A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

U

Underwriting	The process of analyzing a borrower's capability to honor repayment of a loan (evaluating his or her credit, assets, employment) along with the value of the property being purchased, to help minimize the risk involved for the party lending the purchase money
Unilateral contract	A one-sided contract in which only one party is legally under obligation by the terms of the contract; one party promises an action to the second party, who is not legally required to respond, but if the second part does comply, then the first party is obligated to honor the promise made
Unsecured loan	A loan that is not guaranteed by collateral
Usury	The act of charging more than the maximum rate of interest permitted by law

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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Real Estate Tips

Buying Land and New Construction >Buying New or Buying Old

New homes typically have a higher sales price than comparable existing homes, and buyers are usually willing to spend more on a new home because of lower maintenance costs. Builders' warranties on new homes, when combined with a new roof, appliances, and major systems, usually make major repairs unnecessary and help to counter a slower initial rate of appreciation.

Census Bureau Housing Surveys suggests that operating costs are lowest for brand new homes and slightly higher for relatively new existing homes. Operating costs per square foot of living space are consistently higher for progressively older existing homes. Utility costs represent the largest factor in operating costs. Energy consumption per square foot depends on the size of the home, the insulation and quality of the windows, air leakage and the efficiency of the furnace.

New homes require fewer expenditures for routine maintenance. The cost of maintenance first increases with age, then declines, so you will generally spend less maintaining a home built before 1960 than for a home built between 1970 and 1975.

	See All Tips In The "Buying Land and New Construction" Category >
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Real Estate Trivia

Q	What is the only land in the world that has not been walked on by human feet?
A	A small 200 square-mile section of Antarctica is the only terrain on Earth that not one person has stepped foot on.
See More Real Estate Trivia >

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Rhonda Mortensen Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. Bethesda Gateway Office 4650 East West Highway Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Office: 301-907-7600 Home: 301-585-1180 Toll Free: 800-762-0294 Fax: 301-907-6610 Email: rhondamortensen@NUMBER1EXPERT.com Email: rhondamortensen1@gmail.com Together we will work as a team to buy the perfect house or sell your current home. My role is to listen and understand your needs, wants, requirements and timelines with 100% clarity. Then, with my market expertise, we will develop a solid plan of action. Rest assured, I will be in contact with you daily with new leads so that we can move swiftly against timelines. I will be available to you at all times via phone, email or in-person – whichever style of communication you prefer. Contact me now!

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