
How to Buy from the Best Home Builder
Whether you plan to buy a single-family home, condo, or townhouse, buying in a new development can cause years of issues if you don’t choose a property with a solid, reputable home builder.
Do’s and Don’ts of a Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen remodels are the most popular project among homeowners. Who hasn’t dreamed of the perfect kitchen? Most of us, however, don’t have the budget to hand the entire design off to a professional and choose the fixtures, appliances, and extras ourselves. As a result, we don’t always end up with the chef’s kitchen we imagine. Here are a few do’s and don’ts from experts!
Sellers: Expect Multiple Strong Offers this Season
The winter season has traditionally been a slower time for home sales. The guidance in the past has been to wait for the warmer months of spring before listing. However, the current real estate market has created a strong seller’s market and if you’re considering a move, it may be better to sell now rather than risk a slowdown if interest rates rise in the coming months.
When a House Sells, What Stays?
More than one seller has been surprised to find that their favorite chandelier is not theirs to take when they move. First-time home sellers might be especially confused when confronted with an exclusion form presented by their agent, but understanding what is, and is not included in the sale by statute is important to avoid disappointment on both sides.
Tips to Protect Your Home from Flood Risks
Your home does not need to be in a designated flood zone to be affected by water intrusion and damage. The process to repair and retrofit water damage costs homeowners millions of dollars each year. Regardless of the location of the home, simple checks and changes can help protect your property from flood and water damage before the storm comes.
First Time Homebuyer Compromises
First-time homebuyers are struggling to find affordable housing. Unlike recent years when inventory was high and finding a great home was easier, now buyers are faced with either postponing homeownership or making compromises.
Is it Time to Replace Your Roof?
Owning a home may feel like a never-ending list of to-dos. It can feel like all you do is clean and maintain your house and yard. There is a lot of truth to this, but homeownership is one of the best ways to increase wealth, so maintaining your investment is critical to your financial well-being.
What Does 'Sale Pending' Mean?
Buying a home is a process. Once a buyer writes an offer and has it accepted, the listing is placed in a state called “pending sale.”
Home Improvements During the Labor Shortage
Tight labor markets are affecting industries across the country. Skilled and unskilled jobs remain unfilled as employers struggle to find prospective employees. For anyone ready to hire a contractor or handyman to perform home improvement projects, this shortage is causing frustration.
Four Things Sellers Need to Know About Backup Offers
An essential component of any listing strategy should be a good backup offer, meaning that another buyer is willing to step in and close if escrow falls through. As you consider a backup offer, here are 4 things you need to know
Saving on Housing Costs in Retirement
As you prepare for retirement, it’s natural to consider ways to reduce your housing costs. Fortunately, there are some great ways to enhance your lifestyle while reducing costs.
Essential Components of the Home Tool Kit
If your toolbox consists of duct tape and a hammer, a quick, inexpensive trip to the local hardware store can save you lots of time and headache later when you need your tool kit.
Identifying Your Real Estate Goals
Before meeting with your real estate agent, consider the specifics of what you need. For example, when explaining that you need more space, be specific about what that means. What does “space” mean to you?
Can I Sell an Outdated Home?
Even outdated houses sell. We are in a seller’s market in almost every part of the country. Selling your home has a large financial impact on you and your family. Don’t make assumptions about value, reach out to a real estate agent, and make sure you understand all your options so you can get the best offer possible.
Thinking of DIY-ing? Consider This First!
The pandemic has affected us all in different ways, but before you attempt a DIY project based on a 3-minute YouTube video, remember that it may cost you far less to hire a professional.
Home Inspections and Appraisals in the New Normal
Home inspections and appraisals are a few vital pieces of the home buying and selling transaction that require in-person visits. Both of these need access to the property to properly perform their duties, and it leaves some potential home sellers and buyers wondering if it’s even possible to conclude a real estate transaction right now. Here are some ways to stay safe during these processes.
House Hunting? Don't Wait Until the Weekend!
House hunting has become a sport over the past year! The idealized vision of a leisurely Saturday morning reviewing open houses and plotting the day’s tours over lattes and croissants is a thing of the past. While popping into the local open house might be fun for the casual looker, if you are serious about finding your next home, this climate demands strategy.
Deciding on Public School vs Private School
Homebuyers know that the quality of the local schools is a critical component of their home search. Nothing is more important to parents than making sure their children receive quality education. Competition for college admission has increased to a fevered pitch over the past few decades, and parents want to set their children up early with the best opportunity for their future success. More and more, homebuyers are not simply looking at the public school system when choosing a new home, but the private school options as well.
Tips for First-Time Home Sellers
Selling your home for the first time can be just as confusing as a home purchase, so here are a few things to remember as you navigate your home sale.