Have you ever tried to buy a house, but lost to the competing offer? Eric explains how to use an escalation clause to get the house of your dreams.

During the short time you may spend walking through a house, you aren't going to know enough about the property to make an educated decision. That's where a home inspection comes in.

Eric Stewart has been invited to speak on October 5th at 12 PM at the Five Star Premier Residences at 8100 Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, MD. He will be coaching seniors on downsizing, or as he calls it “Rightsizing Your Life.”

Let’s face it: Buying a home is a major investment. However, for many people it can end up being more expensive than it needs to be due to some costly mistakes. Here are eight blunders to avoid, and some helpful tips that could mean the difference between financial security and financial distress.

With inventory decreasing in the DC metro area, sellers are currently in the driver’s seat when it comes to selling their home. More buyers are finding themselves in multiple offer situations, especially in the $300,000 - $500,000 price point. In recent weeks, Robert Garcia, a Realtor® with the Eric Stewart Group of Long & Foster, represented three different buyer clients who all found themselves competing against other buyers. In each situation, Robert’s buyers came out on top. How did this happen? Read on to find out.

The Potomac Community Village (PCV) has invited Eric Stewart to help answer one of life's key questions. Stewart, a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) and top Associate Broker with Long & Foster, will share his strategies for keeping one's home easy to manage, and a place of comfort, familiarity, and safety.

Buying a new home can be a major undertaking. You might not know everything about a neighborhood before you buy, but a little research can ensure you’re moving into the right one.

Rising prices and a dearth of homes for sale in some markets have made it harder for many looking to buy their first home. One of the biggest obstacles many are facing is saving up for a down payment, particularly in hotter markets where competition for the more affordable homes can quickly drive up prices and put pressure on buyers to bring more cash up front. That trend is prompting many parents to step in, some opening their wallets, others welcoming their adult children to live with them again temporarily while they save money or pay down debt.

If you are in the market for a new home, chances are you are busily gathering documents for your mortgage loan application. Your lender will calculate your down payment and monthly payments based on the financial information you provide, from credit history to current employment. You may wonder what is included in the mortgage payment. Mortgage payments include principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI).

If you are planning to move within the next year, you should start thinking about your mortgage loan or other financing options now. Based on the projected down payment you have available and the monthly mortgage payments your income can sustain, you will decide what amount of home you can afford and are comfortable buying. Before beginning to house-hunt, you should examine your credit history and gather the documents required by your lender.