Many retirees decide to purchase a vacation home as their ideal place to rest and relax. A second home can be a gathering place for friends and family, and a supplement to your retirement income via future renting potential. Plus, any mortgage interest you pay is tax deductible as long as it’s a personal residence, […]
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You’ve saved and planned and you are finally ready to buy your first home or move up to a larger one. It’s fairly easy to figure out how large a mortgage you can fit into your budget. Your real estate agent has tables and formulas that can determine the percentage of your income that’s reasonable […]
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You’re selling your home at a price decided upon with the help of your real estate agent. Together you have researched the market and prepared to list your home at a price you believe to be viable and suited to the condition of the property. A potential buyer makes an offer, but it’s lower than […]
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Image via Pixabay If you’re getting ready to put your house up for sale, you’ve picked a great time. Real estate remains hot, and you should have no problem finding an eager buyer for your space. But, no matter how in-demand your neighborhood, it never hurts to make minor improvements that will help your home […]
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Although there is a great deal of information on the Internet that can help you decide how to set the price on your house, it takes a real estate professional to evaluate the data to your best advantage. A deep knowledge of your surrounding area and current market conditions is a big part of an […]
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Almost all adults in this country believe that home ownership is an important part of the American dream and that it increases financial stability. But many Americans think that owning a home is out of their reach. In truth, many perceived obstacles are simply misconceptions about what is required to purchase a home. After reviewing […]
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Are you ready to buy your first home? Buying and moving into a new home can be an exciting step for you to take, but it can be a bit stressful as well. Dealing with lenders, searching for properties, and navigating a move can all be pretty confusing when you’ve never experienced such a big […]
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Your home is more than just a roof over your head. Homeownership has long been a big part of the American Dream. A great majority of people in this country believe that owning their own home is either essential or important to achieving a feeling of success and prosperity. Of course, there are many financial […]
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Moving to a new home is a daunting task and finding a reputable, reliable moving company is at the top of the headache list. There are important steps to take to make sure you hire a company that will be priced right, perform their task on time, and take excellent care of your belongings. Get […]
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Moving is hard for everybody, especially if you have children living at home. Leaving behind neighborhood playmates, best friends and school routines is hard for little ones, elementary-age kids and teenagers alike. Whether you are moving across town or to another state, the stress of the change means extra care needs to be given to […]
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Yard sale, rummage sale, garage sale, tag sale. Whatever the preferred name is in your part of the country, it is a great way to get rid of all the extra stuff you don’t want to move to your next house. Decluttering is key to presenting your home at its best when it is on […]
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Spring is an optimum time for home sales as the largest number of buyers start their search. Take advantage of this busiest sales season by sprucing up your home inside and out. Strong curb appeal is extremely important for making the best first impression and you want potential buyers to be delighted when they step […]
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You may be tempted to buy or sell a home without the help of a professional real estate agent. However, you are risking time, money and aggravation without an agent’s skills to help you move through all the stages of a real estate transaction. Your agent’s knowledge is valuable in all cases, but especially if […]
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Selling your first home can be exciting, exhausting and daunting. You have already navigated your home buying experience, but now you are on the other side. Your primary goal is to maximize your profit and there is much to consider before sticking a sign in your front yard. Be prepared to put aside the feelings […]
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You have found your dream house and the sellers have accepted your offer. It may seem like blue skies with nothing to do but pack and wait for the keys to the front door. However, be aware that there are still pitfalls to avoid so you don’t blow the deal before your closing date. Be […]
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“Moving is easy and packing is fun,” said nobody ever! Packing up everything you own is stressful and tedious, so follow a few simple tips to make your move more streamlined. Give yourself time Packing can be overwhelming, so pace yourself to help keep things organized. Pack non-essential or off-season items weeks before your move. […]
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Much of the country is currently experiencing a strong sellers’ market. Homes are moving quickly and it’s quite likely a property may receive multiple offers. This is a strong position for you if you have your home on the market, but you need to be wise when judging which offer is actually the best one. […]
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There are multiple aspects to consider when a senior looks for a new home in their older years. Their priorities in a home will likely be very different compared to what was ideal years ago, and there may be some financing challenges to work through. Navigating the process can seem challenging, but there are some […]
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There are many of us who dream of owning an older home, full of charm and personality. We imagine gorgeous woodwork, wrap-around porches, arched doorways, ornate fireplaces and sweeping carved staircases. All those hopes may come true, but be careful to evaluate the work and expense that can go along with owning an old house. […]
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There are many unavoidable tasks to tackle as you prepare to sell your home and move. However, you can reduce some of the stress with this checklist. Use it as a guide to avoid over-thinking and over-doing a few things. You’ve got enough to do already! First: Hire an Agent You want to get the […]
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There are advantages to choosing a closing date either close to the first or close to the last of the month. Whether you are the buyer or the seller, you have a vested interest in the closing date working for you. The date is negotiable until the contract offered by the buyer is accepted by […]
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Spring has sprung, which means the housing market is in full bloom. “For Sale” signs are sprouting up along with azaleas and dogwoods as buyers start to search for new homes. Each year, around 40 percent of real estate transactions occur between the months of May and August, with peak inventory times varying some depending […]
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If you are disappointed to find that someone else has already submitted a contract on your dream house, you may want to consider making a backup offer. The housing market has been tight everywhere in recent months, so discuss this option with your real estate agent if you really love the house. Backup offers don’t always work […]
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Home inspections, sales history and a good school district are the kinds of things that tend to speak to a buyer’s head. A personal letter from you about your home can speak to the heart. A home sale is an emotional choice and a “love letter” about the features that have made your house a home […]
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You’ve searched and searched, finding nothing that suits, when suddenly you’ve found not one, but two homes that would be perfect. What to do? First, remember that your housing market may demand that you come to a decision quickly. You don’t want your dream home to get away. Be prepared to make a prompt, reasonable […]
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An inspection of the physical condition of a house should be included as a condition of closing the sale. Your real estate agent will make arrangements for a professional inspector to look for defects in the roof, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, paint, windows, doors, and foundation. The inspector will also check for dry […]
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Although pets may be a significant part of your family, they can pose a challenge when your home is on the market. Pet hair and odors obviously must be addressed, but your furry friend’s presence may be the biggest problem. Although people love their own dogs and cats, they may not like others and they definitely […]
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A good first step to buying a new home is to prioritize the amenities you really need the most. Be prepared to compromise a bit. Dreams of marble counter tops, gleaming hardwood floors and a pool in the backyard are great, but be careful to prioritize your real NEEDS over the WANTS. Separating the two […]
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Putting your home on the market in December doesn’t sound like much fun. But, before you let your inner Scrooge get the best of your festive spirits, keep in mind that there are some characteristics of the season that might position you for a quick sale. Deck the halls with a light touch. Emotion is a […]
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Selling your house can be both exciting and emotional. You may be looking forward to a great change with a move to a new town or a larger house, but you are leaving a home full of treasured memories. Although you have strong attachments to your home, it’s important put aside sentimental feelings and make […]
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The emotional and financial stakes are high when purchasing a home, but rewards can be, too. There are intangibles that are tough to measure, such as stability and pride of ownership. However, there are other substantial benefits that are important to consider. When considering purchasing a home, be sure to look for a house that […]
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Buying a first home can be challenging and a little intimidating. Should you grab the first house that you can afford, or is it better to just keep renting? Although there is a steep learning curve if you hope to become a homeowner for the first time, some smart planning can make the process easier […]
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Buying a home may be the largest single purchase of your life and the process can be daunting. Organize your plans and expectations in the following order to simplify and smooth your way into home ownership. Set Your Priorities Whether you are a first timer or a repeat homebuyer, this is an emotional and financial […]
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A foreclosed property is one where the owner has been unable to meet monthly mortgages payments and the property is now owned by the bank. A foreclosed home is also referred to as an REO, or a Real Estate Owned property. Although some REOs may be vacant or need repairs, they frequently look just like […]
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A real estate agent is a professional in a field where most buyers and sellers are novices. This is very likely the largest single purchase you will ever make. After all, how often do you drop a quarter of a million dollars or more on a shopping spree? Home buying and selling is full of […]
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Purchasing a home involves a lot of money, many steps, and many documents. Because the transaction is complex, buyers and sellers do not exchange money directly with each other, but through a neutral third party in an escrow account. The escrow period begins when the seller accepts the buyer’s offer and the buyer puts down […]
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Take a fresh look at your house. It looks great to you, but you have to look through the eyes of potential buyers. They need to be able to picture themselves in your house. Take a good, hard look both inside and out. Be critical because your buyer will be. It is essential to have […]
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It is tempting to determine the asking price of your home by figuring what you originally paid for it, adding the cost of improvements plus a healthy profit, and then put it on the market. This is a rookie mistake, however, and can cost you a lot of time and money. It is essential that […]
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Some sellers hesitate to stage their home because they think it’s too much work or it’s too expensive or they really like their own decorating. So, why should you stage your home before your list it? In brief, it will help you sell it faster and for a better price. Having your home on the […]
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