The moving process is stressful enough; the last thing you need is to wind up dealing with a shady moving company. Ideally, you want to work with a moving company that’s trustworthy and reliable. Unfortunately, there are scammers everywhere who …
Whether you’re buying or selling a condo or other type of home governed by a homeowner’s association (HOA), there are few extra considerations that need to be made compared to the average freehold home.
No matter what type of home …
When a property switches hands from seller to buyer, a title search is usually performed. This is done for the purpose of issuing title insurance, as well as to give buyers the chance to make sure that the seller is …
If you’re planning to buy a home in the near future, you’ll want to get the lowest interest rate possible on your mortgage. Even the difference of a fraction of a percent can save you tens of thousands of dollars …
When it comes time to buy a home, one of the first things you’ll have to do is shop around for a mortgage. When doing so, you’ll quickly realize that there are plenty of different types of mortgages to choose …
Have you ever thought about why you decorated and furnished your home in a certain way? While you may not realize it, your home’s decor says a lot about you. Whether or not the vibe given off by your style …
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, knowing what type of market you’re currently in will make a big difference in your approach. Obviously, a seller’s market is a good thing for homeowners who are thinking of listing their homes for …
If you’re buying a home, odds are you’ll need to take out a mortgage to finance such a large purchase. But if you’re planning to build your own home from scratch, the type of financing you get to cover the …
Buyers are always looking for the best deal on a home. After all, why pay more for a home than necessary? When it comes to a major purchase like real estate, the prospect of getting a deal becomes much more …
If you’re planning to buy a home in the near future, you’ll need some form of down payment to secure a mortgage. The thing is, it can be downright difficult to gather up the funds needed to put a decent-sized …
Timeshares have been popular vacation options for many Americans over the years, allowing them to essentially “own” their vacation properties without outright buying real estate. Buyers can purchase their vacations in advance and use their vacation properties under specific terms, …
When it comes to small spaces, there’s only so much you can do to define separate areas and create a little privacy. Having all sorts of different rooms and living areas can be really challenging if your home’s size doesn’t …
Down payments for a home purchase can be a huge financial obstacle to homeownership. It can be extremely challenging to come up with a large lump sum of money to be put towards a down payment, and some mortgages require …
In the months leading up to the housing crisis a decade ago, option ARM mortgages were pretty popular. That’s because they allowed homeowners to take advantage of flexible payment terms, allowing them to better manage their budgets and cash flow. …
One of the great things about owning a home is the tax breaks that typically come with it. The tax code allows homeowners to deduct a number of items come tax time, putting more money back in their pocket after …
It’s a well-known fact that plants need the energy from sunlight to grow. But that doesn’t mean that all plants necessarily need to bask in the light at all hours of the day in order to survive and thrive. In …
It seems like there’s an app for just about everything. Luckily for homeowners, there are also a bunch of awesome apps that make a home improvement project a lot more streamlined and simplified. They give ideas, provide tips, and even …
Despite the fact that the prevalence of foreclosures has decreased since the housing crash a decade ago, it still happens quite often. In fact, almost 1 million U.S. homes were in the middle of foreclosure proceedings last year.
Foreclosures not …
We’re officially smack dab in the middle of the fall season and are inching closer and closer to the holidays. While you’re busy making your list of ingredients for your holiday dinner and running around picking up gifts for your …
When buying a home, your offer price shouldn’t be the only dollar figure to concern yourself with. There’s also the earnest money deposit that you need to seriously consider.
An earnest money deposit serves to benefit both the buyer and …
Everyone’s heard of Houzz and Pinterest, but these sites are a lot more than just a vast collection of online images. They also serve as fabulous resources for homeowners who need a little inspiration and help coming up with a …
As if you didn’t have enough bills to pay, homeowner’s insurance just adds to the pile. But just because you’re stuck paying this bill doesn’t mean you have to spend more than necessary.
Here are some ways to effectively cut …
Many homeowners throughout the country have built up enough equity in their homes that can be pulled out and used for many of life’s major expenses. Yet while there are various ways to get that money out, one popular way …
When you’re buying a new home, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is selling it. But not only should you consider how well the home will suit your lifestyle, you should also be thinking about how easy it will …
When you take out a mortgage, you’ll be paying an interest portion on each monthly payment in addition to contributing to the principal. The mortgage rate that you’re quoted makes a big difference in the overall cost of your mortgage.…
As a real estate investor, you’re likely already aware of the tax implications of selling investment properties and the profits made from such transactions. Normally when an investment property is sold for more than what was paid for it, capital …
The selling process can definitely be intense and even overwhelming at times. After all, we’re talking about a massive investment. There are plenty of efforts made to find the right buyer who is qualified and interested in buying your home, …
When it comes to obtaining a mortgage for a home purchase, you don’t necessarily have to use your everyday bank. Instead, you might be better off comparing mortgage packages with various lenders to see where you can get the best …
No buyer is going to want to put up a huge sum of money to purchase a home that they don’t like, unless they’re specifically looking for a fixer-upper. If your goal as a seller is to sell your home …
Everyone needs a getaway every once in a while, and a change of scenery can be just what’s needed to refresh and unwind. But sometimes having to book a hotel or chalet can be a bit of a challenge, especially …
When it comes to valuing homes, the key is to compare them to other properties that are very similar in a number of ways. Real estate professionals typically look at other homes that are similar in location, style, size, design, …
If you’re planning on applying for a conventional mortgage, you’re going to need a decent credit score before applying. Generally speaking, anything over 620 is needed to get approved for a conventional mortgage, though a lower score is fine for …
Buying a home typically involves the transfer of title after both buyer and seller agree to the terms of the contract and sign off on the deal. However, there are other ways for buyers to become homeowners, including through a …
Many purchases that you make come with the option to buy a warranty in the event that the product is damaged, such as small appliances and electronics. This helps cover the cost of repair should they break down so you’re …
When you’re visiting several homes in search of the perfect one to put an offer on, you’re not just looking at the layout, esthetics, and size of the home and surrounding property. While these components are certainly important, it’s essential …
Flipping through home design magazines and catching a glimpse of some extravagant bathrooms can easily get you drooling over the possibilities for your own bathroom redesign. But with bathroom renovations easily tipping into the thousands, it can be tricky to …
As a seller, getting an offer on your home is exciting, especially if it comes soon after listing your property for sale. But just because there’s an offer on the table doesn’t necessarily means it’s going to be a good …
Plenty of factors impact the value of a property. From its location, to its size, and everything in between, a home’s value is determined by a multitude of components, and bank appraisers will come up with this value according to …
Today’s modern kitchen backsplash is no longer limited to the traditional types of materials. These days, the options for backsplashes are seemingly endless and provide a plethora of choices for homeowners to create a truly unique kitchen space.
Here are …
Given the prices of homes these days, it’s no wonder many homebuyer hopefuls choose to get into the market by purchasing smaller, more modest homes that are on the affordable end of the spectrum. After a few years of building …
The entire homebuying process can take a long time. Imagine all the homes you have to look at before you find “the one.” Even after you’ve negotiated a deal and your offer is accepted, there’s still the escrow period to …
Having the flexibility to head over to your very own retreat without having to find availability is fantastic. It’s like home away from home, a place that you can set up as you please and outfit with all the things …
One of the more important factors that lenders look at when assessing whether or not to approve you for a mortgage is your credit score. This important little number plays a key role in your mortgage application, and several things …
A real estate contract can be confusing for both buyers and sellers, especially for first-timers. Not only is there plenty of jargon that many may not be familiar with, there are also many deadlines stipulated that must be met. Failure …
When it comes to buying a home, you’ve got options; namely, should you buy new construction, or an older home?
The pros of buying new construction are obvious: brand new appliances and systems that are less likely to break down …
When it comes to buying a home, a mortgage is almost always a part of the process. But as common as they are, mortgages can often be highly confusing. That said, it’s in your best interests to become familiar with …
Selling a cookie-cutter house can be a challenge because you’ve got to go the extra mile to make it unique enough to stand out from the rest. But what about when your home is so unique and quirky that buyers …
There are obviously plenty of questions that you should ask sellers before you even put in an offer on a home. This will help ensure that you’re making a sound buying decision. After all, this is a huge investment that …
Real estate professionals will always advise their buyer clients to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Why? For a few reasons.
For starters, it will help you find out how much you can afford to spend on a new home, and …
The majority of residential real estate contracts typically come with a contingency that allows the buyer to have the home inspected by a professional before the deal is sealed. Buyers usually pay for this service themselves, while sellers simply allow …
Often, sellers will have to put in a little elbow grease and invest time and money order an effort to make the home look more attractive and “move-in ready” for buyers. A home that doesn’t show well is more likely …
If you’re planning to sell your home some time soon, knowing its current market value is extremely important in order to price your home right. Of course, many sellers tend to believe that their homes are worth a lot more …
A swimming pool is not exactly a foreign feature among homes. In fact, if you’re looking to buy a home, the odds of finding one with a pool are pretty high, especially further south. And just like any other component …
The odds of your most fragile belongings suffering damage during a big move are pretty high if the necessary precautions aren’t taken into consideration. It’s vital that you take the time to properly package and label your delicate items in …
Appraisals are almost always a part of a real estate transaction, but many buyers and sellers often have misconceptions about what they are and how they’re carried out. Even those who have some experience buying and selling in the past …
When you’re in search of the perfect home, you’ll likely be visiting several different properties before settling on the right one. But when viewing so many different houses, it’s easy to forget all the details of each one. This is …
Before your lender approves your home loan, the property you agreed to purchase will need to be appraised first. Your lender will want to get an objective and professional assessment of the home’s actual market value before matching that price …
If you’ve bought a new home that closes before your current home does, you may be stuck with the responsibility of paying for two homes for a brief period of time. As daunting as that might sound, you may be …
Having the only home on the block that’s up for sale means less competition for you. But what happens when one or more of the neighbors decide to follow suit and plant their own For Sale signs on their front …
If adding some livable space in your home in on your agenda, then transforming your attic into a usable area may be just the ticket. Rather than going through the trouble of building a completely new addition to your home, …
Moving isn’t exactly fun or easy, but this is even more true when you’ve got young children to contend with. It can be tough to have to deal with packing, purging, organizing, and all the other tasks that come with …
You’ve found your dream come, but also found out that the price is well over what you can afford and are willing to spend on a new home. Should you give up on that home?
Not just yet.
An overpriced …
As a seller, the first thing your should understand is that the price point you list your home at will determine how successful your sale will be.
Why? Because your listing price will either attract scores of qualified buyers, or …
When homeowners make improvements on their homes, it’s in their best interests to choose upgrades that will bring them the biggest ROI come sale time. Traditionally, a new coat of paint, a kitchen reface, and new hardwood flooring have been …
You might have a beautiful home, but adding landscaping to its exterior can dramatically improve its esthetics. Not only that, landscaping can significantly boost the value of your home as well.
When it comes to creating gorgeous landscaping, the right …
When it comes to selling your home, impressions matter. Ideally, you want buyers to be impressed with your home’s look and functionality when they see its listing photos or attend a showing or open house. Your home should look its …
When Uncle Sam comes knocking on your door, it can be pretty painful to have to part with some of your hard-earned money. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep some of that money in your pocket instead of …
You’ve probably heard of the titles “real estate agent,” “broker,” or “REALTOR®.” Aren’t they all just different words meaning the same thing? Actually, no. While each of these titles pertain to professionals in the real estate industry, there are subtle …
Nothing beats natural light. A dark and dingy room can easily be light-filled by installing a skylight, if the space permits. Skylights offer a unique way to introduce more natural light into a home and bring the outdoors in. In …
It’s not uncommon for real estate contracts to include prorations for both buyers and sellers. Prorations exist to reasonably divide any expenses related to the property, including property taxes, HOA dues, mortgage interest, utilities, and so forth so that both …
There are a number of ways to build wealth and earn a sizeable income by investing in real estate. Investors have long been profiting from real estate investments, whether it’s from fixing and flipping, buying and holding, renting, and so …
Relocating can be stressful, especially when you consider the idea that total strangers are handling many of your delicate, valuable belongings. While movers are professionals in their particular trade and are well skilled and experienced in transporting goods during moves, …
Your mortgage broker will ask you a number of questions when you’re applying for a home loan, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ask a few questions of your own. Buying a home is a huge decision, and the type …
Solar panel systems can offer a great way to scale back your utility bills while helping the environment at the same time. But their upfront costs can be pretty pricey: a typical four-kilowatt system for an average-size home in California …
The issue of what constitutes a ‘fixture’ in a home and what doesn’t has been the source of many conflicts in real estate. What the buyer might believe is a fixture and should come with the house might not be …
Whether your home doesn’t suit your needs or tastes anymore or you’re thinking of revamping it to get a better dollar when you sell, there are dozens of upgrades that you can make to your home to improve it. The …
If you’re on the hunt for a new house, you’ve likely been scoping out all sorts of listings online. Out of all the thousands of listings that you come across, you may have stumbled upon one that you can really …
There are obvious differences between condos and single family homes. But in addition to the type of lifestyles each of them provide, the differences become even more apparent when it comes time to sell.
Listing and selling a home, no …
Popcorn ceilings were pretty popular from the 1950s through to the 1980s because they were affordable and made finishing a ceiling easy. But these days, popcorn ceilings – which are typically sprayed-on stucco – are nothing more than an outdated …
Out of all the questions that clients have when it comes to real estate transactions, how commissions are paid is one of the most common. Who’s responsible for paying the commission? How much is it? When and how is it …
You’ve likely heard of a mortgage, but are you familiar with something called a “promissory note?” When you take out a home loan, not only will you need to sign a mortgage, you will also need to sign a document …
If you’ve decided to buy a home in a planned community that’s governed by a homeowners’ association (HOA), then you’re probably already familiar with the fact that there are certain rules that need to be followed in order to live …
When it comes to interior decorating and home staging, it all comes down to who you’re trying to impress: yourself (the current homeowner) or the buyer (the future homeowner). When you’ve got your home on the market for sale, you …
Whether you can’t stand cleaning your home or just don’t have the time to dedicate to it, there are professional house cleaning services available that can take the load off and handle the dirty task for you. Not only does …
Not every space in your home is counted towards the overall square footage. From an appraisal perspective, there are certain areas that are ignored when calculating the overall size of the home. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) offers a …
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