One of the most fun parts of house hunting is looking at all the different kinds of homes on the market and figuring out which kind you’re most interested in buying. You might have an idea of what kind of home you want, especially if you’re shopping for your forever home. But while you’re wandering […]
Remember to Get What You Want
Shopping for a new home can be a dizzying experience. There are so many things to think about. It’s all too easy to lose focus on the most important consideration of all: getting the home you really want. Here are five questions to help focus your efforts: 1. Is it located in the neighborhood I want? Where […]
Should You Get Pre-Approved?
One of the best things you can do to ensure you get the home you want is to arrange for financing before you go shopping. This is often referred to as getting “pre-approved”. Getting pre-approved simply means that your lender has calculated how much of a mortgage they’re willing to offer you, depending on your […]
The Benefits of a Less than Perfect Home
When Choosing a Fixer-Upper Makes Cents
Some renovations can significantly increase the market value of a home. Others can cost more than you’ll ever get back. So, when choosing a “fixer-upper”, look carefully at the work that needs to be done. General painting, and bathroom or kitchen renovations typically increase the resale value of a house. “Invisible” repairs such as plumbing, […]
Get Your Home-Hunting Ducks in a Row
Getting Schooled on Local Schools
If you have kids, the local school will be a big part of your new home buying decision. That’s why it’s important to get a school’s “vital statistics”, such as: Safety record Curriculum Accommodation for special needs Awards Average class sizes Extracurricular activities. (sports, arts, crafts, technology, etc.) Scores on standardized achievement tests Daily schedules […]
Fresh Air Sells
Why You Should Order Your Own Credit Report
“I don’t have a problem with credit,” a potential new home buyer says. “I pay my bills on time. I never have trouble getting a loan.” That may be true. However, according to several surveys, most people are surprised by at least one piece of information in their credit report. And it only takes one […]
Will Your Furniture Fit?
When shopping for a new house or condo, most buyers consider such factors as neighborhood, proximity to schools, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of the kitchen, and more. These are, of course, all important considerations. But there’s one question that few buyers ask – until it’s too late. “Will our furniture fit?” This may […]