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 »
Scanning the real estate ads, astute readers will notice a lot of the same phrases popping up. That’s not an accident. Like every good sales rep, real estate agents utilize certain words and phrases to make their sales pitch. Here’s what the terms could mean. Cozy affixed to anything usually equates to small. Cozy living… 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 »
Your real estate professional is your best asset when searching for potential homes, but your agent needs certain key information to find the right fit. Knowing what to tell your agent can help you make the most out of this important partnership. Budget. Figure out what you can afford. Think carefully about all the costs… 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 »
Open houses are a great opportunity to check out a home and ask a lot of questions. Make the most of your touring by paying attention to these important factors. The neighborhood. Take a lap or two through the neighborhood and even the wider community surrounding it before you even set foot in the house…. Read more »
While house hunting with children isn’t the perfect scenario, sometimes it just can’t be avoided. Instead of letting the kids get the best of you, have a game plan in place that keeps them busy and keeps your sanity intact. Here are a few tips. Call in a favor or hire a sitter. During the… Read more »
Buying a home can be daunting, even under the best of circumstances. Taking that big of a step alone – whether you’re single, widowed or divorced – can make the home-buying experience even more challenging. Assess your financial situation. Just like any other buyer, singles must do a detailed assessment of income, assets and recurring… Read more »
