Helpful Articles - Thompson Kane & Company

What a REALTOR Can Do for You

The REALTOR you work with could be one of your most valuable resources. Unlike many real estate agents who Read more

Why Use a REALTOR?

All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL… Read more

Choosing a REALTOR to Sell Your Home

Once you’ve decide to sell your home, finding a REALTOR is the next step in the process. In making this… Read more

Questions to Ask When Choosing a REALTOR

How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? Read more

Understanding Agency

Its important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other… Read more

Moving Checklist

Careful preparation and organization will make the move go smoothly. First take care of the details that do… Read more

10 things you Should Avoid Doing Before Closing

Fortunately for buyers, there are a variety of mortgages to choose from. It is in your best interest to… Read more

10 Things a Lender Needs From You

W-2 forms or business tax return forms if you’re self-employed for the last two or three years for every… Read more

10 Questions to Ask Your Lender

Be sure you find a loan that fits your needs with these comprehensive questions. What are the most… Read more

Home Inspections

A fresh coat of paint or new carpeting may disguise serious flaws. That’s why you want to make sure a… Read more

Types of Home Inspections

Structural and Mechanical Inspection–This is the most common inspection requested by the buyer. This… Read more

Advice for First-Time Buyers

Buying a home is a major step in anyone’s life. You should prepare yourself by making a few preliminary… Read more

The Benefits of Using a Buyer’s Agent

A Buyer’s Representative Will: Evaluate the specific needs and wants of the buyer and locate properties… Read more

Tips on Buying in a Tight Market

Increase your chances of getting your dream house instead of losing it to another buyer, with these easy… Read more

7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home

Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property… Read more

10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Home-buying

Find a real estate professional who’s simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial… Read more

Hidden Home Defects to Watch For

No home is flawless, but certain physical problems can be expensive. Watch for: Water leaks. Look… Read more

10 Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

What are your qualifications? Are you a member of the American Association of Home Inspectors?… Read more

What Your Home Inspection Should Cover

Siding: Look for dents or buckling Foundations: Look for cracks or water seepage Exterior… Read more

10 Questions to Ask Your Condo Board

Before you buy, contact the condo board with the following questions. In the process, you’ll learn how… Read more

6 Creative Ways to Afford a Home

If your income and savings are making home-buying a challenge, consider these options. Investigate local… Read more

What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through

Be sure that: Repairs you’ve requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and any related… Read more

Common Closing Costs for Buyers

The lender must disclose a good faith estimate of all settlement costs. A check to cover your closing costs… Read more

What to Keep From Your Closing

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) statement. This form, sometimes called a HUD 1… Read more

Great Reasons to Invest in Real Estate

According to recent statistics published by the U.S. Census Bureau, 75% of multifamily investors are over the… Read more

Dispelling the Myths that may be keeping you from owning a home

Are you short that 20 percent down payment? Have you been in a job less than five years? Is that… Read more

Pricing Guidelines

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of selling a home is listing it at the correct price. It’s one of… Read more

Home Improvement

There are Two Reasons For Pursuing Major Home Improvement Projects: Just Want To Do It – You want some… Read more

Selling Your Home

Seller Services Rest assured we will do everything we possibly can to sell your home as quickly as possible… Read more

Showing Your Home

Appointments When your home is to be shown, we will always attempt to make an appointment with you, giving… Read more

Keeping On Top of Condition

Just like any other showroom, your home needs to appear in "perfect" condition every day! That’s… Read more

Seller’s Checklist

Notify your mortgage company immediately in writing that your house has been sold and you will need a… Read more

5 Things to Do Before You Sell

Get estimates from a reliable repairperson on items that need to be replaced soon, such as a roof or worn… Read more

5 Ways to Speed Up Your Sale

Price it right. Set a price at the lower end of your propertys realistic price range. Get your house… Read more

7 Steps to Preparing for an Open House

Hire a cleaning service. A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn off a prospect faster than… Read more

10 Tips for a Stellar Open House

Put fresh or silk flowers in principal rooms for a touch of color. Add a new shower curtain, fresh… Read more

7 Terms to Watch for in a Purchase Contract

The closing date. See if the date the buyer wants to take title is reasonable for you. Date of… Read more

6 Items to Have on Hand for the New Homeowners

Owners manuals for items left in the house. Warranties for any items left in the house. A list of… Read more

Tips for How to Price Your Home

REALTORS: This handout is meant to help you convert FSBOs. You may personalize and customize this handout as… Read more

8 Steps to Getting Your Finances in Order

Develop a family budget. Instead of budgeting what you’d like to spend, use receipts to create… Read more

8 Ways to Improve Your Credit

Credit scores, along with your overall income and debt, are a big factor in determining if you’ll qualify… Read more

5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score

Credit scores range between 200 and 800. Scores above 620 are considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage…Read more

Choices That Will Affect Your Loan

Mortgage term. Mortgages are generally available at 15-, 20-, or 30-year terms. The longer the term, the… Read more

What Is Appraised Value?

It’s an objective opinion of value, but it’s not an exact science so appraisals may differ. For buying and… Read more

Understanding Capital Gains in Real Estate

When you sell a stock, you owe taxes on your gain the difference between what you paid for the stock and what… Read more

The Pros and Cons of Condos

Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas. But consider… Read more

How High Tech Is Your Home?

If the latest technology or entertainment options are important in your new home, add the following questions… Read more