Knowing the square footage of your home or one you may buy is crucial. Square footage is the baseline metric by which value is calculated, so be sure you have an accurate number. Why square footage is important The square footage of a house is used to compute its value. An accurate number is essential… Read more »
Today’s mortgage interest rates are a good bit higher than those of a few years ago, and that’s keeping many buyers on the sidelines, waiting for a better rate. Should you wait until interest rates drop to buy a house? Experts generally say no. Here’s what you need to consider. No crystal ball of interest… Read more »
When you are buying a home, it’s important to determine whether any renovations or remodeling projects were properly permitted. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to undertake such work without the required permits and government inspections. A professional home inspector will be able to evaluate this as well as the quality of the job, but you… Read more »
You’ve found your soulmate, and the two of you are moving in together. There’s just one problem: You and your new spouse or partner get along famously, but your belongings don’t. How can you combine your households to create a place that feels like home to both of you? Here are some tips for combining… Read more »
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. The gas is everywhere, but it can rise to dangerous levels in your home. How do you protect yourself and your family from radon gas? Stealthy visitor As rock decays, the uranium and thorium it contains break down into… Read more »
Working remotely has allowed some homeowners to leave city life behind and move to the quiet country. One of the many delights of country living is the number of stars you can see at night away from city light pollution. Here’s a primer on the awe and wonder of the country night sky. Why do… Read more »
Today, huge wind farms are spreading across parts of America. How does having a wind farm next to your property affect its value? Is it cost-effective to let a wind farm be built on your land, given the subsidy you’ll receive? Let’s blow through the hot air and get to the truth. Visible and audible… Read more »
People who would never use drugs can inadvertently purchase a home where methamphetamine was produced. Meth production leaves behind a toxic residue that can cause health problems for later residents of the house and developmental deficiencies in children. Here is how to avoid buying a meth-tainted home. How to spot a meth house Fumes from… Read more »
Advancing technology has transformed home shopping. More than 80 percent of prospective buyers begin their home search online. A consumer might be tempted to “do it yourself,” buying or selling without a professional real estate agent to save on an agent’s commission. But agents provide vital services in real estate transactions. Here’s how an agent… Read more »
It comes as a severe shock to a real estate owner when a government agency takes his property from him under the principle of eminent domain. How can the government take your property against your wishes? The simple truth is that the Constitution says it can, so long as it pays you an appropriate amount…. Read more »
A growing trend with younger generations is friends buying a house together. It’s easier to buy a home if someone else is sharing the cost, but there are legal and financial realities all parties must understand and accept. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of buying a house with a friend. Millennials… Read more »
If you’re thinking of buying a condo, the condition of the building and its finances will have a direct impact on you, so it’s important to research both. Here’s what you need to know. Basic condo facts All condo buildings have a homeowners association. The owners of the building’s unit are its members, and they… Read more »
Contracting with a professional home inspector is one of the most important things a buyer can do in the run-up to closing. But though an inspection can reveal essential deficiencies you need to know about, it isn’t foolproof. Here are some critical problems a general inspection may miss and steps you can take to protect… Read more »
You’ve lived in your current home long enough to desire an updated kitchen or bathroom, a home office, or an outdoor entertainment area. It can be tough to decide whether to renovate or instead buy a new home that has the features you desire. Here’s how to determine which option is the better one for… Read more »
The current real estate market is white-hot, with many homes selling in a single day after a bidding war. A tactic some buyers use to elbow past competition is to put an expiration on their purchase offer. Does this tactic work, and under what circumstances? How offer expirations work When you make an offer to… Read more »
Real estate sales contracts in Texas and several other states include a provision known as the active option. Also known as the option period, this provision gives the buyer a designated period to have the property inspected and decide whether to move forward with the purchase. Here’s how an active option contract works. Inspection and… Read more »
The residential real estate market has been red hot across the country. Prices have pushed skyward as sellers receive multiple offers. Navigating these competing offers is tricky, and applicable laws vary from state to state. This article will not constitute legal advice, and you should consult an attorney during a transaction. But generally, here is… Read more »
The current short supply of available homes coupled with low-interest rates has led to competitive bidding wars over properties. This sometimes prompts buyers to add an escalation clause to their offer on a house. What is an escalation clause, and should you use one? What is an escalation clause? An escalation clause or addendum may… Read more »
When you close on the purchase of a new home, you’ll be issued a title insurance policy. What is title insurance, and why is it so important for you to have it? What is title insurance coverage? Title insurance protects you against any disputes over the ownership of your home after your purchase it. Your… Read more »
When you’re searching for appliances for a new or remodeled kitchen, today you’ll find an array of new textures and colors. Let’s find the perfect appliance finishes for your dream kitchen. Not your grandmother’s refrigerator In recent years, stainless steel appliances put an end to the days when your color choices were essentially white or… Read more »
