• Moving on the Mind? 5 Telltale Signs That You’re Ready

    When it comes time to list your home on the market, the decision to sell shouldnt be taken lightly. Rather than asking your Magic 8 Ball whether nows the time to pack up your belongings and move into a new space, youll want to focus on a variety of factors to be sure your decision […]

  • 4 Ways to Keep Your Art Collection Safe

    Published with permission from RISMedia.

  • Understanding Investment Properties: What You Should Know

    Unlike a second home, where a homeowner lives for a portion of the year, an investment property is property that the homeowner uses to generate income, and in most cases,is not occupied by the homeowner at any time. Trying to figure out if your next home falls under second home or investment home status? Ask […]

  • For the Self-Employed Buyer: What You Need to Apply for a Mortgage

    For the self-employed, applying for a mortgage can seem like an even more daunting task, especially if you can’t predict your monthly income. But although there may be a few additional hurdles to clear, the self-employed can certainly qualify for a mortgage, and the best way to do this is to be ultra-prepared. Although requirement […]

  • How to Design a Farmhouse Kitchen

    The following characteristics will help you design a swoon-worthy farmhouse kitchen. Stone and Wood Natural materials, especially stone and wood, are always at the center of the farmhouse style. Open Shelving Both fashionable and functional, hang pans from a ceiling rack and use a magnetic strip to keep your knives handy. Copper Accents Wherever its […]

  • Determining Your Condo Insurance Needs

    Buying a condominium can be a smart start to being a homebuyer, without many of the maintenance hassles of owning a detached home. Insurance through the homeowner association, or HOA, covers some areas of the complex, though each homeowner must have their own insurance to cover certain parts of their property and their belongings. Heres […]

  • The Homebuyer’s Mortgage Dictionary

    Knowing that you’re ready to buy a home can be an exhilarating feeling, except it’s often followed by panic. While experience is the best teacher, there are some things you can do to regain control of the home-buying experience. One of them is getting accustomed to the terminology, especially when it comes to the various […]

  • The Hidden Costs of Owning a Home

    Financially, theres more to buying a home than the purchase price”sometimes much more. After the down payment, and once your closing costs and monthly mortgage payments are added up, it can be easy to forget some of the costly and hidden costs of owning a home. Take these added charges into consideration: Property TaxesProperty taxes […]

  • The Top Home Features for Luxe City Living

    Here are the most exclusive home features that high-end homebuyers are looking for in the city. Doorman It will put you at ease to know your building has an extra layer of security and convenience. Private Parking A designated parking space, especially in a garage, is an absolute must-have. Outdoor Living Whether its a terrace […]

  • Money-Saving Tax Tips for Homeowners

    New buyers can get overwhelmed by the additional expenses incurred during homeownership. Besides making monthly mortgage payments, homeowners may have to pay for gardening, pest control, pool maintenance, plumbing fixes, electrical work and more. But the good news is that tax time offers homeowners a number of deductions and credits not available to renters. Check […]

  • When It Rains, It Pours-Protecting Yourself With an Umbrella Policy

    Just as an umbrella can protect you from the rain, an umbrella insurance policy can shield you from lawsuits if something unfortunate happens at your home. Homeowners insurance usually includes some liability coverage to protect your assets if someone is injured at your home. Umbrella policies can go beyond the $300,000 liability insurance that most […]

  • Smart Home Features That Luxury Buyers Want

    Published with permission from RISMedia.

  • Making Home Improvements Based on ROI

    Here are some tips for getting the highest ROI. Go Beyond Cosmetic Repairs Most homebuyers know to look beyond cosmetic damage. More importantly, theyll want to know that the major systems are in good working condition. Rethink Luxury Fixes If youre updating your kitchen or bathroom before listing your home, make sure you’re not going […]

  • How to Best Use Social Media to Explore Neighborhoods

    Choosing a city to live in can be easy, but it can be a little more difficult to narrow it down to a neighborhood. Without leaving your couch, however, you can explore a neighborhood through these three social media sites on a computer or with smartphone apps: FacebookFacebook’s City Guides are a hidden feature that […]

  • Maintenance Costs Every Homeowner Should Be Aware Of

    A rule of thumb when determining how much money to set aside for ongoing home maintenance is to budget 1% of the homes purchase price each year. If your home cost $300,000, then setting aside $3,000 per year is a good start. You may not spend that much every year on home maintenance, but it […]