sell a home. (For more helpful guides, explore our blog.)

The home selling market through the year

Although it can be tempting to put your house on the market the moment you’re ready to sell, that’s not usually best practice. You may luck into a particularly beneficial time during the year for the housing market, but we wouldn’t advise you to take that as a given.

One important reason to specifically choose the optimal month or season to sell your home is that the housing market ebbs and flows throughout the year. If you choose an “off-season” in which demand is low, you may end up with offers below market price or — worst-case scenario — struggle to sell at all.

However, if you do your research, you can put your home on the market at the best time for you as a home seller. This can result in offers at or above your home’s estimated value and a plethora of buyers who are all ready to commit to a new home.

So when is the best time of year to sell a home?

Many experts would say spring is arguably the best season for selling. According to The Mortgage Reports, if you sell your home in spring, you can expect to sell it 18.5 days faster than other seasons and receive 5.9% more money. Due to this, it’s also one of the most competitive times to sell a home, so you could find yourself not doing as well if your home hasn’t been updated to prepare for extra competition from other homes.

This may also not be the best time for you to choose to sell your home if your area is still rainy or snowy. If that’s the case, summer is probably the better option of the two warmer seasons.

The summer months are almost as popular a time to sell as spring, as it’s generally nice weather, longer days and a preferred time of year for moving and changing homes. After all, if it’s summer, you don’t have to worry about moving while kids are still in school or when family events may be happening. It’s also great for the seller because buyers feel pressured to purchase and move into their new homes before the start of the school year.

Fall and winter are the less popular months for selling a house. However, there are areas in which these two colder seasons are actually quite temperate, which makes them popular times for the housing market.

Regional and long-term effects on selling conditions

As you research the best season for sellers in the housing market, you’ll also discover that the competitiveness and popularity of each season depending on the region in which you’re selling your home.

Specifically, in warmer areas, such as Arizona, Florida, Southern California and Texas, fall and winter can actually be the most popular and potentially lucrative times to sell. In these regions, the weather is more temperate, so the temperature isn’t scorching hot — imagine house hunting in triple-digit heat — and buyers also aren’t in the middle of the more volatile seasons that can produce hurricanes or tornadoes.

If you’re in an area where the late fall or winter has nicer weather, this can be a great time in the housing market for you. Buyer demand may also be encouraged by the end of tax season — closing on a home before the end of the year means buyers can take advantage of tax breaks.

Look into the ins and outs of your local real estate market to help determine when to put your house up for sale. Most areas have specific location-based housing market patterns that can help you get the best price for your property. If you put it up during peak home-buying season (when buyer demand is at its highest), you’ll benefit from increased interest, which will then encourage more competitive offers.

Picking the best month to sell a house

Now that you’ve narrowed down which season you want to sell your house, you can start to break down which month will get you the best home price results.

As previously discussed, your home’s region and location will definitely impact the optimal season to sell your house, but you can also look at nationwide trends to guide your decision.

What are the best months to sell a house?

Although spring is the best season to start selling your home, the best three months include two summer months, according to LendingTree. The months, in order, are:

June
May
July

Each of these months shows the highest number of sales, median sales prices and seller premiums out of the entire year. In fact, if you break it down by day, the best time of the year to sell your home is between mid to late June.

If you plan to list your home during these three months, your odds of getting a great deal are much higher than during the colder times of the year.

However, bear in mind that the specific best month to sell may change depending on the current housing and economic market conditions. For example, due to COVID-19, many homes continued to sell extremely well into July and into the fall seasons, even in locations that don’t ordinarily have the best conditions during those times.

What are the worst months to sell a house?

Conversely, the three worst months to sell a house across the U.S. are all during the colder, fall to winter months:

December
October
November

Besides the weather, an additional factor that makes these difficult times to sell a home is that they’re all holiday seasons. This is already a busy time for most people as they confirm travel plans or prepare for events, so it’s not usually ideal for buying and moving to a new home for buyers. However, it’s a good time for homebuyers who are looking to get a great deal on home prices, because the market is less competitive. By contrast, it’s not a great time for sellers to put their homes on the market if they’re looking for the best offers.

Selling your home for maximum value in any month

One of the main reasons home sellers should carefully consider when to put their homes on the market is because, in general, the market is out of their control. Choosing the right time to list is one of the best ways that sellers can help ensure their house sells quickly and for the best price.

Yet there are other straightforward ways to maximize your home selling experience and outcome. The key is to present your home in the best possible way, which you can do by setting the right price and investing in home repairs that add value.

Sell for the right price

When you put your home up for sale, you’ll need to set realistic price expectations. This means that home sellers should take the time to figure out the true value of their property and avoid over- or underpricing their home.

If your home price is more expensive than it should be, your property will have less buyer demand, resulting in fewer offers and longer selling times. Similarly, more home buyers are looking at houses within certain price ranges, so if yours is outside of that spectrum, it’ll be even harder for potential buyers to find your home.

When a home takes a long time to sell, it also makes buyers wary of your property listing. As your home stays on the market longer and longer, you may end up dropping the price as well, which will negatively affect your listing’s reputation. As far as prospective buyers are concerned, this may be an indication that there is something wrong with the house or the seller themself.

Make sure your home is in the best condition

Part of the home buying process includes a home inspection of the property. If any issues are highlighted, buyers may want to renegotiate their offers or even drop out of the home purchase. Avoid this possibility by inspecting your own home for potential issues in advance.

At Bungalo, all homes that we sell have been inspected and certified multiple times, from top-to-bottom by our professionals to be Bungalo Certified. This extra step ensures that the buyers are fully confident in their purchase and sellers don’t have to worry about surprise problems. Our guarantee even includes 90-day post-close protection and a 1-year home warranty — because we are confident in the homes that we sell.

This extra step will help prevent any unnecessary pauses or bumps along the home selling and buying journey.

Consider home repairs that add value

To encourage buyer demand, you want your home to appear as attractive and competitive as possible compared to other houses on the market. This means investing in home improvement projects that don’t cost more than you can afford but still add value and appeal to your home.

Consider projects such as:

Repainting walls
Updating floors
Repairing driveway cracks
Installing new kitchen appliances
Renovating the bathrooms
Adding protective additions (hurricane shutters, new gutters, etc.)

With these upgrades, your home will stand out among other real estate listings and increase your chances of buyer demand.

Streamline the home buying and selling process with Bungalo

Selling your home doesn’t have to be a complicated or stressful process. Although the housing and real estate market may be outside of your control or comfort zone, there are ways to ensure you get the best home price for your house in the most efficient time.

By researching your area’s specific trends and the best months to list your home, you can understand what buyer demand may look like throughout the year, and create a smoother transition from homeowner to home seller.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bungalo’s streamlined and efficient all-in-one home buying service, check out our how-it-works guide.

We help new and returning home buyers find their perfect match, without the fuss and hassle of traditional real estate processes. Because our platform is interactive and transparent each step of the way, our buyers can be sure that every listed home meets top-of-the-line professional standards.

In Selling a Home

How to stage a house to sell

What is home staging and why is it so important to you as a soon-to-be seller? Well, when you put your house on the market for a prospective home buyer, your property is taking center stage for all intents and purposes. Like the protagonist in a major motion picture or a Tony Award-winning actress on Broadway, appearances matter when your house is being judged for its overall quality. How – or to what degree – it resonates with a given home buyer or audience is largely a product of how it performs under the proverbial limelight.

Do you know what it takes to increase your house’s curb appeal? Is your living room set up in a manner that would catch the eye of a potential homebuyer? Should furniture be included in your pictures, or is it better for each room to stand on its own and clutter-free?

These questions and more are all part of the home staging process, which, admittedly, is not exactly a one-and-done effort. If you’re selling your house but don’t want to deal with sprucing it up as a home stager, you don’t have to – you can sell directly to Bungalo®, even if your house isn’t exactly dressed to the nines. If you are thinking about doing at least some home staging or assuming the role of home stager on a temporary basis, we’ll go over some tips that can help speed things along, adding a sense of urgency for your potential buyer or buyers. But first, it’s important to understand why home staging is so important.

What is the No. 1 purpose of home staging?

There are a number of reasons why home staging makes sense, but the overarching goal – whether you hire a professional stager or tackle the task yourself – is to make it more universally attractive. Whether you’ve been at your current home for a few years or decades, you probably spent a good portion of those years “making it your own,” perhaps by buying comfortable furniture for the living room or reviving the dining room with an elegant chandelier, placed squarely above the dining room table. Home staging, on the other hand, involves the active depersonalizing of the house so it draws more attention to all comers and all tastes.

The typical house in today’s red hot real estate market sells rather quickly. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average is less than three weeks (17 days), as of July 2021. In fact, of all the properties that sold during that period, nearly 90% were up for sale for less than a month.

At the same time, the entire home buying process often takes as much as six months, according to the Home Buying Institute, if not longer. Home staging helps to give your house the legs it needs to remain attractive to a potential buyer from the first day they notice it to the day before closing. Every room of the house should receive as much attention and tender loving care as the next, be it the living room, dining room, bedroom – even the mudroom.

But another selling point on home staging is the financial element. In the National Association of Realtors’ latest Profile of Home Staging report, which interviewed real estate agent respondents, 1 in 4 buyers’ agents said home staging increased the dollar value offered on for-sale houses by between 1% and 5% compared to those who didn’t go about this process. And 15% said offers were 6% to 10% higher for staged versus non-staged homes.

What does home staging involve?

Home staging can be as minimalist or as all-inclusive as you want it to be. Much of the work that you devote to this effort is dependent on the condition of the house as it’s currently constituted. For example, if there is a gaping hole in the wall or noticeable scratches on the front door that would show up in photos, home staging may require hiring a home renovation expert to make the repairs or replacing components of the house. But work as a stager doesn’t necessarily have to be extensive, either. It could be devoted to eliminating clutter that’s accumulated, whether that’s in the living room, dining room or parts of the house that are renowned for clutter, like the attic or basement.

Decluttering may be the single most important component to successful home staging. Nearly 95% of real estate agent respondents in the aforementioned NAR survey said eliminating clutter was crucial to preparing a home for sale. The next most common response was cleaning each room (83%).

From rearranging furniture to painting the walls, home staging activities come in all shapes and sizes.

Now that you know the purpose of home staging, let’s get into a few tips and suggestions. If done right, they can lead to a quicker sale:

1. Build up curb appeal by addressing exterior issues

Before you get to each room, start by assessing how your house looks on the outside. Especially if you’re scheduling an open house, the very first thing a would-be buyer sees is its exterior. So, you want to make the best first impression you can right off the bat. Take an honest assessment of how your home looks. What can you do to make it look like new? Is it in need of a fresh coat of paint? Could the bushes around your property use some pruning to make them more symmetrical? Maybe the house has accumulated dirt that entails a water pressure treatment from a professional.

All these actions help to ratchet up your home’s curb appeal.

2. Clean, clean and then clean some more

Put yourself in the shoes of a prospective buyer: How would you feel if the house you wanted to buy was a pigsty? It’d be a major dealbreaker, especially if the lack of cleanliness was apparent in the pictures.

Getting your house truly clean goes deeper than once-over vacuuming, putting your kids’ toys away and scrubbing the toilets. In other words, not the household chores you do weekly or every other week. It should involve the activities that take time and elbow grease. This may include washing the walls (like you would before painting), mopping the floors, removing accumulated cobwebs and dusting the blinds and lampshades.

In short, you want it to be so clean that you wouldn’t think twice about eating food off the floor.

3. Give the kitchen its due attention

Speaking of food, of all the rooms in the average house, the room where meals are made is the most visited. In many home setups, the kitchen is also one of the first rooms people see as they step inside. And given that so much activity occurs there, it’s the one that you should prioritize as a stager. 80% of buyers’ agents in the NAR survey pointed to the kitchen as the most common place to receive the home staging treatment. And among buyers themselves, 35% said staging the kitchen was very important to them.

Here as well, the extent of your staging efforts is up to you. But if you want to kick things up a notch by going beyond cleaning and eliminating clutter, you may want to give your cabinets a fresh coat of paint, replacing the countertops if they’re damaged or even replacing the faucet and fixtures. Even swapping out the knobs on the cabinets can go a long way.

4. Aim for minimalism

Over the course of your tenure as a homeowner, you’ve undoubtedly collected lots of stuff, much of which may be out in the open, such as furniture or electronics. When taking photographs, you may want to remove some of these items. This accomplishes a few things. For one, it helps to further the decluttered look of your living room (assuming that’s where the furniture is located). It also makes rooms appear larger than they do with items taking up space. Finally, a minimalist look depersonalizes each space so a potential buyer can picture in their mind’s eye how they would fill the space should they decide to make an offer.

If you’re unsure of what furniture should stay put or removed, you may want to ask a professional stager for their two cents on the subject. They may recommend keeping certain furniture but repositioning them in such a way that it makes the room look more open. Other strategies that work well are hanging drapes or curtains that match the walls and ensuring that they’re in the open positions to let more light in.

5. Take lots of pictures from worthwhile locations

Open houses and personalized tours allow a potential buyer to get a better sense and feel for what your home is like, but it traditionally starts with point-and-click investigation on home listing websites and mobile apps. Photographs are as must-have as a property’s advertised price. No one is going to buy real estate that they can’t see.

With cameras built into phones, photo-taking has never been easier, so it’s worth your while to take as many pictures as you can of each room and from different angles. Ideally, you want a potential buyer to get a full account of what each room looks like so once you snap a picture from one part of the room, you may want to stand on the opposite side so you can showcase where you just came from.

However, there is such a thing as having too many photos. So rather than pointing the camera on a fixed area – like one wall – position yourself so the viewer will be able to see several walls, ideally three.

Another best practice to home staging picture-taking is to capture stills from locations as you would normally see them. Perhaps in the past you’ve liked how your house looked while standing on a chair or stepladder for painting. But it’s better to take pictures from areas that a potential buyer would normally be in were they to step into the room. That generally means from a standing or seated position.

If photography isn’t for you, hiring a professional who specializes in this kind of thing might be worthwhile.

6. Put together a home staging budget

As the old saying goes, it takes money to make money, and that adage applies to selling a home. Some of what you spend may be during closing, at the very end of the process. But depending on how much work your house needs to get looking spiffy, it could start at the very beginning.

If you need work done on the property, get quotes about what each task costs. Some you may be able to do yourself. However, bear in mind that the cost could be significant, especially if you use a professional stager. According to the aforementioned NAR report, the median amount spent for a professional stager or home staging firm is $1,500.

Home staging is important, but it’s also a hassle. If you want to skip it entirely, look to Bungalo. When you sell to Bungalo, we not only buy in cash but we eliminate the traditional selling steps, such as staging and scheduling home tours. That saves you the two most precious assets: time and money.

For more information on our no-obligation cash offers, contact us today.

In Home Ownership

Spring cleaning tips, tricks and hacks to add to your yearly ritual

There’s nothing quite like springtime: blooming flowers, twittering birds, and, of course, that annual date with every cleaning product you own. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to shake off the dust of a long, gray winter and keep your dream house feeling like home — but don’t go for the mop just yet.

Like everything else, spring cleaning habits themselves can get a little dusty. To make sure yours are as fresh as spring flowers, you’ll want to have all the latest tips, tricks and hacks up your sleeve.

Here are a few stress-free ways to make sure you’re winning at spring cleaning.

Spring cleaning 101

What’s so important about spring cleaning, anyway?

When the sun is out and the plants are in bloom, cleaning rooms and dusting furniture may be the last thing you want to spend your time doing. However, this is one tradition you shouldn’t leave by the wayside.

Spring cleaning is important because it gives you the chance to dust, wipe down or disinfect any places you tend to avoid during your quick cleans throughout the year — like under the couch, behind those picture frames, inside the blinds or even that rarely visited corner of your closet. According to Medical News Today, a thorough cleaning can help prevent spring allergy symptoms, too.

The spring cleaning process

Don’t tackle spring cleaning without a game plan. Your goal is to keep your house cleaner with less effort — and to do that, you’ll want to start by making a list of everything you want to dust, scrub or wipe.

Once you’ve made your list, you can organize tasks in whatever way feels best to you. Maybe you’d love to start cleaning rooms one by one — or maybe you’re thinking it makes more sense to get to work cleaning floors throughout your house while you’ve got the mop out.

To simplify your process, take these things into consideration:

How big is your house?
How regularly do you perform quick cleanings?
What is your biggest obstacle (dust, pet hair, mud tracked in from shoes, etc.)?
How much time do you have to devote to spring cleaning?

Remember, spring cleaning shouldn’t take all spring. Although larger spaces like kitchens and high-traffic areas like living rooms will take more time, HGTV says you might just be able to get spring cleaning done in 48 hours (although a week is probably a more comfortable timeline).

Also keep in mind that different house styles, as defined by Better Homes & Gardens, can pose different cleaning challenges — for example, Victorian homes have a lot of angles, while craftsman-style houses have lots of built-in woodwork to contend with. It also matters what condition you bought your house in, which is why it’s important to look for guarantees like the Bungalo® home certification.

Key spring cleaning equipment and supplies

What you’ll need

To do spring cleaning the right way, you’ll need the right tools. Here are the best spring cleaning supplies to help you dust and wipe every last thing in your home:

Microfiber cloth
Rubber gloves
Extra sponges
Old toothbrushes
Feather dusters
Your favorite spring cleaning playlist

You’ll also want to brush up on the latest spring cleaning techniques to help you get the job done in less time and with less work. Here are some house cleaning and home care tips to get you started:

Don’t push yourself. Although you may want to tackle everything on that to-do list, it’s not always good for muscles and joints to spend the whole day cleaning — especially if you do a lot of bending, reaching or scrubbing.
Keep kids, pets or the spouse busy. If your family has a tendency to get in the way of spring cleaning, plan ahead and send them outside for the day to enjoy the nice weather — or, better yet, get them to help out.
Open the windows. Even the most environmentally friendly spring cleaning supplies can have a strong smell, so let a breeze in whenever possible.
Be savvy about the sun. Spring sun makes it easy to dry oversized rugs or a freshly power-washed front porch, but according to Good Housekeeping, it can also be your enemy, causing streaks while you wash windows. Wait for cloudy days to grab the glass cleaner.

Can you spring clean without using harsh chemicals?

The simple answer is yes.

Although harsh chemicals are readily available at supermarkets and convenience stores, they’re far from your only option. Sustainable spring cleaning solutions are just as easy to come by — as long as you know where to look. In fact, you might already have one of the best spring cleaning supplies at your disposal, and it doesn’t even come with a long list of ingredients nobody can pronounce.

You’re about to become best friends with your vinegar.

Why vinegar is the ultimate cleaning solution

Vinegar as a cleaning agent

According to Healthline, vinegar is made from acetic acid, the organic compound responsible for everything that gives vinegar its unique personality — from its distinct taste to its colorless appearance. However, acetic acid is also responsible for vinegar’s real claim to fame: its ability to dissolve and remove everything from grease to mineral deposits, all while killing bacteria.

The best option for spring cleaning tasks is white vinegar, which should be easy to find at your local supermarket or even in your pantry.

Your spring cleaning checklist, vinegar style

Now that you know about the ultimate spring cleaning hack, it’s time to put it to good use. Here are a few ways vinegar can help you knock tasks off your spring cleaning checklist one by one.

Clean the glass

Nobody likes grimy windows. Let the spring sunshine in by combining water and vinegar in a spray bottle, and Healthline says your windows will be streak-free in minutes.

Keep surfaces shiny

If your home’s shiny surfaces aren’t so shiny anymore, a little vinegar can do wonders. The Spruce recommends spraying vinegar directly onto surfaces to get rid of fingerprints and other unpleasant marks.

Unclog stubborn drains

Remember baking soda volcanoes? You can use the same basic concept to clean out your sink or bathtub drains. According to Green Matters, baking soda and vinegar will bubble up, bringing stubborn clogs to the surface.

Scrub sink fixtures

Faucets, handles, you name it — vinegar is a great choice for cleaning your bathroom and kitchen fixtures. It can even break through soap scum and get rid of every last hard water stain.

Get rid of that microwave smell

According to Healthline, you can pop one cup of water and ¼ cup of vinegar in your microwave for a couple minutes to eliminate odors. Once the microwave smells fresh and clean, you can give it even more TLC by using the same warm water solution and a paper towel to break through grease and other stains.

Say goodbye to mold

This Old House says that, when it comes to removing mold, vinegar is a safe alternative to bleach. Once the mold is gone, prevent future growth by properly ventilating damp spaces like bathrooms or laundry rooms, drying wet towels or shower curtains, and using the right paint or sealant for the affected area.

A vinegar caveat

Although using vinegar is an excellent way to win at spring cleaning without relying on harsh chemicals, there’s one big thing you’ll want to keep in mind.

Remember that vinegar is made from acetic acid, which breaks down mineral deposits. This means vinegar is not a good choice for cleaning granite countertops, according to Good Housekeeping. Over time, it will break down the minerals that give your countertops their longevity and shiny appearance, making them susceptible to further damage.

When it comes time to clean the counters, holster that vinegar and reach for the dish soap instead. Just a few drops of dish soap, a cloth and some warm water can get rid of stains, dirt, spills or grease marks without ruining your granite for good.

Spring cleaning dos and don’ts

To keep your house safer and healthier with less effort, there are a few “must-dos” — and, naturally, a few “certainly don’ts.” Here are some tips to inform your spring cleaning techniques all the way from the front door to the back fence.

Kitchen

Do use white vinegar on your stainless steel appliances. They’ll be bright and shiny in just a few minutes — and, after all, isn’t that why you chose them for your kitchen?

Do track down odors in your kitchen. The culprit is usually old food — so go through your pantry, cupboards and refrigerator and throw out anything old, expired or just unpleasant.

Do toss half a fresh lemon into your garbage disposal. This will clean the disposal and create a fresh scent every time you turn it on — plus, you can use the rest of the lemon to make yourself a glass of citrus ice water, which you totally deserve after all that cleaning.

Don’t keep using the same sponge or rag. Sponges and similar cleaning supplies can start carrying bacteria when you use them for too long, so stick them in a tub of warm soapy water to wash away the dust or dirt.

Don’t leave food out while you’re cleaning. That bowl of fruit or that pan of fresh-baked cookies? Set them aside so they don’t get covered in vinegar or other cleaning solutions.

Don’t forget to wash the dishwasher. According to Southern Living, it’s an easy spring cleaning task: just put a cup of vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top shelf and run the hot water cycle.

Laundry room

Do use this chance to catch up on laundry. It’s not the grandest of spring cleaning tips, but it’s easy to toss wet towels in the dryer while you’re busy scrubbing and dusting everywhere else.

Do keep an eye out for mold. Laundry rooms can be damp, creating the perfect environment for growth — so keep your vinegar handy, and wear gloves and a mask if you spot anything.

Do wash your washing machine. TODAY recommends cleaning top-load and front-load machines by running one load with white vinegar and a second load with baking soda.

Don’t let cleaning supplies mix with detergents or laundry soaps. Depending on what supplies you’re using, this could create dangerous chemicals or fumes.

Don’t forget your utility sink. It may not be the star of the show like your kitchen sink, but it still deserves a little TLC.

Don’t dust or vacuum before you empty the lint trap. You’ll just make more work for yourself.

Bathrooms

Do put your shower curtain, bath mat or decorative towels through the wash. These items are easy to overlook, but they’re a trap for germs and odors.

Do use an old toothbrush and some baking soda to clean the grout on your bathroom countertops. This eliminates germs and keeps your bathroom looking good.

Do clean less-obvious areas, like heater vents, towel rods or baseboards. Although these places might not get a lot of use or traffic, they can still gather filth and take away from your bathroom’s overall appearance.

Don’t start cleaning the bathtub or shower until you’ve removed bars of soap, razors and body washes. If contaminated by cleaning supplies or detergents, these items could cause skin irritation.

Don’t scrub showerheads to get rid of hard water stains and buildup — soak them in vinegar instead.

Don’t forget to clean the trash can, even if you change it regularly. Scrub it inside and out (and use trash can liners if you don’t already).

Imagine spring cleaning in a new home

All the dusting and scrubbing in the world won’t make the wrong house into the right fit. If you’re pulling out all the stops to manifest your dream home, maybe spring cleaning isn’t enough — maybe it’s time to make a move.

Although moving can be quite a chore, it’s a whole lot easier when you can handle all the details without leaving the couch. Bungalo’s all-in-one home-buying platform makes every step stress-free, from finding your perfect property to finally taking the keys. Bungalo houses come guaranteed and certified, which means you won’t have renovations, repairs or maintenance to worry about — and even tasks like dusting, scrubbing, vacuuming and wiping will be less work.

If spring cleaning in a new home sounds more fun than spring cleaning in your current house, start searching Bungalo listings today.

In Home Buying

Buying a home in Dallas: What you need to know

If your idea of home wouldn’t be complete without live concerts under the stars, Texas Longhorns grazing in open pastures and friendly neighborhoods left and right, grab those moving boxes — you’ll love living in the Dallas Fort Worth area.

From art and culture to local cuisine (don’t forget the barbeque sauce), Dallas has something for everyone. It also has real estate just waiting for the perfect house-hunter to come along. Before you break out the bubble wrap, though, there are a few things to brush up on so you can be sure you’re finding your dream home in Dallas.

The Dallas real estate market

Before buying a property anywhere, it’s important to know what the housing market looks like in your target area.

According to local news station WFAA, the average home price for new properties in Dallas is $414,290. This is just over the national average, which, according to Statista, sits at $408,800. In Texas, like in states all over the country, prices are increasing due to low inventory and high rates of home buying — which means the Dallas real estate market is, to use the colloquial term, on fire.

The good news is that, with your heart set on calling Dallas home, fierce competition in the housing market doesn’t have to be an obstacle. Instead, check out exciting listings on Bungalo® to start searching for a home without all the stress.

Dallas areas and nearby cities

Ready to begin the home buying process in the Dallas area? Here are a few things you should know about your new town before you become a Dallas home buyer — and which places you might like to be within driving distance of.

Dallas

Downtown Dallas

Looking for big-city excitement with a small-town feel? Downtown is the place to be. Full of museums, gardens, parks, the Dallas World Aquarium and even a farmer’s market running since 1941, Visit Dallas says the downtown area is full of adventure — and friendly faces, too. When you’ve run out of steam, you’ll have plenty of dining options, from Italian cuisine to famous Texas barbeque, and you can even fit in some shopping before it’s time to head home.

Deep Ellum

U.S. News & World Report calls Deep Ellum “one of Dallas’ trendiest neighborhoods” — but you’ll have to come decide that for yourself. From personalized cocktails to graffiti-style murals, this neon-lit area might just be the best place to experience Texas nightlife. Don’t forget to check out the nightclubs, bars and live music venues while exploring the district that, according to Visit Dallas, was once just warehouses.

Highland Park

If you want to bring home a piece of Dallas, but you want to do it in a designer bag, look no further than Highland Park. According to U.S. News & World Report, this “ritzy” district is your one-stop luxury destination, catering to all of your shopping and dining daydreams. It’s also, the source explains, home to some of Dallas’ most expensive housing — so bring a camera if you want design ideas for your own little piece of Texas paradise.

Design District

In Dallas’ Design District, you’ll find old and new elements side by side. Visit Dallas describes an area full of art, from antique shops to high-end galleries, all lining the streets together. And it’s not just trinkets and home decor you’ll find here — the Design District has “designer” food, too. Here, you can try cuisine that is as authentic as it is artistic, fully immersing you in the district’s unique personality.

Fort Worth

According to Visit Fort Worth, this area about 30 miles from Dallas is “the City of Cowboys and Culture.” It has its own downtown and cultural districts, stockyards designed to be reminiscent of your favorite western movie and even an outdoor recreation area called Panther Island. If you’re visiting Dallas and looking to buy a home in the area, you won’t want to miss Fort Worth.

Arlington

This area, positioned between Dallas and Fort Worth, is not to be missed. According to the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Arlington is full of opportunities to enjoy sporting events, live music, a vibrant history featuring Bonnie and Clyde (among others) and even an amusement park. Tourists and locals alike will have plenty to do here — and prospective Dallas homebuyers can experience and learn about Texas culture 24/7.

Strategies for buying a home in Dallas

Finding your dream house

The Dallas Fort Worth area is bursting with opportunities to find your dream home at an affordable price. Here are a few areas you may want to check out:

Mesquite

If you’re looking for a little piece of Texas paradise, look no further than Mesquite. Combining the best of nature, art, history and modern entertainment, Visit Mesquite calls the city a “vibrant community.” It’s also known as the Rodeo Capital of Texas — so if you like cowboy boots and good old southern charm, this might just be the place for you.

Garland

According to Visit Garland, this is the spot to be if you’re looking for community events. From “Teach a Child to Fish Day” to Garland Summer Musicals, you may start to feel at home as soon as you step foot inside city limits.

Irving

“The beat will go on in Irving.” That’s what Visit Irving has to say about this music hub of the Dallas Fort Worth area — so if your heart beats to the sound of a drum (or a guitar, or just about any other musical instrument) then you’ll want to explore Irving, where live music is everywhere,

Quick homebuying tips

You have a few options when it comes to buying a house in Dallas, including working with a real estate agent or going in alone.

Whatever you decide, your goal is to be a savvy buyer: simplify the entire process, minimize the closing cost and end up with a manageable mortgage. To do that, you may consider using an all-in-one platform to handle all your buying, closing and financing tasks.

Also remember that you don’t want to buy a house that will cost you thousands in repairs and maintenance just a few months or years down the road. Instead, trust Bungalo home certifications that come with thorough inspections and even a free one-year home warranty — that way, the only thing you’ll have to worry about when you walk through your new front door is where your couch will look best.

Come home to Dallas

If you’re ready to breathe in that fresh Texas air and start an adventure in a brand new city, it’s time to come home to Dallas. You have homebuying options across the area, including Arlington, Fort Worth, and towns in Dallas County like Mesquite or Irving. With plenty to see, do and experience — not to mention all the great food and exciting shopping experiences — you’ll never want to leave.

To simplify the buying process and end up in that nice, affordable area you’ve always dreamed of, start searching Bungalo listings today.

In Selling a Home

Tips for selling your home fast

Have you outgrown your current home or just want to change locations? Has the time come to go from homeowner to home seller?

If your answer to any of these questions is a yes, then you’re definitely ready to sell. Selling a home can feel just as overwhelming as the process of buying it — but it doesn’t have to be. You can opt to sell your home to Bungalo through a quick, simple and transparent process and pricing structure or follow our tips below if you choose to sell to other buyers.

Either way, we can help you streamline the sale without your house sitting on the market for months on end.

Choose how to sell your home

If you choose to sell your home through the traditional real estate process, your first course of action is to start the process of putting your home on the market so you can sell it. After all, that’s how you’re going to find interested buyers.

To do this, you need to decide which route is right for you to sell your home. For many, the go-to is through a real estate agent. The simplest way to find an agent is to search on the internet and find potential matches that work for you.

This means searching through real estate agents’ sale histories and professional designations to make sure that they have the expertise and skills to list your home and sell it — as efficiently as possible. However, agents do earn a real estate commission, which is usually 5 to 6% of the total sale price.

The real estate agent earns this fee due to their experience and professional network, which allows your home to be shared with more potential buyers than if the agent weren’t helping you sell. Some homeowners choose to save money on those fees by bypassing a real estate agent and selling the home themselves. Selling your home by yourself is known as “for sale by owner,” or FSBO. Opting out of a professional guide, such as an agent, can save you money, but it can also cost you time.

A real estate agent not only shares your home with a wider audience, but they know how to negotiate and close on details that you’ve probably never experienced before. This can help you secure the best offer without worrying that you’re under or overpricing your home.

Neither of those options are perfect, so Bungalo created a new and improved way to sell your home. Our service is designed to streamline the homebuying process, making it quicker and simpler than the traditional methods described above. Through this process, you don’t have to worry about finding the right real estate agent or worry about getting your home ready for market. Not only does Bungalo provide all cash offers, we also only charge a low 3% service fee instead of paying the standard brokerage commission to a listing and buyer’s agent that could total as much as 6% in a traditional real estate transaction. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our how-it-works guide.

If you choose to sell through a real estate agent, follow the below best practices to prepare your home for market:

Prepare your home for the market

It may seem obvious that your house has to be ready to sell when you put it for sale, but many homeowners don’t realize what steps need to be taken to ensure a quick listing through the traditional home selling route.

Although current housing market conditions are out of your control, there are important preparations you can make that will get your home sold sooner rather than later. These include:

Make a checklist and set a timeline

Figure out how long you want to focus on selling your home. The usual process can take between two to four months, according to Bankrate, and that’s without considering external factors, such as market conditions, unanticipated repairs and/or price negotiations.

At this point, you want to give yourself a rough estimate of how long you want to take with each step of the home selling process. This can keep you on track and help you visualize each step of the sale.

However, if you choose to sell to Bungalo, our average process takes about 21 business days — from scheduling to closing! You won’t have to worry about a long timeframe or home selling next steps.

Determine your home’s market value

One of the biggest mistakes a home seller can make is over- or underpricing their home. When you list your home, you want the home price to roughly equal its worth, so it’s a huge plus if you get a pre-sale home inspection.

It may be tempting to charge more, but it’s essential to remember that you also don’t want to lose out on potential buyers or make them suspicious of your home’s listing. When a house is on the market for too long, a buyer is likely to wonder why it’s not selling — they could start thinking that maybe it’s overpriced or has hidden damage or other negative attributes.

Meanwhile, if you invest in a pre-sale home inspection, you’ll have the validation of your home’s worth and also learn of any potential issues that may cause speed bumps during the sale.

Make home upgrades that add value

There are some basic home improvement projects that can make a big impact on your home’s value and appearance — without breaking the bank. You don’t want to commit to a lengthy or expensive renovation project before selling, but you should consider some simpler investments that will attract more interested buyers and increase your curb appeal.

Important reminder: If you sell to Bungalo you don’t have to make renovations — we buy homes as is. Once purchased, our Construction and Design teams assess and renovate each home to ensure the next homeowner will love it for years to come.

If you choose to go through the traditional real estate route, below are some of our recommended projects:

Landscape your front and back yards
Apply fresh coats of paint to the interior and/or exterior
Upgrade your kitchen appliances
Renovate your bathrooms
Replace carpeted flooring with wooden flooring
Get your home professionally cleaned

(For more inspiration on how to increase your curb appeal and improve your home’s value, explore other articles on our blog.)

Once you’ve considered these options, you should then schedule professional photos to be taken of your property. The better the quality of your photos, the more likely buyers will want to come to your open house or inquire about your property.

Collect all required documents to sell your home

Paperwork can be a big headache for those looking to buy or sell a home. However, if you’re working with a real estate agent or using an immersive platform like Bungalo, you won’t be left to figure out the necessary documents alone.

For the basic documents, keep a folder or binder handy with the following, if you have them:

Deed document
Any mortgage or financing documents
Original home appraisal (from when you purchased the home)
Homeowner’s insurance records
Original title report
Pre-listing home inspection
Appliance and upgrade/addition records

Because each state or city may have its own requirements, it’s also important to check local laws and regulations to ensure you have what you need before you list your home. As you start your home selling journey, you want to have as much prepared as possible beforehand, so as to minimize any chances for issues or problems down the road.

More strategies that can help you sell your house fast

Now that you’ve chosen how you’re going to list your home and what steps you need to take before listing, it’s time to learn the other secret of the home selling process: choosing when to list your home and what price to set it at.

On the one hand, you want to sell your home during a high-demand time, as that increases your chances of interested buyers and adds an incentive to buyers to purchase quickly — before someone else makes an offer on your home. This competitiveness is great for the seller as it will speed up the sale. However, it will also increase the competition between your property and comparable homes on sale in the area. This could mean trouble if your home hasn’t been adequately prepared or presented on the market and it could be overlooked by buyers — this is another great reason to follow our suggested pre-listing tips or better yet, come to Bungalo for a quick, transparent, fair-market offer.

So, when is the best time to sell your home?

Across the U.S., the best time to sell a home is in June and July, per NerdWallet. During these two months, houses typically sell for the highest prices, which is great for home sellers.

Yet it’s important to remember that your local area may not follow the national trends. For areas such as Florida, Texas, Arizona and Southern California, houses may not sell as well during those months, which are prone to extreme weather, such as excessive heat, hurricanes and/or tornadoes.

Your real estate agent, as well as your own regional research, can help guide you to the best season or month to sell in your area.

When is the worst time to sell your home?

In contrast to the summer months, it’s usually not best practice to list your home in winter. NerdWallet specifically highlighted January and February as the months consistently with the lowest selling prices between 2015 to 2019.

Again, this may not apply to certain regions where it’s still possible to sell well in the “colder” months because they are still temperate and enjoyable.

Listing your home during an “off-season” won’t make or break your home sale. But it wouldn’t hurt to put your best foot forward by listing your home during months that are proven to be popular among buyers every single year.

Set a realistic price to attract buyers year-round in a seller’s market

If you want to sell your home sooner rather than later, it may not be practical to wait around for the best-selling month in your area. But you don’t need to panic — you still can get some great offers quickly if you set a realistic and fair price for your home.

Aside from geographical and seasonal selling data, it’s important to check in with the housing market as a whole. Because we’re in a seller’s market, with high demand and fewer listed houses, it’s actually a consistently good time for houses to be put on sale despite the time of year.

Due to this, you definitely shouldn’t underprice your home just to make it sell faster. The market is already competitive, so as long as you set a realistic price, you should be able to attract interested buyers.

To determine the best price, consider factors including:

Your home’s original appraisal value
The pre-listing home inspection report
Listed prices for comparable homes in your neighborhood

This will help you settle on a fair and reasonable price to get your house sold faster.

What you should absolutely do when it comes to selling your home

Even if you want the home selling process to go as quickly as possible, it’s also critical that you follow best practices that will prevent any unnecessary problems that could ultimately slow or restart the process down the road.

To ensure a speedy and successful closing, here are practices you should consider implementing:

Schedule repairs that will add value to your home. By adding improvements and upgrades, you’ll be able to attract more buyers and increase your chances of negotiating an attractive selling price, without wasting time and effort.
Increase your curb appeal. Buyers want to purchase homes that they can picture themselves living in. Add flowers, clean your gutters and/or landscape your front yard to make the exterior of the home look as welcoming as possible.
Use professional photos. Nothing can turn a buyer away faster than a dimly lit or poorly framed photo of a home. For many buyers, this is their first perception of your home and they need to be excited by it. Professional photographers know how to capture spaces accurately and show them in their best light — take advantage of that.
Prioritize buyers who are preapproved. If you’re looking for serious offers, take time to consider buyers who have been preapproved for a mortgage or other financing options beforehand. This will let you know that they can most likely follow through on their offer, especially compared to buyers who aren’t preapproved.
Allow potential buyers their own home inspections. If you’ve done a pre-listing home inspection, there shouldn’t be any surprises if the buyer wants to fund an additional one for safety. Any necessary repairs should be fixed before the house is listed anyway.

As real estate experts, Bungalo can help

You can avoid all of the above, from repairs to open houses, if you elect to sell your home to Bungalo, plus you will receive a cash offer and have the opportunity to lease your home back from us for up to one year. If you have been searching for a more flexible, simple and seamless real estate experience, Bungalo is the place for you.

To discover how we’ve turned the standard home selling methods into a modern, easy-to-use platform, explore our website and learn about us here.

In Home Buying

The 411 on the DFW housing market

Are you so ready to grab the keys to a new place? If so, look no further than the Dallas Fort Worth area: DFW has plenty of promising opportunities for anyone looking to enter the housing market. Whether you’re hoping to rent your first house or buy your forever home, you can find just what you need in DFW.

Before the fun stuff — like choosing what color to paint the bedroom wall or deciding just what type of couch complements your new living room — you have to actually find your ideal property. To do that, you need to have a little background on what’s going on locally — so here’s the 411 on the DFW housing market.

Are you considering entering the DFW housing market?

In DFW, like in any area, the housing market is made up of people buying, selling or renting real estate. Knowing how to navigate a landscape with so many different stakeholders is key to making an investment you can feel comfortable about — and, in the case of your dream home, feel comfortable in.

Here’s what you need to know to enter the DFW housing market like a pro.

The market is hot

The DFW housing market is hot, as in plenty of cities across the country — but just how hot is it?

According to the National Association of Realtors, the DFW median home price in the first quarter of 2021 was $300,000. Compared to other cities in the nation, that’s still an affordable price — but for DFW, it’s setting records. The Dallas Morning News reported that prices have increased 20% since 2020. However, 2020 set records of its own due to increasing demands during the pandemic: 60% of houses on the market received multiple offers in June 2020, according to Dallas’ D Magazine.

All of this, plus the comparatively low cost of living in Texas — according to Salary.com, it’s almost 90% cheaper than San Francisco, about 80% cheaper than New York City, and almost 20% cheaper than Chicago — makes Dallas a promising area, if not one of the best cities, in which to invest in the real estate market as of 2021.

North Texas mortgage trends

In its Affordability by County tracker, the NAR noted that mortgage payments in Dallas County are around $867, while they were at $827 in 2020. In Potter County, where Amarillo is located, monthly mortgage payments have increased $15 since 2020. Overall, mortgage payments are trending higher in North Texas — although Lubbock County payments fell by $13 between 2020 and 2021.

As a home buyer or real estate renter entering the DFW housing market, the takeaway is this: You may be looking at higher house prices, but affordable mortgage rates and a comfortable cost of living make Dallas your new dream city.

The state of home prices in DFW relative to the rest of Texas

The home buying process in Texas looks different depending on where your ideal neighborhood is located — for example, houses near a major city like Dallas will be worth more, which means the DFW area is a great place to invest. The process also depends on whether you want to rent or buy your new home. If you’re ready to buy, it’s best to start your home search with Bungalo’s® all-in-one platform, offering built-in tools to keep track of all your options.

Now, if you’re thinking the record highs in the Dallas real estate market are impressive, just wait — they may not even be done fluctuating. According to The Washington Post, homebuyers should expect housing affordability to decrease as demand increases and the housing shortage continues. Looks like home prices won’t be stabilizing any time soon.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that the DFW housing market will crash. It all depends on how many new homes are built to keep up with demand, how buyer habits evolve over the coming months and years, and how the national economy continues to respond to the pandemic.

What is it like to live in Dallas?

The population growth in the DFW area proves that people from all over the country have decided that Texas is a great place to live. Here’s a look at why everyone’s so eager to call Dallas home.

Cost of living in Texas

At the time of this writing, AAA reported Texas’ average gas price at $2.83. That’s significantly lower than western states like Idaho, where gas costs $3.80 per gallon. In fact, Texas gas prices are the second-lowest in the country — a significant sign that the cost of living in Texas is crazy low.

Opportunity

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Dallas area has gained nearly 200,000 jobs since May 2020 — which means opportunity abounds. The source calls trade, transportation and utilities the largest employment supersector in Dallas and surrounding areas, although most of the year’s gains were in the leisure and hospitality industry. Plus, with a short commute to major companies like Southwest Airlines and AT&T, you’ll have access to any job you could ever want.

Character

According to CultureMap Dallas, Dallas was ranked the #1 most family-friendly city in 2018. This is good news for home buyers, as it means neighbors are friendly, entertainment is plentiful and there’s always someone willing to answer your questions about the area.

What’s it like to live in Fort Worth?

Although Dallas has a lot to do with North Texas’ population growth, Fort Worth is not to be forgotten when it comes to metro areas for real estate investing. It’s a 44-minute drive from Dallas to Fort Worth — and in those 44 minutes, you’ll pass into a culture that, while similar, has a personality all its own.

Here are a few ways Fort Worth is different from Dallas:

There’s more space. The smaller population in Fort Worth means there aren’t as many people in the parks or cars on the road.
Unique character is everywhere. According to the City of Fort Worth, the area’s nickname is “Where the West Begins,” emphasizing its roots in the classic American West.
You’ll feel a homey vibe. While Dallas is bursting with eclectic art and trendy entertainment, Fort Worth is more about hometown charm and casual fun.

Enter the DFW housing market with confidence

Now that you know what’s happening with DFW real estate, it’s time to get out there and find the house that’s perfect for you. When buying, Bungalo certifications make it easy to know you’ll be moving into a well-maintained, solidly built home that even comes with guarantees and extra warranties — and, speaking of preparing for the future, the housing market is only getting hotter. There’s no better time to invest!

If you’re ready to reach out and grab the keys to a brand-new place, see what Bungalo listings are waiting for you in DFW.

In Home Ownership

How to Fix Frozen Water Pipes and How to Keep Pipes from Freezing

Quick — can you name some of the most common forms of property damage? We’ll give you a second.

Have your answer ready?

If you’re like most, your first thoughts probably included flooding, storms and even theft. However, what if we told you the real problem was coming from inside the house?

Introducing one of your biggest headaches as a homeowner: frozen pipes. At best, they can be an inconvenience, leaving you and your family without running water until the pipes thaw. At worst? You could be facing significant water damage and destructive flooding, with the average water pipe-related claim coming in at $27,000 according to Risk and Insurance.

The good news is that with a little proactive maintenance you can avoid the problem altogether. Bust out your toolkit, grab a flashlight and learn how to spot the signs of a frozen pipe as well as what you can do to prevent it in the future.

Are your water pipes frozen?

Let’s start from square one: How do you actually know if you’re dealing with a frozen pipe?

One of the few silver linings when it comes to frozen pipes are that the warning signs are pretty visible, no matter how much DIY experience you have:

Lack of water: Did your morning go awry when you couldn’t fill your coffee pot or start your shower? If you’re having trouble getting water to run, a frozen pipe may just be the culprit.
Bulging or icy pipes: This one can be more difficult to spot depending on where the pipe in question is. As water freezes, it expands, causing noticeable bulges and frost on the affected pipe.
Gurgling sounds: No, there’s no monster living in your sink (trust us — we checked). If you start to hear banging or gurgling, it likely means there is ice traveling through your water system.

The winter months don’t just bring cozy sweaters and warm days by the fire. When the temperature drops, pipes can start to freeze in as little as six to eight hours. So, if you’ve noticed any of these telltale signs when the weather outside is frightful, chances are you have a frozen pipe on your hands.

Those who live in the South or anywhere where it rarely drops below freezing temperature are especially vulnerable when it comes to frozen pipes, something that was all too clearly illustrated following the record lows reported in Texas at the beginning of 2021. In an average year, Texans file about 75 reports of busted pipes due to the winter weather, as reported by local news outlet, KVUE. In 2021? Nearly 29,000 extensive property claims were made as a result of February’s historic cold snap.

Where a frozen pipe is a nuisance, a burst pipe quickly becomes a homeowner’s worst nightmare. When ice expands to the point where the pipes can no longer contain it, it can lead to hundreds of gallons of water being released throughout your house. And remember, just one inch of water can cause damages up to $25,000 according to the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

Good thing you won’t need to worry about all of that. Now that you know how to spot a frozen pipe, let’s fix it.

Water isn’t coming out of your faucet — now what?

OK: You know for a fact you’ve got a frozen pipe. How should you proceed?

Step one is to locate the frozen water pipe. Start by checking your exposed pipes, such as those under the sinks, in your basement or outside of your home. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to quickly spot the frozen section thanks to the telltale bulging and frost.

If your frozen pipe is in an area you can’t access, one option is to slowly raise your thermostat to allow the blockage to melt without bursting. However, if that’s not working, you may want to call a professional as the next step will be cutting out a section of drywall to gain access to the affected area.

Once you’ve located your frozen pipe, turn on both the hot and cold handles on the faucet the pipe feeds into. This will help relieve pressure and lower the chances of a burst.

Now, it’s time to turn the temperature up a notch. There are several options for thawing out an exposed pipe, including:

Hot towel: Dip towels in boiling water and then carefully wrap them around the pipe.
Hair dryer: Point the dryer directly at the frozen area and let it rip. However, be careful that the device never comes into contact with water.
Heat lamp: If you have a heat lamp or portable space heater on hand, the indirect heat can help to gradually melt the blockage.

No matter which method you go with, always start from the top of the faucet and work your way toward the blockage. Starting behind the block itself could lead to water getting stuck behind your pipe, leaving you with a burst and a costly flood.

Although you can fix frozen pipes on your own, if you don’t feel comfortable or would like a second opinion, calling in a professional can never hurt. However, when it really comes down to it, the best way to prevent a burst pipe is to prevent them from ever freezing up in the first place.

How to keep pipes from freezing

While we can’t control the weather, what we can do is take some proactive steps to prevent frozen pipes.

As you head into the winter months, be sure to check around your home for any cracks in your walls or around utility service lines. These gaps can let cold air into your home and put your home’s pipes at a greater risk of freezing. Additionally, insulating around vents and light fixtures can help to keep warm air in your home and stop it from escaping through your attic or crawl space.

On especially cold nights, check the following off of your to-do list before you go to bed:

Keep it cozy: Generally, experts agree that your house should never fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If ever you are spending the night away from home, be sure to leave the thermostat at or above 55 degrees.

Allow faucets to drip: This may feel a little wasteful, but on the coldest days of winter leaving a very small drip can keep things moving and make it harder for cold water to cause freezing pipes.
Protect exterior pipes: Bursts most often to exposed water pipes, such as your swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines. Drain all water from these before the cold weather sets in.
Open cabinet doors: Keeping your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors ajar can allow warm air to circulate, lowering the chance for freezing pipes.

While you don’t need to go through these steps every night in the winter, we recommend keeping an eye on the weather for any extreme lows to decrease your chances of a freeze.

Owning a home with Bungalo®

There’s nothing worse than waking up and realizing you’ve got a frozen — or even worse — burst pipe.

At Bungalo, we get that.

That’s why all of our homes come certified with a top-to-bottom inspection so that you can go into the winter knowing that your water system is ready to brave the elements. And, if you find something within three months of closing, you can rest assured that our 90-Day Post-Close Protection™ has got your back. Looking for more tips when it comes to navigating all of the challenges of homeownership? Check out our blog for some extra advice.

bungalo

Pros and cons of renting

Pros and cons of buying with a mortgage

Rent or buy a house: Making the decision

Find the right real estate strategy for you

Making a cash offer: Pros and cons

Applying for a mortgage: Pros and cons

Buying a house in cash vs. mortgage: Making your decision

Ideal house buying strategies: Beyond cash versus mortgage

A new way to browse for a home

An easy approach to closing — whether cash sale or mortgage

Home condition and peace of mind

A new beginning for your home search

The home selling market through the year

So when is the best time of year to sell a home?

Regional and long-term effects on selling conditions

Picking the best month to sell a house

What are the best months to sell a house?

What are the worst months to sell a house?

Selling your home for maximum value in any month

Sell for the right price

Make sure your home is in the best condition

Consider home repairs that add value

Streamline the home buying and selling process with Bungalo

Spring cleaning 101

What’s so important about spring cleaning, anyway?

The spring cleaning process

Key spring cleaning equipment and supplies

What you’ll need

Can you spring clean without using harsh chemicals?

Why vinegar is the ultimate cleaning solution

Vinegar as a cleaning agent

Your spring cleaning checklist, vinegar style

A vinegar caveat

Spring cleaning dos and don’ts

Kitchen

Laundry room

Bathrooms

Imagine spring cleaning in a new home

The Dallas real estate market

Dallas areas and nearby cities

Dallas

Downtown Dallas

Deep Ellum

Highland Park

Design District

Fort Worth

Arlington

Strategies for buying a home in Dallas

Finding your dream house

Mesquite

Garland

Irving

Quick homebuying tips

Come home to Dallas

Choose how to sell your home

Prepare your home for the market

Make a checklist and set a timeline

Determine your home’s market value

Make home upgrades that add value

Collect all required documents to sell your home

More strategies that can help you sell your house fast

So, when is the best time to sell your home?

When is the worst time to sell your home?

Set a realistic price to attract buyers year-round in a seller’s market

What you should absolutely do when it comes to selling your home

As real estate experts, Bungalo can help

Are you considering entering the DFW housing market?

The market is hot

North Texas mortgage trends

The state of home prices in DFW relative to the rest of Texas

What is it like to live in Dallas?

Cost of living in Texas

Opportunity

Character

What’s it like to live in Fort Worth?

Enter the DFW housing market with confidence

Are your water pipes frozen?

Water isn’t coming out of your faucet — now what?

How to keep pipes from freezing