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.
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 »
If you’ve been shopping for a new home in a hot seller’s market, you may know the frustration of having the home you want snapped up by another buyer. You may be able to buy the house anyway by making a backup offer, but there are pros and cons to consider. Read on to decide… 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 »
Pest control contracts can be perplexing to new homeowners. Don’t let confusion about these agreements bug you. We’re here to help. How general pest control contracts work One form of pest control service treats for common pests like spiders, scorpions, roaches, ants and rodents. Contracts for these services are offered on an annual basis and… Read more »
You’re ready to take the plunge and buy your first house. It’s exciting, but you’ve got lots of questions. Here are answers to some of the big ones. Q: Is it really better to buy instead of rent? Home ownership gives you more than just a place to live. When you own your home, you… 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 »
Many commercial buildings and retail stores have an entry vestibule, where visitors enter through an exterior door into a small space that has a second door for entrance into the building’s interior. Homes can also have a vestibule and its accompanying benefits. Here’s why you should consider adding a vestibule entry. What is an entry… Read more »
If you’re buying a new construction home, you may not have considered whether the builder had a survey done and is building within the lot’s legal boundaries. But if the builder encroaches on neighboring property, you could end up in an expensive legal mess down the road. Avoid this outcome by ordering your own property… Read more »
Online real estate marketplaces are amazing tools for sellers and buyers alike. But if you’re a buyer, should you make a purchase decision solely based on website photos? Here’s why using old-fashioned shoe leather is still vital to your home search. The advantages of real estate marketplaces Real estate firms post listings on their own… 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 »
Conventional wisdom says that the best time to sell a home is in spring. But selling your home in winter doesn’t mean you’ll be left out in the cold. Read on to learn the advantages of listing in winter as well as ways to showcase your home in the coolest months. A winter listing can… 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 »
New home buyers traditionally have kept kitchen cabinets neutral. But the new trends are all about color, even on cabinets. Here are some kitchen cabinet designs being installed in new construction and renovations. Styles Finished wood versus painted cabinets — which will be big this year? Both! Don’t feel pressured to stick to one style…. 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 »
Properly maintaining your new refrigerator is one way to help keep your family healthy and extend the life of your unit, saving you big money. Keep reading for these essential tips on how to keep your new fridge humming. How often should I clean the inside of my new refrigerator? Ideally, the inside (and outside)… Read more »
