Each decade has had its share of questionable home design, from the extensive wood paneling and Harvest Gold appliances of the 1970s to the next decade’s overuse of glass blocks, vertical blinds and country-style decor. Some of these serve as powerful buyer-repellant; others just ding the price, as people figure… read more →
Selling your home is a real art form these days. The marketing! The staging! Yet there’s one thing that you, Joe or Sally Homeowner, often forget: Would-be buyers don’t care how much you love your pets. And they’re not interested in seeing — or smelling — evidence of Fido or… read more →
A real estate owned (REO) home is one that is owned by a lending institution as a result of forfeiture or failure to make mortgage payments. REO homes are popular with investors and home buyers looking for a deal. When a homeowner defaults on a mortgage loan, the property ends up at… read more →
It takes a special person to see the potential in a home that’s in need of serious rehab. If you’ve got your heart set on buying a dream fixer-upper — but don’t have the savings to cover both a down payment and a renovation — there are loan products out… read more →
About Septic Systems A septic system is one way of dealing with wastewater after it is flushed down your toilets or washed down your drains. Septic systems, unlike sewer systems, are privately owned and maintained. They’re common in rural areas where municipal sewer systems do not exist. Septic systems consist… read more →
Here are 10 key Western Feng Shui tips that will help you create a home where you will feel supported and inspired and look forward to coming home to each day. A place that rejuvenates rather than depletes you. 1. Make your Entryway entrancing The entryway is considered the… read more →
Make sure a new home is what you want before you seal the deal. According to Trulia’s latest survey, twice as many people prefer new homes to existing homes. “New” means exactly that: brand-new properties that have never been lived in before, or homes purchased in the preconstruction phase. On the… read more →
There are several ways to pay for your home improvement project. Which one is right for you? That depends on a range of factors, including project cost, your household budget, how much you’ve saved, and how soon you plan to start work. This checklist of pros and cons can help… read more →
With spring being the busiest time for real estate, homeowners planning to put their homes on the market shouldn’t wait for flowers to bloom before getting ready to sell. Having a few months to prepare can make for a much smoother selling experience. If you’re a prospective home seller, here… read more →
There is something liberating about spending time outside on a deck. Whether you make it a private retreat shaded by vegetation or an energetic entertainment area complete with a built-in BBQ, this outdoor living space is often the most enjoyable area of a home. It also increases the value of… read more →