For those with second homes, summer can offer the opportunity to cash in on your property by renting out. But, before you put your listing up on Airbnb, ask yourself the following 4 questions.

Despite a rapid increase in home prices, mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest point in three years. As of Tuesday, the average rate for a 30-year conforming mortgage nationally was 3.6 percent, down 2 points from last week. This drop means a 6 percent increase in buying power.

There are disadvantages to lower mortgage rates however. Credit availability declines marginally as the rates decline. With a small margin, lenders become more risk averse so indicators of credit tightness like the average FICO scores have gone up as rates have gone down.

Quality wood furniture can last a lifetime and is often a treasured heirloom, passed down through multiple generations. Still, even the highest quality wood is susceptible to scratches and abrasions. No matter what type it is, wood needs to be properly cared for.

When purchasing furniture, it never hurts to ask for specific cleaning and care instructions.

Here are 10 tips to keep your wood furnishings looking best for many years to come:

Bicycle-friendly amenities are contributing to a surge in property values  for communities everywhere, marshaled by developments in urban centers and suburban outposts that accommodate “active” transportation. At its core, the bicycle boom is about people choosing a lifestyle that gives them more options and requires less dependence on motor vehicles. Through supporting bike infrastructure, real estate professionals who influence the built environment [buildings, neighborhoods and streets] can play a significant role in creating healthier, more sustainable communities.

Kitchen renovations are expensive but luckily there are small, inexpensive tweaks you can make to emulate the same “new space” effect. Here are five changes you can make that will freshen up your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Before you make an offer on a house, it's important to make sure all your questions are answered. But, more importantly, you need to be asking the right questions. Though the answers may surprise you or scare you off, they can also help you feel confident in your decision to move in on the right home.

Any time the market changes; your buying strategy should too. During a buyer’s market, buyers can make more demands to sellers over their homes’ price and condition. During a seller’s market, buyers have to concede the upper hand to sellers. So, in a seller’s market, these 5 tips will help you get what you want.

Listing ID# 6559

Castle of la Croix des Gardes
Location: Cannes, France
Price upon request
Lot Size: 24.7 Acres
Beds: 13
Baths: 9

For more information on the property
please visit our website castlesmag.com
or call 800-967-3561
or email info@castlesmag.com

Often times when people are planning to sell, they focus on indoor improvement. A home's exterior and backyard are just as important and shouldn't be neglected. You want to make your home as appealing as possible for potential buyers. Here are some of today's trends in outdoor living to help you bring in the buyers

Restoring a historic house is no small task. However, it’s definitely a worthwhile endeavor. Untouched fixer-uppers usually include period detail unscathed by previous renovations. However, special care must be taken when dealing with old structures and keep in mind that old houses are full of surprises and costs can start adding up. So here are a few tips and tricks on what to expect and what to look for when restoring a historic house.

While trends come and go, hopefully the zero-energy mindset is here to stay. A zero-energy home is a space that relies on exceptional energy conservation and on-site renewable energy to meet heating, cooling and energy needs. As the movement continues to gain traction around the country, here is a closer look at what it really means to own a “zero-energy home”.

When was the last time you received an unexpected service or treat? Perhaps your favorite restaurant gave you an appetizer on the house or the local baker you frequent gave you a free pastry “just because.”Did it put a smile on your face and make you want to tell everyone you know about the great service you received?

That’s how your clients feel when you go the extra mile for them, not just while you’re working with them on a transaction, but before and after as well. It’s the little things you do to show your clients you care that matter in the long run. Show them you want to establish trust. 

Paying high rent and making student loan payments can make saving for a home seem nearly impossible.  For some, it may well be. However, for most it’s a matter of buckling down and setting aside money rather than spend it. The biggest obstacle for most young homebuyers to overcome is the down payment. Here, we give you the run down on what it is, how to prepare for it, and where to find the extra cash.

From Boston’s Financial District to the suburbs, housing prices in Massachusetts have been rising everywhere. Jamaica Plain was known to be an affordable area but the housing market in the neighborhood has experienced a significant increase in prices over the past few decades.