When you are ready to buy a home, there are a few items you must consider. It is a significant and expensive milestone in your life. Here are 10 things you must know before making a purchase. 1. Find a Reliable Realtor, you must have a real estate agent who will protect your interests. 2.…
It looks like millennials are finally jumping into the home ownership phase of their grownup lives. Reports from Realtor.com identified some hot spots where millennials accounted for a significant portion of new mortgages. Some of these cities are not the usual millennial haunts: Des Moines, Iowa; Provo, Utah and the cities of Baton Rouge Lafayette,…
You have probably dropped a load of money on Christmas gifts and do not want any extra expenses. To curb energy bills, here are 10 simple tips that will help you conserve energy. 1. Switch to LED LightsRunning LED lights costs a fraction of the money it takes to use standard bulbs. As you decorate…
Instead of wasting money on Christmas presents no one uses, you may consider giving the gift of real estate. Although it may seem overly generous, if you are in a solid financial position, gifting a home may be a smart option. However, it is essential to keep tax rules in mind. Purchasing a Home OutrightTo…
Despite a recent slump in pending home sales, October enjoyed a slight upward swing with the number of contracts signed. According to the National Association of Realtors, the Pending Home Sales Index rose to 107.7 for the month. This number is 3.9 percent higher than this time last year. The index is often used to…
Most every homeowner enjoys finding new ways to improve their home, and many of these improvements can greatly increase the value of the home. Unfortunately, some home renovations may also lead to a visit by the tax assessor and a higher tax bill. Home Improvements That May Raise Your Taxes • An Additional Bathroom: Many homeowners…
It's no secret that foreign investors target real estate in the U.S. Markets like New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago seem to be the most likely recipients of funds from foreign investors, but you may be surprised to learn that this unique set of investors also targets unlikely areas like Watertown, New York and…
Eco-friendly designs are the hottest trend to hit the home design industry. Houses that are designed to be environmentally-friendly feature cutting edge design and amenities that leave people amazed and delighted at their beauty. People who buy these homes also enjoy very low utility costs and a unique way of life not found in other…
As the drought continues in California, green lawns are giving way to more water-friendly xeriscapes. The well-known grass of front lawns and golf course fairways is being replaced with drought-resistant plants as well as other natural and manufactured ground coverings like crushed stone and shredded bark. In many cases, governments, water utilities and other agencies…
Commuting and frequent traveling consumes a great deal of time. If your work has you constantly on the road, you are probably tired of skipping between cities. Thankfully, a solution may be on the horizon. An inventive man from Texas recently developed a prototype for a mobile apartment, or "Kasita." This "little home" is crafted…