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Unfortunately, our homes don’t always grow with us. What may have initially worked fine for a single person, a young couple’s starter home, or a family with a newborn can quickly become too small as families expand and multiple generations live under one roof. Remodeling and adding to your home is one option for creating […]

You’ve most likely heard the rule: Save for a 20-percent down payment before you buy a home. The logic behind saving 20 percent is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal. It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders. But there can actually

Remember when you found your current home? You walked in and got the feeling it was a great fit for you and your family. Now that you?re selling your house, you need to make that same impression on the next potential buyer. Here?s how to do it. Clean and de-clutter Make sure your kitchen, bathrooms, and

As anyone who has ever purchased a used car will tell you, looks can be deceiving. To get a true picture of the quality of the product, you have to ?look under the hood.? What does this have to do with shopping for a new home? When you find a property you like on the

Have you ever tried to make your way through a maze at an amusement park or farm field? If you don?t know the layout, it?s probably going to take you a long time to find your way through. You?ll hit a lot of dead ends, go around in circles a few times, and maybe even

As you may know, it?s common to include a home inspection as a condition of an offer you make. It protects you from issues that you might not otherwise see during a viewing. What do you do if the home inspector finds something wrong? The inspector might find a leak in the foundation, or windows

What kind of stool is most likely to keep you from toppling over when you sit on it? Of course, two-legged stools won?t even stand on their own. Three-legged stools are okay, but still unstable. Four-legged stools are rock solid. What does that have to do with shopping for a new home? Well, if you

You turn on the television and watch a news story about housing prices going down. Then you receive a flyer in the mail about a property around the corner that sold for a decent price. Next you read a newspaper article about the housing market on the upswing again. It?s a little like being on

After purchasing a new home, buyers are often focused on securing a good mortgage, hiring a reputable moving company, and preparing for moving day. Those are all important. Just don?t forget about home insurance! It?s an easy detail to miss. If you wait until the last minute to make those arrangements, you may not have

Before shopping for a new home, people often create a ?wish list? of the features they desire most. That?s a good way to ensure you choose a home that best fits your needs and desires. For example, you might want an extra bedroom for guests, ample space for a home office, a local playground for

Let?s face it. When you visit a home during a scheduled viewing or open house, you?re usually seeing it at its best. The rooms are tidy. The sinks are clean. The closets are organized and uncluttered. Even the lighting is set to its brightest. That?s just good old-fashioned marketing. However, not every house you see

Negotiation is a subtle art in real estate, but skilled negotiators can usually find some common ground that satisfies all parties. On the other hand, using the wrong negotiation tactics can sink a deal pretty quickly. Here are some negotiation tactics buyers (and real estate professionals) should avoid: 1. Lowball offers: Going far below market

You?ve heard of curb appeal. It refers to the good impression buyers tend to get when they first see your house ?from the curb?. The greater the curb appeal, the more enticing your house will seem. But there?s another type of appeal you may not be aware of: Foyer appeal. That?s the impression buyers get

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, the negotiation part of the transaction can be a little daunting and stressful. However, it is necessary to ensure you are getting the best possible deal for your money. So, what should you negotiate when buying a home? Closing costs. Your closing costs are determined

?Refinancing? is a scary word for many people, but that shouldn?t be the case for you. For many homeowners, refinancing can not only lower your monthly payments and help with your monthly budget, but it can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. YOU?RE NOT TOO LATE. For years now, we?ve been hearing