Smart home technology continues to grow in popularity among luxury buyers, and millennials in particular. Its a feature that can help your property to stand out from the rest, yet many homeowners are still on the fence about installing an automation system in their home. Truth be told, there are plenty of benefits of having […]
Something every new homeowner wants is to feel safe and secure. Here are steps you can take to ensure that feeling. Do a little research and look into things like the crime rate in the area. Find out about neighborhood watch groups and how they work. Change the locks as soon as you move in. […]
If you have a small bathroom and/or a large family, storage space is at a premium. Without a solid organizational system, a bathroom can quickly become cluttered. Items that belong in the bathroom may get shoved into other closets, which can make finding things a hassle. Here are some tips to help you make the […]
A damaged roof could deter buyers, causing your house to stay on the market for longer than youd like. What Is the Roofs Current Condition? If the roof appears damaged, have it inspected by a professional. Knowing the cost of repairs can help you decide what to do. Should You Replace the Roof or Sell […]
Asking a financial expert if theyre working in your best interest when giving you advice on your retirement account seems like a simple enough question. That question is now getting a little more complicated. Known as the fiduciary rule and set by the Labor Department to take effect in April 2017 ” but then delayed […]
Some mortgage lenders allow homebuyers to put down less than 20 percent of a houses purchase price, but those loans are riskier from a lenders perspective. A lender generally requires a buyer who puts down less than 20 percent to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) to protect the lender in case the borrower defaults or […]
If you want to buy a home, youll probably need to make a substantial down payment. Putting down 20 percent can help you avoid paying hundreds of dollars each month for private mortgage insurance. You may be thinking about using all the money in your savings account for a down payment, but that could be […]
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assists active-duty military members, veterans and surviving spouses who wish to buy a house. The VA offers loans with fewer fees and competitive interest rates that can help military families afford to buy homes in a variety of financial circumstances. EligibilityActive-duty military members, reservists, National Guard and veterans are […]
So you’ve got new kitchen cabinets. Congratulations! But now what? For those wondering how to finish their brand-spanking-new cabinets, we run down the pros and cons of painting vs. staining”the two most popular finishing avenues. The kitchen is one of the most important factors in your homes value, so consider how the following information impacts […]
Here are three instant advantages you can expect when adding mature trees to your property. Increased Property Value Studies have shown that mature trees can increase a homes value by as much as 19 percent.. Improve Your Outdoor Space Add instant privacy to your backyard by screening out the neighbors or create a shady canopy […]
When its time to file taxes, people want to claim as many deductions as possible. Home improvements are defined for tax purposes as work that increases the value of a home, extends its useful life or modifies it so it can be used for a new purpose. Examples include adding a new room, upgrading plumbing […]
One of the most important steps in buying a house is saving enough money for a down payment. Depending on the type of mortgage you obtain, you could have to put down as much as 20 percent, or significantly less. Even if your lender only requires you to put a small percentage of the purchase […]
