It’s been a long week, and now you’re spending your weekend house hunting, running from one open house to another. You’re tired but still hopeful as you step into yet another home, only to be greeted with a command: Take off your shoes. What gives? It might sound like a… read more →
One of the reasons to buy a home of your own is increased privacy. Many first-time home buyers find a single-family home to be out of reach, while others simply prefer condos in an urban setting. In a recent survey 65% of those surveyed said it’s important to have a… read more →
The last week of the month is always filled with a blizzard of housing data. But unlike the snow and ice that have been pelting many parts of the U.S., the housing data point to a hotter spring ahead. Last week, we saw a disappointing slowdown in completed home sales, with… read more →
If you’re planning a move, you may have an overwhelming urge to throw all your possessions into cardboard boxes tape them shut and think, “I’ll deal with this after moving!” We get it. But before you start dumping drawers into boxes willy-nilly, we implore you:Dcclutter first. There’s no better time to get rid… read more →
Many homeowners can benefit from taking on a second mortgage. Some need the extra cash to fix up a second property or help their kid pay for college, while others just want to lower their payments. Applying for a second mortgage is similar to applying for a first mortgage. However, interest… read more →
There are a lot of articles about staging your home for sale or simple tips to improve curb appeal. This latest piece takes a look at four deeper fixes to consider after you’ve already put a fresh coat of paint on the walls: When your home is on the market,… read more →
Pet ownership is great for animals and people. Your pet will always be happy to see you when you come home. And you always have someone to hang out with while you watch TV or take a walk. But when you rent, becoming a pet parent can be tricky. If your… read more →
Losing a home to foreclosure can be catastrophic. The mortgage lender claims the property. The homeowner is forced to move, and his or her credit and future ability to buy a home are affected. In some cases, foreclosure isn’t the end of a homeowner’s problems. Sometimes a foreclosure can also trigger capital… read more →
So you didn’t buy a house last year. That’s OK—you haven’t missed the boat yet on low mortgage rates or a healthy inventory of homes. In many ways, 2015 is a great time to buy a home, not the least of which is for certain tax breaks. Here’s how you could… read more →
While home is where the heart is, it’s also where your money is. Even if you’ve diversified your portfolio, your home is still a major asset and should be treated like any other investment. Think back to how much cash you poured into your home when you bought it. If… read more →