Real Estate
12 articles
Would you consider hiring a home improvement contractor without first checking references and analyzing their portfolio of past work? Probably not. Most people do their research before they hire service professionals like roofers, plumbers, and general contractors to make sure they find someone trustworthy. However, this due diligence often falls by the wayside when it
Do you ever feel that your house is just too big? Perhaps you’re an empty nester living in the same house where you raised your children, who are now grown and gone. Or maybe you bought a large house so everyone in your family would have enough space, only to realize that you miss seeing your
The median home price in the United States hovers around $200,000, which means your home is the biggest investment you’ll likely make in your life. The purpose of homeowner’s insurance is to protect that investment should it be damaged or destroyed. That said, it’s pretty important. However, protecting such a big investment doesn’t have to
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you might be wondering, “Should I buy a house now or wait?” It’s an important question. And, one of the best ways to determine if you’re ready to buy is to start visiting open houses to get a feel for what’s on the market, what you like, what
Actually living off the grid is rare, but millions of American homeowners can truly call themselves homesteaders. That’s because the Federal Government – and most state governments too – extend special legal protections to homeowners’ primary residences. Generally known as “homestead exemptions” (and the properties they protect generally known as “homesteads,” or “homesteaded properties”), these statutes exist to protect
From the day you start idly glancing through real estate listings to the moment you sign the last piece of closing paperwork, the process of buying a house typically takes months. Much needs to happen during that time: showings, making an offer, completing a loan application, appraisal, and inspection. It’s enough to overwhelm even the most organized
It’s no secret that buying a home is probably the biggest investment you’re ever going to make. It’s also one of the most popular – 88% of U.S. households believe owning a home is a good financial decision, according to the National Association of Realtors 2015 Housing Opportunities and Market Experience Survey. If you’re in
Looking at homes is an exhilarating experience for many. It’s fun to walk through each house, whether at an open house or private showing, and imagine yourself and your family working, playing, relaxing, and living in its rooms. But the dreaming phase of your new home search must eventually end. Once you find a house that fits
As a rule, Americans like their houses big. The United States Census Bureau reports that in the year 2014, the average size of a new house in the U.S. was more than 2,400 square feet. American houses have more than twice as much space as British, Italian, or Japanese houses, and three times as much as those in Russia or China,
If there’s one show that I chain-watch the most, it’s “House Hunters.” Seeing hopeful would-be homeowners search for the property of their dreams gets me every time – and because of my obsessive watching, my husband is now hooked too. In each episode of “House Hunters,” a person or couple looking to purchase a home
If you’re trying to sell your home, a competitive housing market can be your worst nightmare. There may be similar homes for sale in your area, and if these homes are priced lower than yours, it can take months to find a buyer for your place. However, price isn’t the only thing you have to
Even if it’s not your first time, buying a home can be frustrating and stressful, as it can take weeks or months to locate the right house. Plus, with each bid, there’s a chance that the property owner will reject your offer and go with another buyer. Good real estate agents understand this frustration, and
Trending stories
Explore Invest Money
You’re saving it. Now put it to work for your future.