Veterans and active-duty military require special help when buying and selling real estate. From frequent moves to special government loans, members of the military need a specially trained real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of military life. Agents with knowledge and experience. When looking for a good real estate agent, ask other… Read more »
Scanning the real estate ads, astute readers will notice a lot of the same phrases popping up. That’s not an accident. Like every good sales rep, real estate agents utilize certain words and phrases to make their sales pitch. Here’s what the terms could mean. Cozy affixed to anything usually equates to small. Cozy living… Read more »
When buying a house, how much importance should you put on size when it comes to hosting out-of-town family and friends? Here are some things to think about before investing in extra guest rooms and bathrooms. Season of life. Are you still raising children or are you empty nesters? If the kids are grown, how… Read more »
If a traditional home is not within your budget, modern mobile homes might be a possible option, providing more space and amenities for less. While today’s models look more like traditional homes than ever before, buying a mobile home is significantly different than purchasing a house. Here’s what you need to know. Home size. Single-wide… Read more »
For several years now, open floor plans have been perennial favorites, and they still top many buyers’ wish lists. While benefits to an open floor plan abound, they’re not the best choice for everyone. Here’s how to decide what floor plan works best for you and your family. Open floor plans. With an open floor… Read more »
The already difficult task of finding the perfect home gets even harder when you’re searching in an area prone to earthquakes. The top five states with the most earthquakes are Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Washington, according to the United States Geological Survey. But the truth is, earthquakes aren’t just a West Coast problem. They… Read more »
When you’re searching for your dream home, it’s easy to get excited about a perk like an in-ground pool. But before you sign on the line, you need to know what you’re diving into. Here’s a list of questions to consider before buying a home with a pool. Is it safe? Probably the most important… Read more »
Your real estate professional is your best asset when searching for potential homes, but your agent needs certain key information to find the right fit. Knowing what to tell your agent can help you make the most out of this important partnership. Budget. Figure out what you can afford. Think carefully about all the costs… Read more »
Ask homeowners what builds value in their homes and they likely will name things like kitchen upgrades, a new deck or other hard assets. What may not come to mind as readily is the value of having great neighbors. Yet having a harmonious neighborhood pays off in personal satisfaction and ultimately can be a selling… Read more »
If you enjoy an annual trek to the mountains or beach, and enjoy the simplicity of staying at the same place, a timeshare purchase might be a good option for you. If you like a little more variety in your vacation, but hate the hassle of trip planning, a vacation club membership might fit your… Read more »
If you want to own your own home, but the thought of mowing the lawn and cleaning the gutters is a turnoff, you might be in the market to buy a condo, townhome or co-op. Here’s a quick comparison. What’s the appeal? Perhaps the biggest appeal to a condominium, townhome or co-op is the freedom… Read more »
If it’s time to put your individual stamp on your next house or home renovation, let’s look at the best places to go for inspiration. Some of them require a little leg work while others can be check out from the comfort of your couch. A custom builder. Get in touch with quality custom builders… Read more »
Touring model homes is a great way to help you decide on a house purchase — as long as you don’t get swept away by all the pricey upgrades and the professional decorating. Here are a few tips to help keep you focused on the basics rather than the bells and whistles. Marketing magic. Remind… Read more »
Touring model homes is one of the best ways to get a feel for whether a floor plan will work for you. It’s time well spent before committing to such a huge investment in your future. Take your time and consider the following: Think now and later. Begin by thinking about what you currently need… Read more »
You’ve been shopping for a home and believe you’ve found it, the home of your dreams. It’s the perfect size, the style of architecture you love and a place to raise your family. Then you find out it’s in a flood zone. What does that mean in terms of risk, insurance and resale? Should you… Read more »
Thanks to the internet, finding crime statistics is easier than ever. That’s good news for wary homebuyers who want to make sure they’re moving to a relatively safe area. It’s also a comfort to current homeowners who want to keep tabs on what’s going on in their neighborhood. Here’s a quick primer on how to… Read more »
DIY projects are in vogue. And why not? People like to save a buck or two by doing a full range of work themselves. But sometimes, DIY is not worth the effort or the savings. Purchasing a home is an activity that is best navigated with a professional leading the helm. Using a real estate… Read more »
When hunting for the perfect home for your family, more comes into play than a fantastic floorplan and your favorite restaurants nearby. If you have children, or plan to, school assignments are of major importance. Lots of choices. In some neighborhoods, particularly in metropolitan areas, parents may have their pick of public, private, magnet and… Read more »
While ownership of historic homes can be appealing, it’s definitely not for everyone. Historic homes have their own set of challenges and responsibilities. Here’s a look at the joys and frustrations of owning a piece of history. What qualifies as historic? Historic homes are recognized by an agency or organization such as the U.S. Department… Read more »
Homeowners in a rural setting typically pump their water from wells and remove their household waste with a septic system. While pumping water is an easy concept to grasp, many potential home buyers have little knowledge about septic systems, how they work and what it takes to maintain one. Here’s a primer. Waste water. In… Read more »
