Some homeowners consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). We think there are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers. Here are five of our reasons: 1. There Are… read more →
Purchasing a home is a weighty decision for everyone, but for Military families, there are many factors to consider before jumping into the home owner’s pool. Military families live a lifestyle unique from many in the economy. Moving from Fort Bragg, to Washington DC and then on to Fort Leavenworth could make… read more →
There are about 80,000 real estate appraisers in the U.S., and they play a key role in most home sales: Until they weigh in with a determination of a property’s value, the buyer typically can’t finalize a mortgage. The profession got a reputational black eye, however, during the housing boom… read more →
He bristles at your questions about his work history. He says there’s no reason to solicit other contractor bids. His company demands payment up front, in cash. He tells you this is the way renovations get done. Maybe you don’t know any different because this is your first major home… read more →
No matter who you are, or where you live, everyone needs to reduce the amount of mold and mildew in the air they are breathing in. If you smell a musty odor in your home or workplace, there is a good chance that it is probably mold or mildew. Of… read more →
Homeowners in cold-weather climates—such as the Northeast, Midwest, and mountain areas—face icy conditions, blizzards and other cold-weather storms. Beyond requiring a quick trip to the convenience store for milk and bread, severe cold weather can threaten your home’s structure and your safety. Therefore, it’s important to take measures and invest in… read more →
Selling your home in the winter is hard enough without snow. Add some frozen tundra or gray-brown slush, and you might be tempted to put that “For Sale” sign away until spring, when budding flowers and lush lawns entice buyers on their own. But waiting isn’t an option for everyone. If a job transfer… read more →
Home shopping makes you a little (OK, a lot) house-obsessed. Between stalking online listings, flipping through all the design magazines, and gorging on HGTV marathons, you know exactly what you want in painstaking detail. Ain’t nobody gonna say you can’t have what you want. And hey, we’re totally on board. You’ve earned this! Buy… read more →
Timing your move out of one house and into another is a delicate feat that might seem as tricky as determining the next GOP presidential nominee. Trickier, even! In addition to the usual stress of packing and arranging to have your things transported (we’re talking about housing again), you also need to coordinate… read more →
What could be sweeter than moving into your childhood home—tucking your own kids into your old bedroom at night, or serving Thanksgiving dinner in the same dining room that was the backdrop for decades of your own holidays? And then there are the logistical benefits: The place may be cheap (or—praise the Lord—free!) and near extended family. And… read more →