Radical change is sweeping the fitness industry as neighborhood developments, apartment complexes and workplaces have begun to invest in workout spaces, fitness equipment and exercise classes for residents and employees. No longer do you have to pay for an expensive gym membership and drive across town to get into shape. Now fitness training can come… Read more »
Maybe you want to make your favorite vacation destination your retirement home. Or perhaps you’re attracted to the low cost of living some foreign countries offer, or you’d like an investment property you can use as a retreat when you want and otherwise rent out. Whatever the reason you want to do it, buying foreign… Read more »
As you shop for a new home, your agent may tell you that a house you are interested in just went “pending” or is “under contract accepting backup offers.” These are terms common to the real estate process and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) the industry uses. Here’s a quick primer on typical MLS and… Read more »
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone in life. Goodbye renting, hello owning! First-time buyers often purchase a “starter home” — a smaller-than-average but more affordable housing option. Here’s how to settle in and enjoy your first taste of the American dream. What is considered a starter home? Put simply, a starter home is… Read more »
These days about 90 percent of home shoppers first view prospective houses online. Your agent may still do her own search and make recommendations, but gone are the days when agents had an almost exclusive hold on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Now real estate agents’ websites and online home search sites like REALTOR.com and… Read more »
Shopping for a home can be nerve-racking in the best of times. But as coronavirus cases skyrocket across the country, the thought of possibly being infected while visiting houses may have you more than a little worried. Here’s how to protect yourself during the coronavirus pandemic. Tips for staying safe from the coronavirus Try to… Read more »
Millennials are flocking to urban centers with convenient access to housing, work, shops and entertainment. In these areas, micro units — apartments of well under 1,000 square feet — are an emerging trend in real estate development that is perfect for young adults just getting started. Let’s put micro living under the magnifying glass. What… Read more »
Moving to a new city or even a new state is an adventure! Whether you are relocating for a job or just a change of scenery, it’s important to do your research ahead of time to minimize unpleasant surprises later. Here are eight key relocation questions to answer before you go. What is the housing… Read more »
You may have found a home you’ve fallen in love with, but you must assess the house’s condition as part of the purchase decision. Don’t let these flashing red lights escape your notice, or you could pay thousands in repairs down the road. Examine the seller’s disclosure of property condition Most states require sellers to… Read more »
When your budget allows for a large home or a spacious yard but not both, how do you choose? Here’s what you should consider in deciding on lot size versus house size. As always, location A generation ago, subdivisions were built with both generous house sizes and spacious lots. Drive through neighborhoods built in the… Read more »
If you’re shopping for a little slice of country life, you may think that buying land that’s undeveloped will be much simpler than buying a typical house in the city. But it’s likely you’ve got surprises in store. Here’s why it’s crucial to use a real estate agent who knows the lay of the land…. Read more »
If you buy property in an area without a municipal water system, you’ll need to rely on well water. What are the differences between getting your water from a well compared to relying on city water? Pros and cons of city-supplied water The biggest advantage of receiving your water from a city system is simplicity…. Read more »
Although the typical homebuyer is a 40-something from Generation X, millennials have been entering the market in greater numbers. In fact, the up-and-coming millennials comprise the most active generation of buyers for the fifth consecutive year Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y Generation Y, also called millennials, were born roughly between 1981 and 2000, making… Read more »
Perhaps you want to raise livestock and have your eye on some land in the country. Here’s how to know if that rural land is right for you. Start with experts on rural land Any real estate transaction is detailed, but land purchases have their own particulars. Get referrals to find an experienced real estate… Read more »
Millennial buyers, this one’s for you! Your cohort has different needs and wants when it comes to your homes, versus previous generations. For a variety of reasons, you’ve waited longer before purchasing, but your generation comprises approximately a third of all buyers. Now that you’re ready to buy, here are a few features to look… Read more »
Seniors who wish to age in place or families who have members with health challenges often are faced with a major dilemma: Should we renovate an existing space or move to a new home that is accessible to all members of the household. Either way, here are several things to know regarding new and retrofitted… Read more »
Homeowners associations, or HOAs, provoke strong feelings in some residential developments. Avoid conflicts with goodwill gestures such as these. Understanding the HOA’s purpose and structure An HOA is an organization of the owners in a condominium complex, townhome development or subdivision. These organizations allow property owners to govern their neighborhood in a way that protects… Read more »
Homebuyers are looking for the perfect house, but which rooms are the most important? Here are the three rooms that will help sell a house. Top Choice: the Kitchen Easily the key room that helps sell a house, the kitchen should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A great kitchen allows space for the family… Read more »
Everyone shopping for a home looks for a house that best fits their current needs. But savvy shoppers also think ahead to what a property offers future buyers and buy with resale in mind. Here are some considerations to consider so that your dream home doesn’t turn out to be a nightmare to resell down… Read more »
Technology has revolutionized the real estate industry. Agents once spent long hours showing homes in person to prospective buyers. Now, thanks to virtual reality home tours, buyers can take their first look at a home from the comfort of their sofas. Let’s take a tour of a new technology that is changing home shopping. Evolution… Read more »
