Location is obviously important when considering where to purchase a home, but is it still the most important thing to consider? The answer is yes. Here’s why. Property features While a home can be remodeled, the major features of a home’s location cannot be changed. If the home is next to train tracks or on… Read more »
Eco-friendly homes are a growing segment of today’s real estate market. Tap into that environmentally conscious mindset with these tips for both buyers and sellers. Green agents. In most markets across the country, agents are earning a “green” designation from the National Association of REALTORS®. Already, close to 5,000 agents have been trained. If environmental… Read more »
Most roads are public thoroughfares, maintained by local, state or federal authorities and paid for with tax dollars. But that’s not always the case, which is why it’s smart for potential home buyers to ask about street ownership and maintenance. Public versus private streets A public street is any road open for public travel, under… Read more »
Moving for a career opportunity is an exciting prospect whether you’re moving a few hundred miles or halfway around the globe. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for a smooth transition. Documents Moving from one state to another is much simpler than relocating overseas, but both have their challenges. For a domestic move,… Read more »
Thanks to social media, it’s easier than ever to loan your neighbor a tool, buy cookies from the Girl Scout nextdoor or help a family down the street with an aging parent. Here are three avenues, among the many that exist, to bring you closer to your neighbors. Facebook. The giant social media site provides… Read more »
When shopping for a home, don’t just look at the house; be sure to assess the neighborhood. Here’s what to look for and how to evaluate what you see. Drive through. Nothing beats a tour of the neighborhood. Drive the streets around the house you are considering. Is the landscaping tidy? Are the homes well… Read more »
It’s the house repair every homeowner fears: foundation problems. Before you panic, here’s how to tell whether those scary looking cracks are “no big deal” or a sign of real trouble. No worries. If you are living in a new construction home, expect minor settling that causes small cracks here and there. Hairline cracks that… Read more »
When you’re shopping for a new home, many planned developments offer tempting neighborhood amenities such as swimming pools and tennis courts. But before you dive in, read about the pros and cons. Pros. Living in a neighborhood with tennis courts and a swimming pool provides easy access to leisure activities without the extra work or… Read more »
The latest buzzwords in home interiors: bright, cheery and simplified. Say “hello” to white cabinets and light gray walls and “so-long” to dark woods and moody colors. Cabinets painted in light, bright colors, often in white, are seeing a resurgence. Another popular trend is the open shelving look. Typically this look is coupled with white… Read more »
The so-called “McMansions” are out and smaller homes with open floor plans are in. Let’s take a look at who is leading the trend and four resulting benefits. Trendsetters. Empty nesters and young couples with no children and limited budgets both find smaller homes desirable. Also fueling demand for smaller houses is the trend toward… Read more »
Under certain conditions you might consider having a house picked up from its foundation and moved to another location. When would this come into play and is it economically feasible? History in the moving. The historical significance of a house often plays a major role in whether it is considered for relocation. For example, there… Read more »
New is nice, but in the case of a home purchase, buyers may be tempted by what an existing house has to offer. Take a look at the pros and cons of purchasing a “used” home. Charm is priceless. Existing homes, especially those built in the 1950’s or before, often offer architectural elements, historic charm… Read more »
Whether buying a new house or an existing one, buyers typically feel more at ease having a real estate agent working on their behalf. It’s their job to make things go smoothly. Here’s how. Knowledge of builders. Real estate agents don’t just work with resale homes. Agents know the builders in a market — past… Read more »
The hunt for a new home most often begins with the answer to one simple question. Do I want to purchase an existing home or new construction? Retro and quirky versus a blank slate? Consider these eight trade-offs before making your decision. Purchase price. Statistics show that buying a new house may cost 20 percent… Read more »
Buying a historic home certainly has a coolness factor about it. You can regale your guests with stories about your home’s history and carry on the home’s legacy for future generations. But the fulfillment you get from owning a direct link to your community’s past might be overshadowed by the expense of renovating — or… Read more »
Prospective homebuyers will get more bang for their buck on a two-story home, but one-story houses definitely have their advantages. What works best for your family? Take a look at the pros and cons of each. Lot size. The footprint of a one-story home is much larger than a two-story, making one-story homes harder to… Read more »
Security is a concern in every neighborhood — regardless of status or ZIP Code. Here are six things you can do to make your neighborhood a safer place. Know your neighbors Don’t let your busy schedule keep you from getting to know your neighbors. It’s one of the best crime-fighting measures you can take. Let… Read more »
If you’re in the market for a house with a pond, you’ve got a lot of homework to do before making an offer to purchase. Government regulations, potential flooding, safety issues and added costs are among the concerns that need to be addressed by a prospective buyer. Safety first. Living near a pond is most… Read more »
Housing developments built around a country club typically offer a long list of amenities, from golf and tennis to dining and social activities. But are the perks worth the price? And don’t forget to ask whether membership is voluntary or mandatory. Benefits of country club life. Most people associate country clubs with golf, having as… Read more »
While the stunning views and clean air of mountain living are certainly appealing, be sure to weigh the challenges of mountain life before making a move. Here’s a checklist of things to consider. Positives. Living in the mountains is probably rivaled only by living near a beach for tranquility. The majestic scenery and vacation-like settings… Read more »
