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.
For most people, their home is their biggest investment — and their biggest tax benefits. As always, it’s best to consult your tax adviser for specific information, but let’s walk through the most common, basic tax savings of homeownership. Income Tax Savings When you file your federal income taxes each year, you are allowed to… Read more »
A house purchase is often the first time most people find themselves in need of an attorney. Your real estate agent will likely recommend several, but it’s up to you to make the final selection. In some states, the title insurance company will handle the closing; in others, it will be an attorney. Here’s a… Read more »
When you buy or sell a home, the transaction is recorded by local government offices. The basic information is open to search by anyone. While some information can be found online, additional data may require a visit to the local courthouse. Information available through government offices. Public property records show the year a house was… Read more »
Home repair issues that show up on an inspection report are up for negotiation. It’s up to the buyers and sellers to hammer out an agreement on who pays for what. Here’s a guide. The inspector is your friend. Sellers often dread the inspection report, fearing it may reveal a major issue that could block… Read more »
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 »
Real estate commission rebates can be a great tool to help clinch a deal. What exactly is a commission rebate? How do they work? Here’s what buyers and sellers need to know. How does a commission rebate work? A rebate — often a percentage of the price of the home — is granted to the… Read more »
If ever there was a day requiring a detailed checklist, it’s Moving Day. Here’s a life-saving list to get you through what can be a drama-filled 24 hours. Clean up. You never know how well a seller will leave your new home so it’s best to plan on a comprehensive cleanup before you move your… 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 »
Hardwood floors add warmth and depth to your home, and they certainly repel dirt and stains much easier than carpet, but they don’t last forever. Here’s a primer on hardwood floor resurfacing. Leave it to the pros. Resurfacing hardwoods is typically a job beyond the level of expertise of most DIYers. The last thing you… Read more »
Don’t let a home’s septic system talk you out of making an offer. But it is important to proceed with caution and make certain all your questions are answered before signing a contract to purchase. Septic systems are commonplace. On average, nearly a quarter of the population relies on a septic system as opposed to… 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 »
When applying for a mortgage, one of the first decisions a buyer must make is whether to lock in an interest rate on a mortgage. It’s somewhat of a gamble, but can be less stressful by paying attention to financial trends. How the process works. While shopping for homes, it’s also wise to shop for… 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 »
If sustainable living is an important part of your lifestyle, you might be a candidate for a “green mortgage” when purchasing your next home or refinancing your current home. A little-known lending product, the green mortgage can save you big money while helping you live a more energy-conscious lifestyle. A “green mortgage” is another name… Read more »
The island has become a fundamental part of the modern kitchen, but size limitations mean some kitchens cannot accommodate one. When an island isn’t feasible, a peninsula can be a great alternative. While peninsulas limit access to a kitchen as compared to islands that have circular flow, peninsulas can be attractive and functional. Floorplan variations… Read more »
Accumulating down payment money for a house is important, but can be challenging, especially for millennials bogged down in massive student loan debt. But don’t despair. Help is available through down payment assistance programs — in other words — free money. The Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, along with the Veterans Administration (VA) and some… Read more »
Do you have bad credit? While legitimate credit repair services can help improve your credit scores, you can do the work yourself and save money. Here’s how. Pull your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. It’s free. Each credit reporting agency, Experian, Equifax and Transunion, will have its own detailed report on your history. Study each and… 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 »
