Is a real estate negotiation on a haunted home doomed from the start? Not necessarily, but concessions may be part of the process, according to Clever-affiliated researcher Real Estate Witch. In the never-ending quest for a smart buy, 54% of Americans claim they would dare to buy a haunted house. That number ballooned to 72%… […]
https://lstrep.co/kb0r2M7tD Home price declines may already be over. The Case-Shiller index showed that national home prices increased for the 2nd-straight month, with most of the big cities posting gains. Meanwhile, good news on the debt ceiling and Fed commentary about potentially ‘skipping’ a rate hike in June helped send mortgage rates back below 7%. #housingmarket […]
Here are four sophisticated fireplace designs to warm up any home! Peninsula Fireplace Open on three sides (hence the name), this modern design can be enjoyed from virtually any vantage point. Suspended Fireplace For a distinctly modern look, a suspended fireplace can hang from the ceiling or be mounted to a wall. Fire Ribbon Designed […]
Redoing your kitchen floor on your own is an ambitious undertaking that can be accomplished with the right supplies, tools and know-how. Whether you want to redo your floor by yourself to save money or simply for a sense of accomplishment, there are various ways to get the job done. Here are several things that […]
Its no secret that the kitchen ranks highly among luxury homeowners. Often described as the heart of the home, this is where families gather together and make memories, which is why you want a cooking area thats a cut above the rest. Here are a few key features thatll enhance your kitchen, as well as […]
Regular maintenance is an ongoing process for every homeowner. Keeping up with smaller projects is essential if you want to avoid major problems down the road. With a little bit of preventative maintenance, you can ensure that your home remains beautiful and efficient for years to come. Here are four areas of your home that […]
Your home is your haven, and its style can say a lot about your personality. One feature can even hint at your traits when guests arrive”the door knobs! According to Weiser, a security solutions provider, the following knob finishes can be indicative of your personality as a homeowner: Bright Brass. Ideal for those with a […]
For many students and their parents, a college education is a top priority. With education costs continually rising, paying for a degree may seem difficult or impossible. Some parents consider using their homes equity to obtain funds for college but arent sure if that would be a wise move. Benefits of Using Home Equity for […]
When calculating the cost of homeownership, it’s important to include not only everyday costs, such as mortgage payments, utilities and property taxes, but also inevitable home-repair expenses. Some of the most common home repairs involve plumbing fixtures, patios, fences and driveways, heating and air conditioning systems, and painting both inside and out. Youll also likely […]
Roof damage can occur suddenly”for example, if shingles are blown off in a storm”or a small leak can gradually grow larger. A leaky roof can affect the inside of your house as well as the foundation. It can also affect your familys health by causing mold that can trigger allergic reactions and lead to breathing […]
Just as you want to put your best financial foot forward when applying for a mortgage to buy your first home, you also want to prepare your finances before refinancing a home loan. A mortgage refi can pay for a kitchen or bathroom remodel, for example, or for something as simple as replacing a homes […]
Homeowners insurance is an important financial safeguard to protect you, your home and other assets from potential disasters or accidents. Its also an added expense homeowners need to budget for. Depending on the size and location of your home, as well as which insurance provider you choose, policy prices can vary widely. To help you […]
Bringing a historic home into the 21st century is a balancing act of the highest degree. You want the latest luxuries without having to get rid of the charming period details of yesteryear. Whether youre in the market for a home that exudes Old World craftsmanship or youre ready to breathe new life into your […]
House prices come with a lot of digits, but that shouldn’t scare you away from buying a home. A mortgage”as opposed to rent”allows you to slowly purchase your home over time. So, instead of paying rent and helping somebody else pay their mortgage, why not invest in your own property? According to the InCharge Institute […]
Home insurance may be one of the last things youll think about when buying a home, but in some situations, insuring your biggest asset isnt so easy. And without insurance, you wont be able to qualify for a home loan. Here are five things that can make getting home insurance difficult, or at least more […]
Home shoppers who haven’t checked their credit report months before applying for a home loan may be in for a shock when they visit a loan officer. A host of problems could pop up: Their credit score could be a little too low to qualify for the best rate on a mortgage, they’re using a […]
If you’re like many people, you tend to do at least a little work from home. Dont let an outdated office hold you back. Give your home office an upgrade by splurging on something inspirational. Something that excites you. Next, focus on lighting. The best bet is to set up your work station by a […]
So you want to add a little feng shui flavor to your home? The following tips can help foster a strong connection between your space and your energy, which can impact the way you feel when you move through your home, and attract positivity in your life. 1. Pay attention to your entryway. Everyone likes […]
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 […]
The mortgage process can be complicated if you jump in without any prior knowledge on home-buying and lending. The best tool you can arm yourself with is an understanding of how your mortgage interest rate is calculated. Credit Can Make or Break You Your credit score will determine how reliable you are in the lending […]
Between the craziness of work, social events and family, its difficult to find the time to clean the house, let alone do a deep cleaning. Although we all somehow manage to clean regularly enough to keep our homes looking and smelling fresh, many people also likely ignore some commonly overlooked problem areas. Are you ready […]
Selling your home will involve a lot of paperwork. The requirements may vary somewhat depending on where you live, but the following are some of the most important documents youll likely need: Documents From Your Purchase of the HouseYoull need the original sales contract from the time when you bought the house. Thatll let the […]
If theres one part of a home where you can cut loose and have fun, its the game room. Whether youre a pool shark or board game enthusiast, having a designated area to spend leisure time with friends and family is a luxury that cannot be overlooked. While these recreation spaces can be a challenge […]
If youre searching for a new home, you might want to consider looking in a subdivision. You could find a house with amenities that homes in other neighborhoods lack, but there are some downsides to consider. What Are Houses Like in a Subdivision?Houses in a subdivision were most likely built by the same construction company. […]
Financial problems can strike at any time. An illness or injury can leave you or your spouse unable to work, or a childs or parents medical issue can require you or your spouse to cut back on work hours, take an extended period of time off, or quit. In such a situation, your family may […]
When a potential homebuyer comes by to look at your home, they will most likely park their car and walk to the front door via the driveway. And that means one of the earliest impressions they will have of your home in-person is of the driveway itself. While we tend not to think much about […]
Mortgage brokers and other real estate experts can often help homebuyers find the best interest rate on a mortgage that fits their needs, but that doesnt mean borrowers shouldnt shop around so that they’re well informed before talking to an expert. Here are a few things consumers can do to get the best interest rate […]
If you’ve owned a home for several years and made responsible financial decisions, you may have built a significant amount of equity. Home equity is the difference between the current market value of your house and the amount you still owe on the mortgage. If the value is greater than the debt, you have positive […]
So you’re looking for a home loan? Before you find yourself up to your knees in brand new terminology, brush up on these common phrases: FICO scoreThese are the credit scores that the majority of lenders use to determine your credit risk, and the number makes a very big difference in terms of what interest […]
Saving up for a down payment is perhaps the biggest hurdle to buying a home for many Americans, but how much money do you really need to put down in order to secure a deal? By definition, a down payment is the amount of money a buyer spends up front to purchase a house. A […]
If you’re like many people, you tend to do at least a little work from home. Whether you full on run a business out of your living space or simply need a nook to work on your finances or groom your Pinterest board, the following tips can help you upgrade that home office. Splurge on […]
For many families, having enough storage space is essential. To avoid clutter, consider these factors before buying a home: Are the closets big enough to fit all your clothes or kids toys? Does the bathroom allow enough dedicated space for cosmetics and toiletries? Would a lack of food storage cut into space for cookware in […]
As millennials continue to have an ever-increasing impact on the luxury property market, its important to consider how this can affect your homes value. Over the past few years, millennials have established that their tastes and preferences significantly differ from those of their parents. If youre hoping that your house will appeal to this new […]
If youre about to put your home on the market, there are probably some repairs and changes that need to be taken care of to ensure you get top dollar for your home. But before you begin tearing your home apart, its important to understand that some home improvements can be categorized as major and […]
Here are five interior design styles millennials love. Warm Minimalism Warm up millennial minimalism with earth tones, natural textures and handmade objects. Maximalism On the other end of the spectrum is maximalism. Love collecting items from different places, time periods and design movements? Maximalism is for you! Grandmillennial Some millennials prefer to decorate with an […]
Pests, carbon monoxide and mold”oh my! These hazards can be hiding in a home and, if left unchecked, could cause serious health issues or become costly. Thankfully, these and many other issues are easily manageable. If you want to ensure your home isnt at risk, HomeAdvisor suggests starting with these six possible household problems: 1. […]
Mortgage lenders typically want borrowers to put down 20 percent of the purchase price toward a home. For borrowers who do not have a lot of money for a down payment, it can be difficult to qualify for a mortgage. Some lenders approve mortgages with less money down, but those borrowers are considered a higher […]
Whether youve owned a home for years or are buying your first home, purchasing insurance can be confusing. Some of that confusion can come from policy myths that are often not true. If ignored, thesefive home insurance myths could cost you in the long run. Flood coverage is standard. Flood insurance isnt usually part of […]
Heres how to elegantly illuminate your property after dusk. Create Evening Curb Appeal Sconces around the front door or a driveway lamp post add significant curb appeal. Illuminate your Landscaping Spotlight your garden and other plantings around your property to show them off at all hours. Light Up the Walkways Soft and subtle lighting is […]
Exercise rooms have fast become an expected amenity for luxury homebuyers. Being able to stick to your daily fitness regimen or have a session with a private trainer without leaving your house is an extraordinary convenience. Besides, we dont all have time to get to the gym! Some people hear the term home gym and […]
Most people who want to purchase a house cant afford to pay cash and therefore need to take out a mortgage. The type of loan you choose will depend on your financial circumstances and plans and can have a significant impact on your monthly costs, so its essential to understand all your options. Government or […]
Flooding can happen anytime, anywhere. And damages are generally not included in your homeowners policy. But two devices can flood-proof your home: a backflow valve, and a sump pump. Both control floodwaters by redirecting them. A backflow valve directs overflow to an outside receptable – a sump pump directs overflow to a storm drain or […]
A fresh coat of paint can give new life to a home. Whether youre a seller aiming to impress potential homebuyers, or you just want to change things up, painting is an easy and effective way to revamp your homes look for relatively cheap. That said, a bad paint job that results in uneven edging, […]
There are many advantages of homeownership, but the burden of maintaining, repairing and replacing home appliances goes right along with it. The decision to repair or replace a broken or failing appliance is often made under pressure and without adequate knowledge about the nature of the appliance or its expected lifetime. Water HeatersUnless the water […]
These cutting-edge security features will ensure your property is prepared for anything! Biometric Keypad With biometric keypads, all of your doors can be set to automatically lock and simply require your fingerprint to open. Home Firewall Installing a firewall provides an extra layer of protection to any online vulnerabilities. Safe Room A fortified safe room […]
Buying title insurance is a pretty straightforward process. A title company will walk you through the process and will do almost all of the work itself. Still, there are some things to know about how to find a good title insurance company and how much the service costs. When buying title insurance, look to your […]
Closing costs are 2-5 percent of the purchase price of a home, resulting in an average of $3,700 in fees for paperwork required to buy a house. Thats a lot of money to come up with when you may have already put everything toward a down payment. Some fees from mortgage lenders are required by […]
Homeownership is a dream for many people, but some take on more debt than they should. If you’re thinking about buying a house, consider your income and current and potential expenses. How Mortgage Lenders Decide How Much Applicants Can Afford Lenders look at the total gross income of all individuals applying for a mortgage. This […]
If you bought a house with a mortgage, odds are the lender required you to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI). This insurance is designed to protect the lender if you stop making payments on your home loan. Although lenders typically dont require PMI if a homebuyer makes a down payment of at least 20 […]
Homes cost a lot of money to maintain. But are you spending extra money unnecessarily on upkeep? Here are seven of the most expensive mistakes you could be making in your home: 1. Using Traditional Light Bulbs.If you still have incandescent light bulbs in your home, you could be throwing a lot of money away […]
Many renters, especially young couples planning to settle down and start a family, debate whether to keep renting an apartment or buy a home. Depending on your financial situation and long-term goals, though, one option may be better than the other. To determine if its the right time for you to start searching for a […]
For seniors who want to continue to live in their homes during retirement, a reverse mortgage can be an attractive option. It allows seniors to access the equity theyve built up by paying their mortgages over the years and use that money to cover living expenses. Sometimes seniors who have taken out a reverse mortgage […]
With these styles, youre guaranteed a kitchen thatll stand the test of time… Farmhouse Kitchen A rustic-inspired design, neutral colors combine with exposed wood beam ceilings and butcher-block countertops. Mediterranean Kitchen A kitchen that feels like you’re always on vacation. Dark wooden surfaces and ornate lighting create a romantic ambience. White Kitchen From coastal getaways […]
What is a comfort letter, and why might you need to submit one? The mortgage process when purchasing a home can be tricky. There’s a ton of paperwork to read through and sign”so much that your hand might cramp up from the vast amounts of signatures required. But don’t worry if your mortgage lender requests […]
Many homebuyers choose to a purchase a house on a cul-de-sac just to avoid a busy street. However, there are pros and cons you should be aware of up front. Traffic Since there’s only one way in and out, a cul-de-sac has less traffic than a typical street. Parking Depending on the size and layout […]
With a variety of home surveillance kits available, many handy homeowners have chosen to install security cameras themselves. The installation process can be easy, but knowing the proper way to place and angle the cameras is vital to keeping your home as safe as it can be. The most important factor in judging where to […]
If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage, programs are available to help homeowners in situations like yours keep their houses or avoid foreclosure. Don’t wait to ask for help. Talk to Your Loan Servicer and a Housing CounselorIf you can’t pay your mortgage on time, contact your loan servicer. Explain the reason for the problem […]
A mortgage is likely the largest debt you will ever have to repay. The idea of having a mortgage hanging over your head for up to 30 years can feel daunting. With some sacrifices and discipline, you might be able to pay off your loan years ahead of schedule. Make Extra PaymentsSome mortgage lenders allow […]
Coming up with the down payment on a home can be hard enough, and one way to make a home more affordable is to spread out the mortgage payments over 30 years. But 30 years can be daunting, and that time can be cut down with a 15-year mortgage. Its a lot more expensive in […]
