Finding a Home - Houseopedia, LLC

7 Issues You Should Consider Before Buying Waterfront Property

Property that fronts directly onto water brings tranquility, privacy, breathtaking views, and the opportunity for water recreation. It’s a great...

Go With the Flow: Landowner Water Rights and Responsibilities

Real estate owners have rights to the available supply of naturally occurring water to their property. How you use that...

The Benefits of a Geographically Savvy Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent who knows the area like the back of her hand can make all the difference in...

The Starter Home: An Endangered Species?

Time was when first-time homebuyers could pursue the American Dream by purchasing a small, simple house that allowed them to...

Can You Benefit From an Agricultural Tax Exemption?

Homeowners who live on agricultural acreage that meets a minimum size standard may qualify for a significant property tax break....

Condominium or Landominium: Similar or Different?

You are familiar with condominiums, but did you know there are also landominiums? What’s the difference, and what do these...

Who is a REALTOR® and Why is it Important?

For much of the public, the terms “real estate agent” and “REALTOR®” are used interchangeably. In reality, they are not...

How the Covid Pandemic Is Changing Home Designs

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought changes to every aspect of our lives, even where we live. More adults work from...

A Bigger House Means a Bigger Budget

You’ve saved money, your family has grown and you’re thinking of buying a bigger house. Of course, it will come...

Buying When They Aren’t Selling

These days houses are attracting so many competing offers and selling so fast that many buyers become frustrated and fear...

Is a Zero-Lot-Line Home for You?

For homeowners wanting little or no yard to maintain, a zero-lot-line home may be the answer. What is a zero...

Housing Inventory Shortages Drive Sales Despite Pandemic Recession

The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought periodic business shutdowns across the country and a huge spike in unemployment. The conventional...

How to Make an Offer on a “Coming Soon” House

In recent years it’s grown increasingly popular to put up a “coming soon” sign before a home officially hits the...

How To Find A Pet-Friendly Neighborhood

If you’re shopping for a home, you no doubt have a community wish list: good schools, a reasonable commute, and...

Real Estate Questions That Violate Fair Housing Laws

Buying a house is a complex process. As a buyer, you understandably expect your real estate agent to provide you...

The Future Past: Mid-Century Modern Homes

Past architectural designs sometimes go through a revival of popularity. In recent years, demand has surged for mid-century modern homes,...

Should You Be Concerned by a Wastewater Plant Near Your Home?

If you’re shopping for a home, you should always learn about the community surrounding any house you are considering. How...

Establishing an Historic District: The Right Move for Your Community?

Many towns and cities in America have an area filled with charming old homes and commercial buildings. Having that area...

Golf Course Communities: Are They a Good Value?

Owning a stately home alongside a lush golf course radiates prestige. Who wouldn’t love a house beside an emerald oasis?...

Would You Love Loft Living?

Urban loft living is a stylish way to take repurposing to a whole new level. But this trendy lifestyle has...

Fitness Training Comes Home

Radical change is sweeping the fitness industry as neighborhood developments, apartment complexes and workplaces have begun to invest in workout...

What to Consider When Buying Foreign Real Estate

Maybe you want to make your favorite vacation destination your retirement home. Or perhaps you’re attracted to the low cost...

Be in the Know on Real Estate Terminology

As you shop for a new home, your agent may tell you that a house you are interested in just...

Starting Out With a Starter Home

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone in life. Goodbye renting, hello owning! First-time buyers often purchase a “starter...

How to Conduct an Online Home Search

These days about 90 percent of home shoppers first view prospective houses online. Your agent may still do her own...

Shopping for a Home During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Shopping for a home can be nerve-racking in the best of times. But as coronavirus cases skyrocket across the country,...

The Big Trend in Micro Unit Living

Millennials are flocking to urban centers with convenient access to housing, work, shops and entertainment. In these areas, micro units...

Educate Yourself Before Relocating

Moving to a new city or even a new state is an adventure! Whether you are relocating for a job...

Danger Ahead: Warning Signs of a House’s Condition

You may have found a home you’ve fallen in love with, but you must assess the house’s condition as part...

The Choice: Lot Size Versus House Size?

When your budget allows for a large home or a spacious yard but not both, how do you choose? Here’s...

Use an Experienced Agent When Buying Land

If you’re shopping for a little slice of country life, you may think that buying land that’s undeveloped will be...

Well Water Versus City Water: What are the Differences?

If you buy property in an area without a municipal water system, you’ll need to rely on well water. What...

Which Generation Buys the Most Homes?

Although the typical homebuyer is a 40-something from Generation X, millennials have been entering the market in greater numbers. In...

Buying Rural Land for Farming and Livestock

Perhaps you want to raise livestock and have your eye on some land in the country. Here’s how to know...

What Millennial Buyers Want When Buying a Home

Millennial buyers, this one's for you! Your cohort has different needs and wants when it comes to your homes, versus...

Want to Age in Place? ‘Universal Design’ is Crucial

Seniors who wish to age in place or families who have members with health challenges often are faced with a...

How to Interact with Your Homeowners Association

Homeowners associations, or HOAs, provoke strong feelings in some residential developments. Avoid conflicts with goodwill gestures such as these. Understanding...

Focus on Rooms That Help Sell a House

Homebuyers are looking for the perfect house, but which rooms are the most important? Here are the three rooms that...

Consider Home Buying with Resale in Mind

Everyone shopping for a home looks for a house that best fits their current needs. But savvy shoppers also think...

Like Being There! Virtual Reality Home Tours

Technology has revolutionized the real estate industry. Agents once spent long hours showing homes in person to prospective buyers. Now,...

Is the First Rule of Real Estate Still Location, Location, Location?

Location is obviously important when considering where to purchase a home, but is it still the most important thing to...

Green Homes Growing in Popularity

Eco-friendly homes are a growing segment of today’s real estate market. Tap into that environmentally conscious mindset with these tips...

Knowing the Difference Between Public and Private Streets

Most roads are public thoroughfares, maintained by local, state or federal authorities and paid for with tax dollars. But that’s...

The Relocation Process: Foreign Vs. Domestic

Moving for a career opportunity is an exciting prospect whether you’re moving a few hundred miles or halfway around the...

A Modern Twist on Fostering Neighborhood Goodwill

Thanks to social media, it’s easier than ever to loan your neighbor a tool, buy cookies from the Girl Scout...

Five Ways to Check Out a Potential Neighborhood

When shopping for a home, don’t just look at the house; be sure to assess the neighborhood. Here’s what to...

Foundation Problems: When to Worry

It’s the house repair every homeowner fears: foundation problems. Before you panic, here’s how to tell whether those scary looking...

Pros and Cons of Swim and Tennis Communities

When you’re shopping for a new home, many planned developments offer tempting neighborhood amenities such as swimming pools and tennis...

6 Bright Trends in Home Design

The latest buzzwords in home interiors: bright, cheery and simplified. Say “hello” to white cabinets and light gray walls and...

4 Benefits of Today’s Smaller Homes

The so-called “McMansions” are out and smaller homes with open floor plans are in. Let’s take a look at who...

Is Moving a House Worth the Cost?

Under certain conditions you might consider having a house picked up from its foundation and moved to another location. When...

Finding Value and Charm In an Existing Home

New is nice, but in the case of a home purchase, buyers may be tempted by what an existing house...

7 Reasons Why Using a Real Estate Agent Makes Shopping Easier

Whether buying a new house or an existing one, buyers typically feel more at ease having a real estate agent...

Buying New or Used: What’s Your Home Preference?

The hunt for a new home most often begins with the answer to one simple question. Do I want to...

A Piece of the Past or a Money Pit?

Buying a historic home certainly has a coolness factor about it. You can regale your guests with stories about your...

One-Story Versus Two-Story Homes

Prospective homebuyers will get more bang for their buck on a two-story home, but one-story houses definitely have their advantages....

Neighborhood Security: What You Should Know

Security is a concern in every neighborhood -- regardless of status or ZIP Code. Here are six things you can...

A Pond on the Property? Be Prepared With Questions

If you’re in the market for a house with a pond, you’ve got a lot of homework to do before...

Pros and Cons of Country Club Living

Housing developments built around a country club typically offer a long list of amenities, from golf and tennis to dining...

Is a Mountain Retreat In Your Future?

While the stunning views and clean air of mountain living are certainly appealing, be sure to weigh the challenges of...

Finding a Military Friendly Real Estate Agent

Veterans and active-duty military require special help when buying and selling real estate. From frequent moves to special government loans,...

Read Between the Lines in Real Estate Ads

Scanning the real estate ads, astute readers will notice a lot of the same phrases popping up. That’s not an...

Should You Buy a Home with Visitors in Mind?

When buying a house, how much importance should you put on size when it comes to hosting out-of-town family and...

Modern Mobile Homes Are an Affordable Option

If a traditional home is not within your budget, modern mobile homes might be a possible option, providing more space...

Keep an Open Mind When It Comes to Floor Plans

For several years now, open floor plans have been perennial favorites, and they still top many buyers’ wish lists. While...

Find Out If You Live In an Earthquake Zone Before Buying a Home

The already difficult task of finding the perfect home gets even harder when you’re searching in an area prone to...

What to Ask Before Buying a Home With a Pool

When you’re searching for your dream home, it’s easy to get excited about a perk like an in-ground pool. But...

Partner With Your Agent to Find the Perfect Home

Your real estate professional is your best asset when searching for potential homes, but your agent needs certain key information...

Building Neighborhood Ties that Bind

Ask homeowners what builds value in their homes and they likely will name things like kitchen upgrades, a new deck...

Timeshares and Vacation Clubs: Do Your Homework

If you enjoy an annual trek to the mountains or beach, and enjoy the simplicity of staying at the same...

Homeownership Without the Headaches

If you want to own your own home, but the thought of mowing the lawn and cleaning the gutters is...

Oh, the Places You’ll Go Seeking Home Design Inspiration

If it’s time to put your individual stamp on your next house or home renovation, let’s look at the best...

Seeing Beyond the Wow Factor in Model Homes

Touring model homes is a great way to help you decide on a house purchase -- as long as you...

Floor Plans: Choosing the Right One for You

Touring model homes is one of the best ways to get a feel for whether a floor plan will work...

Proceed With Caution: Buying a Home in a Flood Zone

You’ve been shopping for a home and believe you’ve found it, the home of your dreams. It’s the perfect size,...

How to Find Crime Statistics for Your Neighborhood

Thanks to the internet, finding crime statistics is easier than ever. That’s good news for wary homebuyers who want to...

Benefits of Using a Real Estate Agent to Purchase a Home

DIY projects are in vogue. And why not? People like to save a buck or two by doing a full...

Getting Schooled: How to Pick a Great House in the Right School District

When hunting for the perfect home for your family, more comes into play than a fantastic floorplan and your favorite...

Historical Homes: Buying a Piece of History

While ownership of historic homes can be appealing, it’s definitely not for everyone. Historic homes have their own set of...

A Septic System: What Is It and How Do I Live With One?

Homeowners in a rural setting typically pump their water from wells and remove their household waste with a septic system....

Make the Most of an Open House Tour

Open houses are a great opportunity to check out a home and ask a lot of questions. Make the most...

House Hunting with Kids: How to Keep Your Sanity

While house hunting with children isn’t the perfect scenario, sometimes it just can’t be avoided. Instead of letting the kids...

Buying Versus Renting: The Pros and Cons

When is the right time to buy a home? Are there times when you’re better off renting? There’s more to...

The Singles Guide to Home Buying

Buying a home can be daunting, even under the best of circumstances. Taking that big of a step alone -...

Real Estate Agent, REALTOR or Broker? What’s the Difference?

When buying or selling a home, most people look into hiring a professional. But what type of professional is best?...

What is the MLS?

The Multiple Listing Service, or MLS as it is known in the real estate world, is the No. 1 source...