The challenge of buying a home for the first time can seem so daunting that it’s tempting to either just go with the first house that falls in your price range or continue to rent. To help you demystify the process and get the most out of the purchase, we’ll… read more →
Mortgage rates in the U.S. fell, sending costs for 30-year loans to the lowest since early February as the Federal Reserve confirmed its commitment to provide support for the economic recovery. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 4.27 percent this week, down from 4.34 percent, according to… read more →
In a perfect world, landlords and tenants would work together like a well-oiled machine, both generously doing their part to keep each other happy and not disturb their neighbors’ “peaceful enjoyment of the premises,” as phrased in Mississippi’s landlord-tenant law. In fact, lots of tenant-landlord relationships fit this description, but we’ve… read more →
As a homeowner, the need for home repairs and restorations is ultimately inevitable. At some point, you will most likely turn to someone to make changes to your property. As a landlord or investor, referring a contractor puts your word on the line. Putting your trust into a complete stranger… read more →
Most renters sign a standard 12-month lease when renting an apartment, but there is another option available: the month-to-month lease. This type of lease certainly isn’t right for everyone, but given the right circumstances, it may be exactly what you need. Pros of a month-to-month lease Some renters prefer shorter-term… read more →
There are some special tax benefits homeowners get for owning a home. Homeowners can deduct their mortgage interest, points they paid as part of the financing process and interest on any home improvement loans they take out — loans that are then used to make capital improvements or those that… read more →
You were told it would cost $1,869 to move your belongings from Sterling, Va., to Carson, Nev. Instead, you paid $5,012.50. It took more than six weeks for your belongings to make the trip — and when they did, some were damaged or missing. To keep the same thing from happening… read more →
You just bought the cutest house in the quietest neighborhood — or so you thought. Unfortunately, you did your house hunting in the winter, and now that the weather has warmed up you’re realizing the street is populated with teenagers who blast music through open windows and dozens of kids who… read more →
You’ve found a great rental home in your price range and are ready to move in. But before you pack your bags and boxes and load up the moving truck, you’ll want to do a walkthrough. Essentially, it’s like running through a home safety checklist; you walk through the apartment with your… read more →
Housing developers are beginning to see opportunity in the shuttered schools cast off by the dozens in cities such as Philadelphia, Detroit and Chicago. These buildings, closed because of population decline and charter school competition, are gaining new life as apartments, senior housing and lofts. Some of these schools are… read more →