Across the country, a shortage of houses for sale coupled with strong demand has led to homes selling mere days after going on the market. Often these houses receive multiple offers and sell well over the asking price. If you must sell your existing house before you can buy, you risk losing the house you… Read more »
Having clear title to a property is a crucial part of any transaction between buyers and sellers. What does it mean to have clear title, and why is it important? Definition of clear title A clear title in real estate means that the owner has unrestricted ownership of a property. The property is not subject… Read more »
When you are buying or selling a home, do you need a real estate attorney to help with the transaction? Your state may not require one and you may not want to spend the money. But if something goes awry, you’ll likely wish you had. Here’s why hiring an attorney is money well spent. All… Read more »
We’ve all heard the saying that “cash is king.” That’s especially true in real estate, where cash deals are super-attractive to sellers because they are generally a sure thing. But what if you can’t pay cash and are competing against an all-cash buyer? Are you out of luck? Not necessarily. Here’s how to successfully compete… Read more »
Buyers can get real bargains by buying foreclosed homes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Educate and prepare yourself with our guide to buying a HUD foreclosure. What are HUD homes? When the government forecloses on a home whose mortgage was backed by the Federal Housing Administration, HUD takes possession of the… Read more »
Sometimes unmarried couples want to buy a house together. Homeownership is a great goal, but before you take the plunge with your significant other, you need to cover some important legal and financial ground. Here’s what you need to know. Open and transparent finances If you’re thinking of buying a home with your significant other,… Read more »
How long do you need to own a home before you can sell it profitably? The answer depends on your individual situation, but generally speaking, the longer you own a house, the more you’ll net from its eventual sale. Sometimes life intervenes, however, and you need to sell after owning a property for only a… Read more »
Many people have built financial security by investing in real estate, but finding start-up capital can be challenging. House hacking might be the shortest, simplest path to beginning successful real estate investment. What is house hacking? How can it help you? When house hacking is a good thing House hacking is a new term for… Read more »
Shipping containers revolutionized the transportation of goods around the world, making commercial transport more efficient and cost-effective. Now shipping containers are being converted into homes, which has launched a smaller revolution in housing. Efficiency in building The uniform size and design of shipping containers make putting them together like Legos relatively simple. An estimated 14… Read more »
A home purchase is the biggest investment most people ever make, so it’s particularly unfortunate when a homeowner runs into unanticipated problems and develops buyer’s remorse. Let’s maximize the chances you’ll be happy with your purchase by thinking ahead. It seemed like a good idea at the time Two elements typically fuel home buyer’s remorse…. Read more »
Structural engineers assist homebuilders in making sure residences are strongly and safely designed and constructed. They are trained to determine how forces such as gravity, wind, temperature and shifting soil affect buildings. You expect to hire an inspector or perhaps other pros when you buy a house, but do you need to hire a structural… Read more »
You may have stayed at a bed-and-breakfast so charming that you’re thinking you might like to own and run one yourself. Whether you would be converting your own home or buying another, there are important issues to consider before you start buying fresh sheets and towels and perfecting your cinnamon roll recipe. Is your bed-and-breakfast… Read more »
When figuring how much house they can afford, homebuyers with little or no experience may focus solely on the principal and interest portion of their monthly payment. But house payments also include the cost of homeowners insurance. It’s important to research the cost of insuring your home early in the process to avoid unpleasant surprises… Read more »
If you’ve been shopping for a new home in a hot seller’s market, you may know the frustration of having the home you want snapped up by another buyer. You may be able to buy the house anyway by making a backup offer, but there are pros and cons to consider. Read on to decide… Read more »
Pest control contracts can be perplexing to new homeowners. Don’t let confusion about these agreements bug you. We’re here to help. How general pest control contracts work One form of pest control service treats for common pests like spiders, scorpions, roaches, ants and rodents. Contracts for these services are offered on an annual basis and… Read more »
You’re ready to take the plunge and buy your first house. It’s exciting, but you’ve got lots of questions. Here are answers to some of the big ones. Q: Is it really better to buy instead of rent? Home ownership gives you more than just a place to live. When you own your home, you… Read more »
Online real estate marketplaces are amazing tools for sellers and buyers alike. But if you’re a buyer, should you make a purchase decision solely based on website photos? Here’s why using old-fashioned shoe leather is still vital to your home search. The advantages of real estate marketplaces Real estate firms post listings on their own… Read more »
Properly maintaining your new refrigerator is one way to help keep your family healthy and extend the life of your unit, saving you big money. Keep reading for these essential tips on how to keep your new fridge humming. How often should I clean the inside of my new refrigerator? Ideally, the inside (and outside)… Read more »
Each day another 10,000 baby boomers enter retirement and face choices about where to spend their golden years. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to choosing where to retire. Let’s take a look at seven factors you should consider. 1. Taxes You worked hard your entire adult life and now look forward… Read more »
Having a home inspection is an integral part of buying a house. But a basic inspection can tell you only so much. When should you bring in specialists for closer scrutiny of a home’s different systems? Big money is on the line, so use this guide to help you make that decision. What an home… Read more »
