You’ve decided to buy a property in a gated community. But you wonder, “Is living in such a place something you’d like?” Although it sounds quite upscale, gated living comes with both perks and a few drawbacks. Here, Realtor.com offers a candid list of pros and cons of gated communities from the perspective of real estate agents,…
When you have a young family or are planning to start one soon, the things that once were considered priorities when seeking out a home likely will have shifted. For example, proximity to bars, restaurants, and nightlife has become less important than school districts, crime rates and a sense of community. Here, Trulia tells you…
How to Spot an Up-And-Coming Neighborhood in Your City Thinking of taking on the challenge of buying a home in a diamond-in-the-rough neighborhood that could soon be teeming with new businesses, residents, life and high property values? Here, Trulia offers seven questions to ask that can help you determine if a neighborhood is up and coming…
Every successful home search begins with a wish list. Armed with your inventory of must-haves, you’ll know how to focus your search and recognize a potential home that isn’t worth your time. However, it seems the more you look, the longer that wish list seems to grow. Sooner or later, you have to own up to the…
Traditional home-buying methods such as open houses are important, especially in hot markets. In areas where inventory is low and demand is high, even a weekday morning open house can draw a crowd. Trulia offers six suggestions on how to conquer the open-house hordes and come out with an accepted offer in hand. 1. Request…
While that newly renovated home looks great in photos, what’s really behind that real estate listing could be too good to be true. When it comes to assessing a potential new home, the savvy buyer knows to relentlessly sleuth for any hidden problems. Like you would at a car dealership, test drive your potential future…
It’s a good bet that certain home upgrades—the kitchen and master bathroom, in particular—will increase the value of your home. But some neighborhood features are so attractive to buyers that they also can increase your home’s value. Here, Trulia discusses eight neighborhood and community amenities that shouldn’t be overlooked. Hiking trails Neighborhoods with access to hiking…
Planning to purchase a home this spring? Then the last days of winter is the time to get rolling. Here, Realtor.com explains how to get way ahead of the pack before the busy spring home-buying season arrives. Find a buyer’s agent Teaming up with a buyer’s agent during the winter offers several advantages. For starters, because business…
The wedding has ended, and now you and your new spouse are ready to enter into the next exciting chapter of homeownership. Here, RISMedia offers some important details to consider that can help ensure a pleasant house-hunting experience. Neighborhood Have a talk with your spouse and discuss your long-term goals, such as whether you want…
An area targeted to young professionals will differ greatly from a family-friendly neighborhood. For example, that locale with all of the bars and nightlife that you loved when you were not parents becomes less important when you have children. That’s when it’s critical to seek out an area with the ideal school district, low crime…