One of the biggest misconceptions of home buying? The 20% down payment. Here’s how to buy with a lot less down. Buying your first home conjures up all kinds of warm and fuzzy emotions: pride, joy, contentment. But before you get to the good stuff, you’ve got to cobble together a down payment, a daunting […]
5 Surprising (and Useful!) Ways to Save for a Down Payment Read More »
#1 When You Buy Something, Toss Out Something You don’t have to organize the things you don’t have. “I’ve reached my saturation point with stuff, so I developed a new formula,” says Matt Austin, an artist, and designer living in a 700-square-foot railroad flat in Bushwick, Brooklyn. First, if he hasn’t worn something in two
Fixes for Tight Spaces From Desperate New Yorkers Read More »
You want to get projects done around the house, but you lack the skills, desire, or the time to DIY. The other side of the coin — hiring it all out — is an expensive option you’d like to avoid. What to do? BIY, that’s what. BIY — buy-it-yourself — is a smart middle ground
Save 20% When You BIY Instead of DIY Read More »
Ah, the open house — a chance to wander through other people’s homes and imagine yourself knocking out walls and gut rehabbing their kitchens. This is what dreams are made of (or at least episodes of HGTV). In all seriousness, going to open houses (and scheduled private showings) is one of the most exciting parts
How to Be a Savvy Open House Guest Read More »
It’s your yard — yours to do with as you wish. And while that’s great, that doesn’t mean you have to be one of those people who spends every spare moment in their yard, sprucing it up. But, still, your landscaping could use a little something. But something easy. Here are five totally doable projects that your budget
5 Awesomely Easy Landscaping Projects Read More »
Mold strikes fear into the hearts of those who’ve heard horror stories about toxic mold, expensive mold remediation, and denied home owners insurance claims. Yet mold can be found anywhere, including in most homes. It’s usually harmless. Mold needs moisture to thrive. Problems can arise for home owners when the presence of persistent moisture goes
Home Insurance and Mold: Is Mold Covered? 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 »
