A growing trend with younger generations is friends buying a house together. It’s easier to buy a home if someone else is sharing the cost, but there are legal and financial realities all parties must understand and accept. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of buying a house with a friend. Millennials… Read more »
Across the country, a shortage of houses for sale coupled with strong demand has led to homes selling mere days after going on the market. Often these houses receive multiple offers and sell well over the asking price. If you must sell your existing house before you can buy, you risk losing the house you… Read more »
Buying a home is an exciting process requiring lots of decisions. What common mistakes do people make, and how can you avoid them? Here is a list of things to avoid. Glossing over pre-approval. Don’t mistake “pre-approved” for “pre-qualified.” They are not the same. Pre-qualified means the lender might approve a mortgage range, based on… Read more »
Prospective homebuyers will get more bang for their buck on a two-story home, but one-story houses definitely have their advantages. What works best for your family? Take a look at the pros and cons of each. Lot size. The footprint of a one-story home is much larger than a two-story, making one-story homes harder to… Read more »
If you’re in the market for a house with a pond, you’ve got a lot of homework to do before making an offer to purchase. Government regulations, potential flooding, safety issues and added costs are among the concerns that need to be addressed by a prospective buyer. Safety first. Living near a pond is most… Read more »
Housing developments built around a country club typically offer a long list of amenities, from golf and tennis to dining and social activities. But are the perks worth the price? And don’t forget to ask whether membership is voluntary or mandatory. Benefits of country club life. Most people associate country clubs with golf, having as… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
One of the best ways to ensure that you get your dream home is to work with an architect. Hiring an architect is a significant investment, but if you understand the process and follow a few simple tips, you can get the most out of this important partnership. Finding an architect. Architects are responsible for… Read more »
A certificate of occupancy, or CO as it’s oftentimes called, is an essential document that no property owner should be without. The certificate describes the type of property and its intended use. It specifies the property as residential, commercial, business or multi-dwelling. In addition, the CO confirms that the building has passed all necessary final… Read more »
When shopping for a new home, one of the options you may encounter is a builder’s spec home. Builders construct “spec” homes, short for speculative, hoping to interest a buyer who needs a home as soon as possible. Typically, all that is left to be done in a spec home are the finishing touches, such… Read more »
When building a new home, don’t forget to put serious thought into how the house will be positioned on the lot or acreage. It might seem like a technical detail but the position of the house can have a big affect on day-to-day living. Let’s look at the crucial elements that go into the decision…. Read more »
The foundation of your home is arguably its most important structural component, since every part of the home depends on it remaining firm and level. Different foundations are available and each is made for certain types of soil and other environmental conditions. Let’s look at the four categories of foundations along with the pros and… 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 »
When you are thinking about building a new house you may face a dilemma: Should I build the biggest home in the subdivision? Or, what about the smallest? Once you’ve decided how much space you need and can afford, if the house you are considering would be the smallest or the largest in a neighborhood,… 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 »
One of the first choices homeowners face when building from the ground up is choosing the location of their new house. How exactly do you go about picking a lot on which to build? Let’s examine the process of lot selection, whether you’re building a custom home or a tract home. Tract homes. When you… Read more »
