So, you’ve found a house you like, come up with a down payment and gotten preapproved. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty, if you and your agent rush through the deal without doing all the homework. Buying a house is like getting into a marriage: You must make sure there… read more →
Homeowners insurance isn’t a topic that most people like to think about. For first-time homebuyers, the prospect of adding home insurance to the other long list of costs can seem daunting. Yet homeowners’ insurance isn’t just required for your mortgage, it’s an important part of a plan to keep you… read more →
Today is the last day of school for Fairfax County students. Throughout the school year, many books are purchased for reading assignments. After the assignment is completed, most commonly those books are pushed to the back of the locker or the students closet at home. Now is a perfect time… read more →
Finding a home with enough storage space can be a challenge, especially when you move often. If your current home has insufficient closet or storage space, there are ways to create a bit more if you do a little planning, and get products to create storage where you need it. When… read more →
With the market heating up as is the weather, there is no time like the present to consider purchasing a home if you have been on the fence for a while about doing so. Today’s market is all about moving quickly if you find your dream home. With low inventory… read more →
Would-be homeowners who don’t have a lot of cash may opt to buy a property that needs repairs. A Federal Housing Administration 203(k) loan is a unique product for those buyers. But when you combine the red tape of government agencies with the additional financial risks associated with people who aren’t experienced… read more →
With memories of snow and cold fading, it’s time to remind home owners to take stock of important work to be done for themselves and potential buyers down the road. Keeping on track with seasonal maintenance will lower costs and raise value. Besides cleaning closets and planting flowers and cool-weather… read more →
Selling any home can be challenging, depending on the market. But if you have an old home and want to appeal to young buyers in their 20s and early 30s, you may need to take some extra steps. First, you’ll need to assuage the fears of young buyers about maintaining… read more →
Everyone loves the smell of freshly baked cookies in the oven, right? Sure, but don’t expect that smell to sell your house, research suggests. Homeowners are often coached to create pleasing aromas when potential buyers pay a visit. But complex smells, like baked goods and potpourri, are likely to damp enthusiasm for a… read more →
Moving can be stressful enough for adults, let alone children. Studies have shown that children who move frequently tend to do poorly in school and have more behavioral problems. The study also found that introverted people who moved often when they were young demonstrated less well-being as adults — and… read more →