Transform your standard-issue rental kitchen with these tips. Is there some kind of law that requires rental apartments to supply no more than a single square of kitchen counter space to each unit? Between the white walls, scarce and often outdated cabinets, and a lack of amenities, it’s rare to find a solid kitchen in […]
What Makes a House a Home For You?
We frequently talk about why it makes sense to buy a home financially, but more often than not the emotional reasons are the more powerful or compelling ones. No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept and feeling of a home can mean different things to different people. Whether it’s a […]
Don’t Believe These 5 Myths About Real Estate Agents
Do you need one? Do they pocket the whole commission? Let’s set the facts straight. Buyers and sellers often enter the market with misconceptions about real estate agents — how we work, how the process works and what the agency relationship is all about. It’s helpful to point out, without getting too far into the […]
2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers
Urban Institute recently released a report entitled, “Barriers to Accessing Homeownership: Down Payment, Credit, and Affordability,” which revealed that, “Consumers often think they need to put more money down to purchase a home than is actually required. In a 2017 survey, 68% of renters cited saving for a down payment as an obstacle to homeownership. Thirty-nine percent of renters […]
Pre-Approval: Your 1st Step in Buying a Home
In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a […]
5 Reasons You Shouldn’t For Sale By Owner
In today’s market, with homes selling quickly and prices rising some homeowners might consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers. Here are five reasons: 1. […]
Small Kitchen? Try These 9 Tips for Making the Most of Your Limited Space
Transform your standard-issue rental kitchen with these tips. Is there some kind of law that requires rental apartments to supply no more than a single square of kitchen counter space to each unit? Between the white walls, scarce and often outdated cabinets, and a lack of amenities, it’s rare to find a solid kitchen in […]
8 Ways To Increase Your Home’s Value On A Budget
A few strategic, affordable upgrades can add big value to your home. Increasing the value of your home when selling can be a difficult task, but a few home improvement ideas can help you stage for success while keeping within your budget. 1. Install a programmable thermostat. Heating your home accounts for more than 40% of […]
5 Ways to Get to Know Your Neighbors
Whether you’re a social butterfly or a homebody, getting friendly with the folks next door will make your new house feel like home. Leaving friends and neighbors behind can be the toughest part of moving to a new home. These five tips will help you make connections and settle into your new community in no time. […]
6 Home-Shopping Red Flags Even an Inspector Could Miss
The home inspection should catch any deal breakers, right? Not so fast. Bill Loden, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), has been inspecting homes for the past 20 years. But he says some home headaches simply don’t reveal themselves during a standard inspection — and some are outside an inspector’s scope. “There are things […]