Isn’t that sacrilegious or something? Despite evidence to the contrary, new homebuyers continue to believe that buying a home is the same type of investment as stocks, bonds, CDs and their 401K. If the housing boom taught us anything, it is that the purchase of the house you plan to live in should not be […]
Color the Path to Your Home with the Right Umbrella
Fall is right around the corner, and that means rain will be hitting near your home. While the earth can use all the moisture, the gray skies can get a little wearing. Brighten your rainy season and your home with a few fun umbrellas. If you come into your entryway or mud room and see […]
Unwrap Relaxation at Your Home This Season
Planning an adult only holiday party in your home can be a wonderful way to de-stress this holiday season. We all know that this time of year is full of joy, but also filled with crowded malls, whiny children, and overspending. Taking a few hours to socialize with adult friends can be a great way […]
Can I Afford to Be a Landlord?
According to Freddie Mac, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), multifamily rent growth should level out to its long-term average performance as interest rates increase. That does not mean that investing in a multifamily property is a bad idea, it just means that the supply and demand conditions are varying by location and adjusting […]
Hosting a Moving Sale
You know you do not want to take all of your old stuff to your new place. Chances are, you are planning to host a sale. Garage sale, yard sale, estate sale, rummage sale … no matter what you call it, here are some things to remember to make your sale a success. Have a […]
Keeping the Old House when Buying the New
The current housing market, while picking up in most areas, has one basic problem: low supply. With many buyers choosing to keep their old home when they purchase a new home, fewer homes are on the market, driving up demand. Becoming a landlord Buyers that do not need the equity in their current property in […]
Professionals Answer: "How Do I Increase My Home's Value?" (Part 3 of 3)
A common question for prospective home sellers is “How can I increase my home’s value or get a higher selling price?” In our earlier articles on this subject, we discuss low budget and economical fixes and upgrades that can increase the perceived value of your home. In this article, we discuss those higher cost items […]
New Gadgets for Your Wish List
As you think about gift-giving this season, don’t forget to give your new home a gift of its own. Advancements in technology mean that your home can be smarter, cleaner, cooler or the hottest thing on the market. Here are some ideas for you that are available now or may be coming on the market […]
Early Spring Landscaping
Bulbs, tubers, perennials and indigenous plants beautify your home and give year-round enjoyment for decades to come. If you bought your home in the fall or winter, you may not know what is under the snow or mulch, but you can prepare for spring planting anyway and liven up the atmosphere with color inside your […]
Buying an Investment Home
Although the housing market is heating up, buying an investment in order to flip it may not be the right plan for you. Buying a flip home relies on market prices going up higher than the cost for you to refurbish it for sale. And … it has to sell. On the other hand, buying […]