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Most homeowners have yet to embrace smart homes, but the newest wave of devices could change that While there is a lot of talk about smart homes, few of those high-tech features are actually being incorporated into today’s homes. We are not yet living in the land of “The Jetsons.” But homeowners are moving toward…
Staying in a rental has its benefits, but you should decide if they outweigh the pros of owning a home? More Americans than ever are renting instead of owning a home. About 37 percent of housing units in the U.S. are occupied by renters, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2015 American Community Survey, and…
Buying a home can get intense, and you can easily feel intimidated by the lending process and closing requirements. Federal policies affecting mortgage lending has seen many changes in the wake of the subprime mortgage crisis that began in 2007, putting a stronger focus on eliminating predatory lending and increasing transparency for the borrower. Hearing…
If you want to sell your home during this year’s spring selling season, now is the time to get moving. Sellers can rest assured, homebuyers are already looking. Today’s buyers, particularly younger ones, have high expectations. They are looking for a home in excellent condition, with all its best features showcased. “It’s the HGTV effect,”…
Before you buy a home – 1. Understand how much you can afford by determining your debt-to-income ratio and estimated payments (visit bankrate.com and tick “calculators” for an idea). Your first step should be to GET PRE-APPROVED by your mortgage lender or bank. 2. Understand the basics of financing and what you really can afford….
For months now, the U.S. housing market has been hampered by too few homes being chased by too many buyers, limiting choice for potential buyers and pushing up home prices – and even resulting in bidding wars in hotter markets. The persistent shortage of properties resulted in the fewest number of contracts in a year to…
For most first-time homebuyers, securing a down payment is the biggest hurdle. There comes a point for many first-time homebuyers when nearly everything you do becomes focused on saving for that purchase. Even when you’ve been putting money away regularly for years, you find yourself willing to cut out that beach vacation you had been…
Consider tackling these jobs before crunch time. Looking to sell your home soon – or even a few years from now? Whether or not you’re planning on moving, there are several ways to increase the value of your home. In fact, the earlier you take on these projects, the better, so that you’re not rushed…
