Here’s our one-stop shop for everything you need to know about acquiring a home you’ll love. Browse our articles for valuable information on buying an existing home, finding new construction, or building your dream house.
Many people have built financial security by investing in real estate, but finding start-up capital can be challenging. House hacking might be the shortest, simplest path to beginning successful real estate investment. What is house hacking? How can it help you? When house hacking is a good thing House hacking is a new term for… Read more »
If you don’t know much about construction, many aspects of building your new home may be foreign to you. Knowledge is always a good thing, so let’s begin at the beginning: the house foundation. There are three types of house foundations: slabs, crawl spaces and basements. Slab foundations Slabs are the easiest house foundations to… Read more »
If you’ve dreamed of having an in-ground pool just a cannonball leap from your backdoor, you may have an idealized image of what constructing a pool takes. Before you take the plunge and build a swimming pool, take a look at this inventory of what you need to consider. A complex project Building a swimming… Read more »
Shipping containers revolutionized the transportation of goods around the world, making commercial transport more efficient and cost-effective. Now shipping containers are being converted into homes, which has launched a smaller revolution in housing. Efficiency in building The uniform size and design of shipping containers make putting them together like Legos relatively simple. An estimated 14… Read more »
Hardwood floors have been installed in homes for centuries. No other floor has the enduring beauty and character of a fine hardwood floor. Today you have a variety of gorgeous hardwood floor options, including the latest fusion of classic woods with modern technology. Pros and cons of hardwood floors A beautiful wood floor brings warmth… Read more »
A home purchase is the biggest investment most people ever make, so it’s particularly unfortunate when a homeowner runs into unanticipated problems and develops buyer’s remorse. Let’s maximize the chances you’ll be happy with your purchase by thinking ahead. It seemed like a good idea at the time Two elements typically fuel home buyer’s remorse…. Read more »
If you’ve wanted to buy real estate as an investment, you might consider buying a house at a foreclosed property auction. You can get a great value, but the process can be risky and you need to be well prepared. Here’s what you should know. Why property is sold at auction Homes are generally sold… Read more »
When building or renovating a home, you may have to decide what sort of home siding to install on your house’s exterior. There are several types of siding to choose from, each with its pros and cons. Let’s make the best choice for you. What to consider When choosing a siding material, cost is a… 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 »
Structural engineers assist homebuilders in making sure residences are strongly and safely designed and constructed. They are trained to determine how forces such as gravity, wind, temperature and shifting soil affect buildings. You expect to hire an inspector or perhaps other pros when you buy a house, but do you need to hire a structural… Read more »
When buying a house you expect to spend money beyond the sales price for some repairs or remodeling. Buyers don’t expect to have to pay to clear a lien against the property for unpaid taxes, and the prospect is intimidating. What is a tax lien? If you love a house that has one, should you… Read more »
Reality TV design shows have popularized converting old barns into homes, known as barndominiums. Do these televised showplaces work out in real life? Before you sink your money into a barn conversion, let’s take a look at the facts. Three types of barndominiums If you’re interested in barn living, you have several options. You can… Read more »
Whether you are self-employed, a freelancer or have a variable income stream, you’ll face special challenges getting a typical mortgage and may need to apply for a bank statement loan. What is a bank statement loan, and how do these loans work? What is a bank statement loan? A bank statement loan is a product… Read more »
How do you find a good custom homebuilder to construct the house of your dreams on your property? As with any consumer purchase, the key is doing diligent research before you hire. Here’s how to find a great custom builder. Community reputation Look for an established homebuilder already well-known in the community, with a solid… Read more »
You may have stayed at a bed-and-breakfast so charming that you’re thinking you might like to own and run one yourself. Whether you would be converting your own home or buying another, there are important issues to consider before you start buying fresh sheets and towels and perfecting your cinnamon roll recipe. Is your bed-and-breakfast… Read more »
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 »
If you think concrete couldn’t be more bland, think again. Today’s decorative concrete can be a design powerhouse. Take a look at these eye-catching examples. Floors that don’t bore Decorative concrete’s popularity has grown over the last 20 years as residential and commercial buildings have begun foregoing tile and hardwood floors for gorgeous artisan concrete… Read more »
When figuring how much house they can afford, homebuyers with little or no experience may focus solely on the principal and interest portion of their monthly payment. But house payments also include the cost of homeowners insurance. It’s important to research the cost of insuring your home early in the process to avoid unpleasant surprises… Read more »
