There is no flawless house. Each home, even a new one, has some issues. The trick is in spotting the really big ones before you sign on the dotted line. People get emotionally attached to a house before they understand what the issues are with it.Subtle signs such as tiny insect… read more →
When choosing a contractor to head up your remodel, these simple steps can mean the difference between complete confidence and sleepless nights. Remember that when you’re hiring a remodeler, you are buying a service and not a product. Quality of service will determine the quality of the finished project. Here… read more →
A new study shows that many home sellers are unrealistically optimistic, asking considerably more than they’re likely to get. As a result, they risk long delays in finding buyers, which means a lot of lost revenue while the house sits idle on the market. What’s more, homeowners who bought after the… read more →
Banks are getting very cautious about home mortgage loans these days — right up to the closing date. Even consumers with good credit and plenty of cash may find themselves out on the sidewalk if any of these last-minute loan application issues pop up. To make sure you’re on the right end… read more →
They say love is blind. However, when it comes to your home this is not acceptable when trying to sell. Just because you love it, does not mean every potential buyer will too. With that being said, it is crucial to appeal to buyers and start thinking like one. Many… read more →
Here’s the dirty little secret about home renovations: Some of them may not pay off. Of course, the value of a renovation doesn’t depend on the resale price alone, which makes deciding whether to do one more complicated than just crunching numbers. For anyone trying to decide whether to take on… read more →
Death isn’t on the minds of most homeowners on closing day, because we all live forever, right? Unfortunately, no. Let’s face it: it’s really never too early to consider what happens to your mortgage should you pass away. The financial obligation of a home loan does linger after death. There’s… read more →
You’ve decided to sell your home, and you want to get top dollar for it. And you’ve seen TV shows where homeowners spend thousands of dollars staging their homes for sale, but there’s an important detail to consider: You don’t have thousands and thousands to spend. The good news is… read more →
To many buyers, a house that’s been on the market a long time must have hidden problems. And that could lead to unnecessary and endless price reductions. Luckily, even in a distressed market, there are ways to prevent roots from sprouting under the ‘for sale’ sign. Leave it to the… read more →
Congratulations on moving into your new — or at least new to you — house. But now that you’ve settled in, you may have noticed some flaws that weren’t evident during the honeymoon period. Hallway floors that squeak in an annoying way, for example. Or pipes that clang, doors that… read more →