If you’re moving out while your home is still on the market, your vacant property could attract more than potential buyers—it could attract criminal activity. An unoccupied property is at risk for a break-in, and removing all your belongings doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Graffiti, damaged appliances, stolen copper wiring… read more →
Annapolis, Maryland Distance from DC: 32 miles; 1-hour drive Why: Boats for DAYS, the gravitas of the Naval Academy, and a host of tasty treats Three things to do while you’re there: 1. Take a water taxi to Eastport and down farm-to-table pizza at Vin909. 2. Get nautical by using… 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 →
While a number of experts, animal welfare societies and local governments have concluded that no breed of dog is inherently dangerous, your insurance company may beg to differ. Most insurance companies keep an unofficial list of “dangerous dogs.” If your pup is either a full or mixed breed on their list, you… read more →
The prime home-buying season is upon us, and with it, mounds of paperwork. And, let’s be honest—a chunk of that paperwork will be devoted to the real estate purchase contract. Here’s how you can sign on the dotted line without losing your mind. What It Is A real estate purchase contract… read more →
Some homeowners consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). We think there are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers. Here are five of our reasons: 1. There Are… read more →
Purchasing a home is a weighty decision for everyone, but for Military families, there are many factors to consider before jumping into the home owner’s pool. Military families live a lifestyle unique from many in the economy. Moving from Fort Bragg, to Washington DC and then on to Fort Leavenworth could make… read more →
There are about 80,000 real estate appraisers in the U.S., and they play a key role in most home sales: Until they weigh in with a determination of a property’s value, the buyer typically can’t finalize a mortgage. The profession got a reputational black eye, however, during the housing boom… read more →
Buying a home is a very big expense—and once you’ve kicked off all that spending, it’s easy to find yourself caught up in rampant lifestyle inflation. After all, you’ve got an enormous, shiny new house just waiting to be filled with all sorts of nice stuff, right? Well, take some quick advice: Don’t… read more →
Getting denied a home loan can be caused by a number of factors. Before you apply, check out with these factors may be – and what you can do to avoid rejection. No matter how you look at it, getting rejected for a home loan can hurt. With some new rules… read more →