Life as a landlord may be tempting to homeowners who can’t sell their homes and to others looking to add properties to their investment portfolio. Many costs associated with rental properties catch novice landlords by surprise, however. The following are four hidden expenses that experts say new landlords should consider.… read more →
Ralph Waldo Emerson once described a weed as, “a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.” Might we not consider garbage in the same way? One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, after all. To the non-recycler, an empty bottle is garbage. To the reuse enthusiast, that empty bottle could… read more →
Your offer has been accepted. You’re counting the days until you can move into your new home, but one question is lingering in the back of your mind: What happens if the property has liens on it? Fortunately, the title company or agent typically will uncover any liens — unpaid property taxes,… read more →
Need to finance a home this year? If you had a previous short sale, pay very close attention to your credit report because it might list the home as a foreclosure. It’s important to know how this difference can prevent you from getting a new mortgage again, and how you can… read more →
Homebuying trends have changed over the last decade, and in today’s new market, more single homebuyers are entering the real estate market than ever before. Single women have now outpaced single men as a percentage of homebuyers. A whopping 21 percent of all new home purchases are credited to single… read more →
Pity the poor millennial. Saddled with out-of-this-world student-loan debt, above average unemployment and helicopter parents micromanaging their every move, people younger than 35 can find it hard to make their own path in the world. And buy a house? Forget about it. Despite historically low interest rates and a glut of cut-rate… read more →
Mold Caused by excessive moisture build-up, flooding, leaky roofs, and indoor plumbing problems, the elusive—and often, undetectable—mold can cause serious allergic reactions and long-term health problems. To prevent it, keep indoor humidity low, prevent moisture build-up, and thoroughly dry any standing wet surfaces in the home. Mitigation: First, consult the… read more →
If you’re renting out your home, finding a reliable property manager to manage day-to-day rental tasks can save you time as well as protect your investment. After all, you’ll trust this person to make critical decisions about tenants, maintenance and rent collection. Here are are six tips for choosing the right property… read more →
When homeowners sell and move out,they sometimes leave behind lingering bad odors. If you’ve just moved in to find an odor you didn’t notice before, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways to eliminate smells. Easy Odor Removal Light odors from a refrigerator that wasn’t properly cleaned or a trash… read more →
Housewarming gifts don’t have to be homemade brownies or a “Home Sweet Home” cliché. New homeowners have just plunked down a serious chunk of their savings. Help them settle in with these practical gifts and offerings, in a range of budgets, that can truly make a new house feel like home. Dinner… read more →