You can get a great deal on real estate owned property, but buying a home owned by a lender comes with some risk. Lenders sell REO properties “as is,” meaning you won’t receive any information about the history of the home. That could create some problems when you go to insure… read more →
Though often overlooked, your garage is one of the most important rooms in the house. It’s also one of the largest. It gets used several times everyday. It acts as a main storage unit. Plus, if you have an attached addition, it probably becomes your most accessible entryway, which makes… read more →
There’s plenty to worry about when you’re ready to purchase a home. From concerns over possible leaks in the roof, to worrying about the age of the pipes in the bathroom—or whether a crack in the wall is a sign of a larger issue—there are plenty of items to fret about. With the structure… 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 →
Homes cost money. Not just the mortgage and the taxes, or even the down payment, but all the myriad things—from the heating to the gutters—that sap your savings. Aside from careful money management, how can you reduce your daily home expenses? Think Big Your biggest regular expense is likely your mortgage. You may be able to… read more →
Not all tenants are created equal. Some pay the rent on time, others don’t. Some are high-maintenance, others aren’t. And some are just more trouble than they’re worth. Which brings up the unenviable question: How do you know when it’s time to say “happy trails” to a problem renter? Rules… read more →
Believe in it or not, there are plenty of bad—and good—omens woven into our culture. Whether you’re facing seven years’ bad luck from that broken mirror or carrying around a rabbit’s foot in the hopes of turning your luck around, omens are all around us—even in real estate. If you’re… read more →
Preparing walls for painting is the most difficult part of the painting process. If you don’t put in the time to scrape, patch, sand, and prime the walls, your finished project will show it. To get beautiful, glass-smooth walls and baseboards, follow these simple preparation tips. How to Prep Walls… read more →
It can be hard to sell a house if it has a reputation for being haunted or if someone is known to have died in the house. If the death occurred within the last three years, then the homeowner is legally obliged to disclose this fact before he sells the house.… 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 →