advice

Why Have a Pre-Listing Home Inspection

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Looking to get a little more for your real estate listing? Sure, you can paint that front door red and add a few flowerbeds, but curb appeal can only get you so far. One secret to asking more for your home is having a pre-listing inspection. By understanding exactly what the issues are in your property, you can either fix them or list at an accurate price, avoiding the hassle of negotiation when the buyer does his or her own inspection to reveal your furnace needs work or your windows need replacing.

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Five Important Condo Safety Tips

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While living in a condo building or apartment building has its advantages, there are still several important home security things to keep in mind. Here are five tips to keep your home safe from unwanted visitors.

 

Home Sales Forecasted to Have Best Year Since 2006

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Relentless supply constraints and home price growth outpacing wages are testing the patience of homebuyers this year, but existing-home sales are still on track to come in at their highest pace since 2006, according to an economic forecast forum at the 2016 Realtors® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo.

Among the topics addressed were: the growing burden repaying student loan debt is having on young adults, the housing market and the overall U.S. economy.

New Home Sales Soar Higher

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New home sales data released this week showed that sales were 16.6 percent higher than March when comparing the seasonally adjusted annualized rates, and 23.8 percent higher than last year.

This news comes from estimates released jointly by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Mortgage Rates Are At Their Lowest In 3 Years

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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.

Home Maintenance Tips: Wooden Fixtures

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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:

Wheel Estate: Bike Paths Lift Home Values

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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.

7 Questions You Have To Ask Before Buying a Home

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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.

 

Five Tips for Buyers in a Seller's Market

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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.

 

Outdoor Trends That Attract Buyers

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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

How To Restore a Historic Home

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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.

 
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