Moving to a new house creates a long “to do” list and no small amount of stress. If the house is in a new community, it’s just as important to get acquainted with the area and its people as it is to turn on the utilities. Here are some tips for settling into a new… Read more »
Most people today are trying to eliminate paper clutter from their lives. So is it really necessary to keep instruction manuals for your new home’s appliances and other products? Let’s read up on cutting down the number of appliance manuals around your new house. Why keep appliance manuals? Sometimes it makes sense to keep paper… Read more »
Large corporations frequently relocate their headquarters to new cities. How will that affect you as a home buyer or seller? Why do companies relocate headquarters? The U.S. is always evolving. Changes in demographics, education growth, infrastructure development, and many other factors can prompt companies to relocate to new headquarters or, in the case of Amazon,… Read more »
You’ve found the home you love, but the market is competitive, and other buyers are vying for this same house. Besides offering a competitive price, what steps can you take to land the house you love? A strong home offer letter might do the trick. Here’s how. How a home offer letter helps When a… Read more »
Selling or buying a home where construction was done without required building permits can be a prickly problem that is difficult and expensive to resolve. Here’s what to consider when a home has unpermitted space. Problems for the homeowner Homeowners may be tempted to remodel without getting a building permit and related inspections. But this… Read more »
Cybercriminals are now targeting home buyers by stealing their down payments electronically. The schemes look legit but can kill a home sale and leave a buyer with no recourse. Guard yourself against this cybercrime with these tips. How cybercrime happens You probably know to be cautious about a suspicious email from an unexpected source asking… Read more »
Working with a real estate agent when buying a home will save you both time and money. The more complicated the move, the more helpful an agent can be. Here are seven advantages to having an agent guide you through the home-purchasing process. Time saver. Searching for the right home is time-consuming, and your real… Read more »
Closing on a new home may feel like reaching the finish line. But before you kick back and relax, take these important steps to settle into your new place. Matters to take care of before closing After you sign a contract to buy a new home, ask the seller for a report on a year’s… Read more »
If you’re in the market for a new home, should you buy a house before selling your current home? That’s a tough call. Here are some important considerations to help you come up with the answer that’s right for you. Market conditions are very important An important question to answer as you begin considering whether… Read more »
When you close on the purchase of a house, it seems the stream of documents will never end. Closings can easily involve 100 pages of records. It’s a fact that, for most people, their home is their biggest investment. That’s why homeowners should keep important closing documents. After the writer’s cramp eases, what do you… Read more »
Buying a home for the first time often constitutes a long-awaited dream. After completing a little bit of financial prep work, feel free to enjoy every minute of the house-hunting journey. Here are the top four items to take care of before the fun begins. 1. Your credit score. Lenders typically like a higher score,… Read more »
Buying a home is an exciting process requiring lots of decisions. What common mistakes do people make, and how can you avoid them? Here is a list of things to avoid. Glossing over pre-approval. Don’t mistake “pre-approved” for “pre-qualified.” They are not the same. Pre-qualified means the lender might approve a mortgage range, based on… Read more »
When shopping for a home, you have three options: choose an existing house, buy a tract home or build a custom property to your exact specifications. One of the ways these options differ is in how long the purchase process takes and time until move in. Depending on the option you choose, the time between… Read more »
A growing national trend finds multiple generations of a family living together in one house. Far from a new fad, this way of living is a return to the way things were from America’s earliest days until the early 20th century. Let’s look at the trend, its benefits and how to make it work. Turning… Read more »
Baby boomers and millennials may not like the same clothing or music, but they’re finding common ground when it comes to real estate. Together they comprise the fastest growing segment of apartment dwellers in America. The younger generation has long found the rental life a convenient bridge between college dorms and homeownership. But why are… Read more »
A hot real estate market is generally great news, signifying a thriving economy and an attractive place to live. But hot markets can also be problematic for certain buyers, particularly those purchasing for the first time. Here’s what the novice needs to keep in mind about a bidding war. Know your budget and stick to… Read more »
When considering the purchase of a home or land with an underground storage tank on site, prospective buyers should proceed with caution. The tanks are expensive to inspect and could pose a health risk. Underground storage tanks are usually filled with oil or fuel and those made before the mid-1980s are known to corrode over… Read more »
Even in a so-called sellers market, it can still be a good time to purchase a home. Here’s why. Are You a Renter? If you’re currently a renter, you’ll likely face an increase in rent at the end of your lease — especially in a tighter market in a robust economy. With interest rates still… Read more »
For most people, their home is their biggest investment — and their biggest tax benefits. As always, it’s best to consult your tax adviser for specific information, but let’s walk through the most common, basic tax savings of homeownership. Income Tax Savings When you file your federal income taxes each year, you are allowed to… Read more »
A house purchase is often the first time most people find themselves in need of an attorney. Your real estate agent will likely recommend several, but it’s up to you to make the final selection. In some states, the title insurance company will handle the closing; in others, it will be an attorney. Here’s a… Read more »
