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When is it Better to Buy a Home Before Selling the Current One - When is it Better to Buy a Home Before Selling the Current One?

When you want to change your home, it is usual to sell the one you already have before buying a new one. It is the logical decision to have sufficient liquidity and avoid getting into debt or having to meet the basic expenses of two houses.

However, it is not always the best decision. There are also different circumstances in which it can be much more advantageous to buy a home before selling the one you already have. Calmly assessing what to do, therefore, is essential. When should you consider buying in the first place?

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Buying a Home in a Competitive Market 4 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid - Buying a Home in a Competitive Market: 4 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

The real estate market is, in the current circumstances, a seller's market. It means that demand exceeds supply, and what is an enormous advantage for the owner is not so much for a buyer. Although buying a property in a competitive market is a challenge, finding the perfect one to become your new home or a profitable investment is possible.

The fact that the housing stock is lower than the demand means less bargaining power but does not necessarily imply fewer opportunities. It'll be necessary to have more flexibility and avoid rushing. However, the desire to get a specific home and the competition make it easy to fall into common mistakes that often hinder operations. We'll tell you which are the main ones you should avoid:

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Hire an estate agent to sell your house or do it on your own behalf - Hire an estate agent to sell your house or do it on your own behalf?

One of the big questions that comes up when you want to bring out a property is whether it is convenient to do it on your own or if it is better to hire an estate agent to sell the house. Given that selling without intermediaries in advance means saving on commissions and getting extra profitability, the first option is usually the one to be considered before.

However, these advantages do not always imply greater profits. On the one hand, the real estate market is a complex one and it is subject to many variables. On the other hand, what is saved on commissions can go to waste in the form of time and effort. And lastly, there is the possibility for the sale to be delayed and end up being sold at a lower price.

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Home Buying Priorities the New Must Haves in the Wake of the Pandemic - Home-Buying Priorities: the New 'Must-Haves' in the Wake of the Pandemic

The pandemic, lockdown and teleworking have changed the perspective of what we need in a home. Aspects that previously were not important have become a priority. And all this has had a consequence on our needs when purchasing a home.

Thus, living in the centre of cities has ceased to be a fundamental aspect when choosing a home. Today, we seek specific characteristics, although it is necessary to move away a bit. If the area we choose offers convenient services and transport, it doesn't matter if it's not the city centre.

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Cap on Rent Hikes in 2022 Only 2 Increase Possible - Cap on Rent Hikes in 2022: Only 2% Increase Possible

Recently, the Spanish government approved a shock plan in response to the impact of the war in Ukraine and the increasing inflation. This plan included a significant measure: it limits the rents increase. It is a measure, however, of an extraordinary and temporary nature.

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Investment in Housing in 2022 5 Essential Aspects to Look For in a Property to Invest - Investment in Housing in 2022: 5 Essential Aspects to Look For in a Property to Invest

When we face an irregular economic scenario or high inflation, housing gets considered an investment that is safe and profitable. For this reason, this year is good timing for investing in real estate.

Another incentive to opt for investment in housing in 2022 is the gross rental return. According to data from the Bank of Spain, it stood at 3.7% in 2021, while the return of 10-year government bonds, for example, barely reached 0.5%.

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Great opportunities Flats in Barcelona for Less Than 200000 Euros - Great opportunities! Flats in Barcelona for Less Than 200,000 Euros

Barcelona is a vibrant city that offers thousands of possibilities to live. And, given its enormous tourist push, it is also a perfect city to invest in for rent.

The real estate offer is broad. It is possible to find apartments in Barcelona for less than 200,000 euros. If you are thinking of moving or making a real estate investment, these are just some available opportunities.

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Avoiding Holiday Rental Scams Tips and Precautions if You Are Renting from Abroad - Avoiding Holiday Rental Scams: Tips and Precautions if You Are Renting from Abroad

Apartments that look nothing like the photos, homes much further from the beach than advertised, or even flats that don't exist. These are not frequent situations, but sometimes they happen, and they can ruin that long-planned holiday. Avoiding holiday rental scams is possible if you take some precautions.

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Is an EU Interest Rate Hike on the Horizon - Is an EU Interest Rate Hike on the Horizon?

The economic situation points to a rise in interest rates. Europe has largely recovered the GDP lost due to the pandemic; however, inflation has skyrocketed. In February, the CPI -Consumer Price Index- in Spain experienced an upward variation concerning the previous twelve months of more than 7%, a figure that wasn't that high for decades.

For its part, the US Federal Reserve already predicted a rise in interest rates at the beginning of the year, and the president of the ECB recently left the door open to it. The international outlook added to the rise in electricity, gas and fuel pricing could be the final push that leads to the decision.

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Spains New Housing Law How it Affects Buyers and Sellers - Spain's New Housing Law: How it Affects Buyers and Sellers

The Council of Ministers recently approved the new housing law for 2022, and it introduces notable changes that will have a significant impact on the real estate market. Although the new law focuses on the rental market mostly, intending to facilitate access to housing, the truth is that it also includes measures that will affect both buyers and sellers.

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