You’ve probably heard that ages-old answer to the question about the three most important things a property should possess if you’re considering its purchase. Of course, that answer is “location, location, location.” And while that response may elicit a chuckle from most people, the fact remains that this is undoubtedly the best advice a homebuyer can receive as they ponder which house will soon be theirs.
But why does location matter so much? If it’s a great house on a so-so block, isn’t that a good deal? After all, you’re getting the best house available? And shopping isn’t all that far away, right? And it’s only a 30-minute bus ride for the kids to get to school! Sounds like a good choice, correct?
Whether you’ve just invested in a brand-new home with a huge backyard and can’t wait to spruce it up for family and friends, or even if you’ve always had an ample backyard but were never quite sure what to do with all the space, summer is the perfect time to think about outdoor activities. How many of us can’t wait to get outdoors when the weather is nice? And, often, we can enjoy that outdoor time straight into the fall. That’s why making your yard family-friendly is money well spent for all seasons!
Perhaps you’ve got a few ideas, and maybe you’ve already got a pool or other backyard perks. But did you know that outdoor game areas are one of the biggest trends of the year? And, furthermore, they can be tailored to please both kids and adults. And
Pick up your remote control and scan through your favorite cable TV channels and you’re sure to find at least 2 or 3 different shows that tout the advantages of building and living in what has become known as a “tiny house”.
The hosts of these shows chat with us via the television camera about all the advantages of tiny house living and joke with the new owners about their new lack of space, scaling down, and all the good things they’re doing for the environment by moving into these minuscule mansions.
Perhaps you dismiss the idea with a shake of the head and a roll of your eyes. Or maybe you watch intently, thinking “we could do that”. Hmmm….
If you’ve ever given even a fleeting thought to living in a tiny house, there’s much more to know
With adults over the age of 50 representing nearly a quarter of the U.S. population, more and more realtors find themselves working with older Americans, either in the selling or buying process…or both. While being over 50 certainly doesn’t represent being “old,” as individuals start to creep towards their 60s and 70s, they begin to view things differently, including homeownership and what it is they’re looking for in that place they will call “home” during their golden years.
Indeed, for older adults, “home” can mean several different things. For some, there will be little or no change in the status quo. Many are happy with where and how they live now and are intent on keeping things the same. Some will look to downsize. Others will look for a
The condominium. If you’re young, you’ve always known that word, but if you’re a little further up in years, you can likely remember a world without condominiums.
Though historians say there were condo-type properties built in New York City as early as the 1880s, the word “condominium” was likely not used to describe those properties. The first modern condominium complex, real estate experts agree, was one called Graystone Manor, built in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1960. It was much the same as what we still call a condo today – a collection of private living spaces in one (or more) buildings, with common spaces and amenities for all to use. Condo owners paid monthly fees to a governing body, known as a Homeowner’s Association.
You’re shopping for your first house. That’s exciting! There’s so much to think about. What style of home will you consider? Where will it be located? How much will you pay? How much will you mortgage? Is it too big? Too small?
Indeed, one of the most important aspects of home buying is to match the home to fit your lifestyle. This is YOUR home (“you” meaning “you” alone or “you and your family”), and it should absolutely fit not only the number of people who will live in it, but it should also be amenable to how you live.
You’ll undoubtedly get lots of opinions, especially if you’re a single person purchasing a home for the first time. Friends and relatives will want to coach you on “must haves,” and those HGTV hosts will insist that the “open
Most Americans love going on vacation. As a matter of fact, some of us start planning the next one as soon as the previous one is complete. And these days, with the internet, it’s easy!
Many travelers enjoy going to a different destination every time they plan a trip, but many of us have favorite destinations that have become like our second home.
Perhaps that’s you and maybe you’re tired of trying to find that ideal rental in your favorite spot (or spots) and have begun to think seriously about buying a second home in that locale, especially if you tend to visit for several months at a time. A purchase such as that is a big step and not a decision to be taken lightly. There’s lots to think about before you make that decision to buy.
Perhaps you’ve been shopping for your first home and just can’t find what you want. Because of that, maybe you’re considering buying a lot and building a home to your specifications, including all the beautiful things you’ve been hoping for in a new home of your own.
That's an excellent idea, and many buyers find that it’s the way to go. However, there are a lot of pitfalls and plenty of rules, regulations and red tape that you’ll need to be aware of before you buy. So, we’ve compiled a list of considerations for you before you head out in search of that perfect piece of land.
Zoning and restrictions – The last thing you’d want to do are buy what appears to be a good residential lot and then find out that the zoning in the area allows
So you’re single, and you’re pretty sure you’ll stay that way at least for the foreseeable future. You like your rental apartment or home, but you think perhaps it’s time to launch into that “adult” activity known as first time home buying. After all, nothing says singles can’t buy a house; many do just that each year and are more than delighted with the outcome.
Of course, single home buyers face certain issues that married buyers may be able to avoid, but knowing what to expect is half the battle.
Is this the best move for you?
Sometimes we feel pressured to do certain things, just because we’ve crossed the line into adulthood and think it’s the “thing to do.” Buying a home might fit into that category. Many individuals – single or not – simply
Some people want nothing to do with homes that aren’t move-in ready. Then there’s the group of folks that live to fix things. In many cases, these people look at run-down or dated houses and immediately get ideas in their heads about how they can make them better. For some, the worse the house, the more attractive it is to them. They’re ready to go to work!
If you’re one of those people, perhaps you’ve thought about buying a fixer-upper but just aren’t sure if you have the funds – and the energy – to tackle the project in a way that would be pleasing to you in the end. That’s worrisome, for sure. There’s nothing scarier than completing your project halfway and then running out of money, stamina, or both.
