Buying a house comes with a sense of pride and accomplishment, and it can also bring a few surprises. One of the most common mistakes of first-time home buyers is forgetting to factor in the cost of utilities when searching for and purchasing their new house. The cost of homeownership involves much more than making […]
Home Utilities: Do Your Homework Before You Buy Read More »
How to figure out exactly what you want, and how to work with the experts who’ll help you get it. Selling, a famous salesman once said, is essentially a transfer of feelings. You love and cherish your home. You want the next owner to fall in love with it, too — through photos, through words,
The Everything Guide to Selling Your First Home Read More »
The negotiations are over. Your mortgage is settled. The keys to your first home are in hand. Finally, you can install your dream patio. You can paint the walls without losing your security deposit. Heck, you could knock out a wall. You’re soooo ready to be a homeowner. So ready in fact, you’re about to make some costly
8 Costly Missteps New Homeowners Make in Their First Year Read More »
If you are getting ready to sell your home or know someone who is, there are several small and inexpensive things any owner can do to help prepare it for the market. You need to have a plan which includes making small repairs in the most important rooms of your home, cleaning everywhere within your
Preparing Your Home for a Quick Sale Read More »
Refacing your kitchen cabinets includes covering the exposed frames with a thin veneer of real wood or plastic laminate. Doors and drawer fronts are replaced to match or complement the new veneer. New hinges, knobs, pulls, and molding complete the transformation. What are the Pros and Cons? Kitchen cabinet refacing pros: Costs about half as
Replace or Reface Your Kitchen Cabinets: The Options and Costs Read More »
Paint, dust, and moisture can all make a window stick. Luckily, you can get a window working again in just a few easy steps. 1. Fix a leaky toilet. Running toilets not only rob sleep, they waste water and jack up your bill. Here’s how to change a flapper — the usual suspect — and
The 7 Most-Needed Repair Tips Every Homeowner Should Know Read More »
A SRES is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. If you are age 50 and over and considering selling or buying a home you may find that working with a SRES may be beneficial to you. An SRES is someone who has studied and understands the nuances of the real estate market that best serves the
What is a SRES and Why Do I Need One? Read More »
Ready or not, the tax man’s coming. Filing your taxes yourself may not be your idea of a fun night at home, but even so, it doesn’t really have to be that bad. Yes, even if you own a home. Even if you itemize your deductions. Even if you’re scared of making a mistake. We
How to DIY Your Taxes — and Not Miss a Single Deduction Read More »
If this year is anything like the last, almost 7.2 million Americans will get a tax refund this spring averaging around $3,000. If you’re a homeowner getting this refund, you’re fortunate because you’ve got more creative ways to invest it for a profit. Doesn’t matter if you’re selling, staying put, or stuck in the middle.
Planning to Buy? Got a Plan for What Comes After? 5 questions help you look ahead to home ownership. Buying a home comes with a huge financial stake, a lot of responsibility, and even more fine print. While investing in this aspect of the American dream is exciting, it’s important to reflect on your current
5 Success Tips to Incorporate in Your Home Buying Plan Read More »
