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 →
Ah, remember the first time you laid eyes on your home? Whether it was love at first sight or a relationship you knew you could build on, you probably felt that excited spark. But as with most relationships, how we feel about our home can fizzle a bit with time.… read more →
In the long run, buying a home can often be cheaper than renting. But until you see the payoff, your wallet may feel some pain. And it all starts with the down payment. (Plus, to avoid private mortgage insurance on a conventional loan, you’ll need to put 20% of the purchase price down… read more →
The books can be tossed pell-mell into small boxes, the clothes hung in a wardrobe box, but what do you do with Grandma’s china and that big painting over the couch so that they get to your new digs unscathed? If you don’t have the cash to pay movers to… read more →
If you’re looking to buy a foreclosure property, a foreclosure auction should be your first stop. When lenders take over properties, foreclosure auctions are your first, and often only, chance to buy the property—but don’t assume getting a deal is a standard practice. To make sure you’re getting the best price,… read more →