You’ve checked out the schools and read neighborhood crime statistics. You’ve timed your commute and figured out where to buy groceries. But what are you missing when it comes to evaluating a new neighborhood? Don’t forget to check these seven neighborhood details before you sign a lease or buy a… read more →
Living in cities is expensive. But what can make parting with that monthly rent more painful is you get so little for such a big number. Living in tiny apartments is pretty much the norm in places such as New York City or San Francisco. To afford to live in… read more →
There’s more that goes into buying a home for the first time besides shopping online for mortgage rates. To find the perfect home, you have to log off of the computer, get in your car and see homes for yourself. One way to do that is visiting open houses. First-time… read more →
Selling a home is stressful. And poorly behaved buyers add to the strain: hot prospects who become no-shows, gladiator wannabes who ink a deal, then constantly demand concessions, or buyers who think purchasing a house entitles them to their pick of the furnishings. A little give-and-take is normal, but some… read more →
You wanted a home with a pool but got a porch instead. A big backyard? No, you went with brick backyard just a bit bigger than your grill. What seemed to be a quiet neighborhood during the Sunday afternoon open house turned out to be because the neighbors were sleeping… read more →
It’s a home feature that can make prospective buyers nervous: a septic tank. Part of a home’s wastewater system, a septic tank is found in households that aren’t served by municipal sewers. Instead, these standalone systems are designed to dispose of and treat the household’s wastewater independently. If you’re considering… read more →
Are you a first-time home buyer eager to get into the market? Here are a few tasks that will get you into your dream home. Check the selling prices of comparable homes in your area. Do a quick search of actual multiple listing service, or MLS, listings in your area on… read more →
No one can tell you when you’re ready to become a homeowner. But it’s probably fair to say a lot of first-time buyers wish otherwise. Buying a home is often one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. It’s also among the most infrequent. Knowing you’re prepared to buy a… read more →
Congratulations! You decided to accept that new job offer in another city or finally closed on the home of your dreams. And while you’re excited about taking that next step, you’re facing a huge frustration: You need to pack all your belongings into boxes, and lug it into another home. Moving is… read more →
Summer signals the start of two hallowed seasons: homebuying and baseball. Like the national pastime, purchasing a home supposedly comes with its own set of “unwritten rules.” Conventional wisdom and considered opinion have long led consumers to believe you never make an offer on the first home you tour, or… read more →