Property that fronts directly onto water brings tranquility, privacy, breathtaking views, and the opportunity for water recreation. It’s a great place to entertain family and friends, making an attractive Airbnb or VRBO rental. What’s more, waterfront property tends to appreciate handsomely. However, owning waterfront property entails certain responsibilities and challenges. Here’s what you need to… Read more »
Real estate owners have rights to the available supply of naturally occurring water to their property. How you use that water may affect adjacent property owners. You may never have to deal with the law regarding water rights, but it doesn’t hurt to learn the basics, especially if you own acreage with a well or… Read more »
A real estate agent who knows the area like the back of her hand can make all the difference in finding the perfect home. She’ll have the inside scoop on every nook and cranny of the area, which means you’ll reap many benefits during your home search. Here’s how having a geographically savvy agent is… Read more »
Time was when first-time homebuyers could pursue the American Dream by purchasing a small, simple house that allowed them to build wealth. Today, those “starter homes” are hard to find, and the ones that are out there often cost far more than a first-time buyer can afford. What happened? Here’s what you need to know… Read more »
Homeowners who live on agricultural acreage that meets a minimum size standard may qualify for a significant property tax break. Rules vary from state to state, and there can be stiff penalties if you run afoul of them. Here’s how the “ag exemption” works and how you could benefit from it. Agricultural land is valued… Read more »
You are familiar with condominiums, but did you know there are also landominiums? What’s the difference, and what do these two forms of homeownership have in common? Here’s what you need to know before you buy. The key difference between condos and landominiums When you buy a condominium, you purchase only the living space within… Read more »
For much of the public, the terms “real estate agent” and “REALTOR®” are used interchangeably. In reality, they are not the same. All REALTORS® must be licensed agents, but not all licensed real estate agents are REALTORS®. What is the difference, and why is it important to you as a buyer or seller? REALTORS® are… Read more »
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought changes to every aspect of our lives, even where we live. More adults work from home, more children are homeschooling, and dining and entertainment have shifted outdoors. Home designs are adapting to this new normal. Watch for these trends. Productive space at home Home designs are shifting to create productive… Read more »
You’ve saved money, your family has grown and you’re thinking of buying a bigger house. Of course, it will come with bigger mortgage payments, but there are other cost increases to consider. Let’s count them to see if you are financially ready for a bigger house. Purchase and administrative costs Obviously, a bigger house comes… Read more »
These days houses are attracting so many competing offers and selling so fast that many buyers become frustrated and fear they’ll never win a home that fits their needs. On top of that, sellers are making tough demands, refusing to accept buyer contingencies such as selling an existing house. Is there any hope for getting… Read more »
For homeowners wanting little or no yard to maintain, a zero-lot-line home may be the answer. What is a zero lot line home, and is it right for you? Definition of zero-lot-line home A traditional single-family home is situated on a lot with front, back and two side yards. With a zero lot line home, … Read more »
The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought periodic business shutdowns across the country and a huge spike in unemployment. The conventional wisdom is that the resulting recession should crater the housing market. Yet housing sales have largely remained strong because of housing inventory shortages. Here’s why there aren’t enough houses to meet today’s demand. National inventory… Read more »
In recent years it’s grown increasingly popular to put up a “coming soon” sign before a home officially hits the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). As a buyer, can you benefit from a “coming soon” home? How “coming soon” listings work You’ve probably seen “coming soon” signs in the yards of homes that are about to… Read more »
If you’re shopping for a home, you no doubt have a community wish list: good schools, a reasonable commute, and ample shopping and recreation. But don’t forget about your pet’s needs! Here’s how to find a pet-friendly neighborhood where your four-legged fur baby will feel right at home. What to look for in a neighborhood… Read more »
Buying a house is a complex process. As a buyer, you understandably expect your real estate agent to provide you all sorts of information. Agents want to be helpful, but they can’t answer certain questions because doing so could violate fair housing laws. But no worries — you can find the information you want on… Read more »
Past architectural designs sometimes go through a revival of popularity. In recent years, demand has surged for mid-century modern homes, especially among the millennial generation. Let’s look at this back-to-the-future trend and whether it suits your tastes for nostalgia. What is mid-century modern? Mid-century modern homes were built between 1945 and the mid-70s. The style… Read more »
If you’re shopping for a home, you should always learn about the community surrounding any house you are considering. How concerned should you be if there’s a wastewater treatment plant nearby? If a new one is proposed, should you pass on the house? Wastewater treatment plants: the basics Municipalities use treatment plants to remove not… Read more »
Many towns and cities in America have an area filled with charming old homes and commercial buildings. Having that area deemed an official historic district can be a boon to the community in several ways, but there can be drawbacks as well. Is an historic district right for your community? How do you establish one?… Read more »
Owning a stately home alongside a lush golf course radiates prestige. Who wouldn’t love a house beside an emerald oasis? But there are pros and cons to living in a golf course community. Would life in one be an eagle or a bogey? The positives Golf courses are manicured isles of landscape perfection. Living beside… Read more »
Urban loft living is a stylish way to take repurposing to a whole new level. But this trendy lifestyle has some drawbacks to overcome. Read on to find out whether loft living is right for you. The launch of loft living Over the last several decades, the United States’ economy has shifted away from manufacturing… Read more »
