Hauseit Blog | Tips for Buying, Selling and Renting in NY and FL

How long is an appraisal for a conventional mortgage good for? What about VA & FHA loans? What happens if an appraisal expires before closing?

How Long Is an Appraisal Good For?

By Sonja Gosine, Spokesperson at Hauseit® / March 9, 2023

You're in the process of purchasing a home with financing, and your lender has ordered and completed an appraisal which you paid for. How long is this appraisal good for? If you don't close fast enough, will you have to [...]

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Compare living in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Pros and cons of living in each borough of New York City.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Each Borough of NYC?

By Sonja Gosine, Spokesperson at Hauseit® / March 7, 2023

New York City is one of the most diverse and exciting cities in the world. With five distinct boroughs - Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island - each one offers its unique advantages and disadvantages. Click on the

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Changing Jobs While Buying a House

By Sonja Gosine, Spokesperson at Hauseit® / March 7, 2023

Buying a house is stressful enough, so the last thing we would recommend is changing jobs while buying a house. Not only will you add the stress of being the new employee at your new company, but you might actually

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Why landlords typically won't accept credit or debit cards for rent payments. Processing fees, chargebacks & alternatives that might work.

Can You Pay Rent by Credit Card?

By Sonja Gosine, Spokesperson at Hauseit® / February 28, 2023

While it may sound like a total coup to be able to pay your rent by credit card and rack up points, most landlords won't accept rent payments by credit card because of the roughly 3% (or more) in processing

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When does the seller get paid after closing on their home sale? Wet vs dry funding state, & how the buyer pays will determine how long.

When Does The Seller Get Money After Closing?

By Sonja Gosine, Spokesperson at Hauseit® / February 24, 2023

Congratulations, you've found a buyer for your home, you've signed a binding contract of sale and you're days away from closing. So when does the seller get the money after closing? As we'll explain in this article, the answer depends

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Florida real estate sales associates and brokers must complete 14 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The first renewal requires extra hours.

Florida Real Estate Agent Continuing Education Requirements

By Sonja Gosine, Spokesperson at Hauseit® / February 9, 2023

Florida real estate sales associates, brokers and broker associates with an active license must complete 14 hours of continuing education (CE) in each two year renewal period. The 14 hour requirement consists of 8-hours of specialty continuing education, 3-hours dedicated

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The Mansion Tax on Long Island is 1% of the purchase price. It applies to purchases of residential property of $1 million or more.

How Much Is the Mansion Tax on Long Island?

By Sonja Gosine, Spokesperson at Hauseit® / February 8, 2023

The Mansion Tax on Long Island is 1% of the purchase price. It applies to purchases of residential property of $1 million or more. The Mansion Tax is customarily paid by purchasers. Reduce or eliminate your Mansion Tax bill with

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NY real estate agents must complete 22.5 hours of Continuing Education every 2 years, including 11.5 hours in specific subjects.

NY Continuing Education Requirements for Real Estate Agents

By Sonja Gosine, Spokesperson at Hauseit® / February 8, 2023

All New York real estate licensees are required to complete 22.5 hours of continuing education (CE) prior to renewing a license. These continuing education requirements apply to real estate salespersons, associate brokers and brokers. The 22.5 hours of continuing education

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Step-by-step guide on how to successfully negotiate a rent increase with your landlord. Ideas on how to compromise. How to stay calm during & more.

How to Negotiate a Rent Increase

By Sonja Gosine, Spokesperson at Hauseit® / February 1, 2023

Rent increases can be incredibly nerve-wracking and emotionally draining if you aren't prepared to move-out and find another apartment if the new rate doesn't work for you. Of course, that comes with all sorts of friction and additional costs such

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of investing in a duplex property? Tax benefits, sources of stress & more in this article.

Are Duplexes a Good Investment?

By Sonja Gosine, Spokesperson at Hauseit® / January 25, 2023

Buying a duplex can be a great investment, especially if you're a first-time landlord willing to roll-up your sleeves and manage a tenant that literally lives next door. Not only will the property be easier to manage since you can

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