If you’re selling a house, this is the place to be. Whether you’re interested in the details of staging or marketing your home, accepting a purchase offer, preparing for closing or even in relocation, we’ve got the information you need right here to get the most out of selling your home.
Moving is hard, stressful work, and packing your kitchen may be the most difficult task of all. The kitchen has items that vary in size and degrees of breakability. You’ll need some of them as soon as you reach your new home. Food items may be perishable. It’s all a lot to take on. Here’s… Read more »
Sometimes in a home sale, the buyer asks to take possession of the property before closing. Most real estate agents discourage this practice because it’s risky for the seller. If you decide to allow your buyer to take early possession, you must protect your interests. Here’s what you need to know. Potential problems with early… Read more »
You’ve decided to sell your house. Should you move out before sellers come calling? You may not have a choice if you are relocating for a new job or in other situations, but if you do, is selling a vacant home a good idea? Advantages of selling a vacant home Showing a home you’ve already… Read more »
While it’s commonplace for Americans to haul washers, dryers, and refrigerators to new homes across the country, it’s an entirely different scenario when moving abroad. Not only is the freight costly, but the electrical systems are also different. Here’s a guide to what appliances can be easily moved and what should probably be left behind…. Read more »
As you prepare to move home from a stint working abroad, organization is key. Here are nine must-do tips for a smooth repatriation. Don’t Procrastinate The repatriation process takes time — at least several months to get everything in order. So don’t delay starting the process. Contact Landlord/Utility Companies Give your landlord notice about your… Read more »
Although English is spoken around the globe, ex-pat children who learn the language of their adopted country will acclimate faster and feel more confident overall. Here are six ways parents can help break the foreign language barrier. Sign Up for Foreign Language Classes Before moving, consider enrolling your children and yourself in language classes to… Read more »
Rental properties abroad are typically furnished, meaning you’ll have the freedom to move with little more than your personal belongings. But if you expect to need your furniture and other household goods after moving back, long-term storage solutions can keep your belongings safe until you are ready for them again. Climate-Controlled Units These are a… Read more »
A divorcing couple that owns a home must decide what to do with it. There are several options, but all of them can turn out to be legally complex, so it’s essential to consult with a licensed attorney. Educate yourself about the issues involved with this guide to property ownership after divorce. Who Owns the… Read more »
Selling a home can seem daunting. Making repairs, painting and keeping it clean for potential buyers sounds like a lot of work. Enter “iBuyers” — companies that make you an offer on your house without stepping foot in it. Sounds like the perfect solution, doesn’t it? Or perhaps too good to be true? Let’s look… Read more »
There may come a time when you decide a tree or shrub in your landscape would look better in another spot. You can successfully transplant these plants as long as you use TLC to protect the plant’s root ball. Here’s our guide to transplanting trees from right here to over there. Before you start America… Read more »
With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping buyers close to home, video tours of seller’s homes are in greater demand than ever. If you are selling your house, it’s vital to make it look its very best in a video home tour. Here’s how to get your place ready for showtime! The camera sees all It’s always… Read more »
Women still face hurdles when it comes to equal pay and job opportunities. Even so, sales to single women home buyers outpace sales to single men. Here’s our guide to the implications of this growing trend. More single female home buyers than male Today, single women make up almost a fifth of home purchasers. Male… Read more »
Most homeowners sell their houses to traditional buyers who plan to make the property their home. But investors also buy homes, and sometimes it may be advantageous to sell to one. What are the pros and cons of selling your home as investment property? Advantages to selling to an investor You may have purchased your… Read more »
A move to another community means finding a lengthy list of new service providers — everything from utility companies to a replacement veterinarian. Finding health care providers for you and your family should be near the top of the list. Here’s how to find doctors you’ll love and trust. Consult your insurance coverage You should… Read more »
Books, podcasts and TV shows promote the liberating benefits of decluttering and minimizing your possessions. Swedish author Margareta Magnusson gives you a new reason to declutter in late middle age: to spare your heirs from having to face your mountain of stuff after you’re gone. Lighten the burden We accumulate a house full of possessions… Read more »
Real estate transfer fees are one of several costs paid at closing. What is this fee, who pays it and how much is it? The government’s cut of the fee Typical costs paid at closing by the seller or buyer include title insurance, agent commissions, attorney’s fees and more. About two-thirds of states also include… Read more »
It’s frustrating: You’ve had your house on the market for a few months. Other sellers are headed to closing, but you’ve yet to get an acceptable offer. Doubt and even a little fear are beginning to set in. Are you doing something wrong? What can you do differently? Here are 10 common reasons a house… Read more »
If you buy property in the United States from a foreign owner, the Internal Revenue Service will likely require you to withhold sales proceeds to cover taxes the seller will owe under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA). Mishandling this special withholding could end up costing you the tax plus penalties, so… Read more »
How long do you need to own a home before you can sell it profitably? The answer depends on your individual situation, but generally speaking, the longer you own a house, the more you’ll net from its eventual sale. Sometimes life intervenes, however, and you need to sell after owning a property for only a… Read more »
In residential real estate, the weekend open house for prospective buyers is as traditional as the “For Sale” sign in the yard. A broker open house is also a strong marketing tool. What is a broker’s open house? How can it help you sell your home? Comparing open house types With a traditional open house,… Read more »
