Many of the design features looking to dominate this year’s kitchen and baths trends remain classic elements, but perhaps with innovative materials and function. Here’s a look at the top trends you’ll see and the homes representing them: Soft Contemporary This is still very much a modern, contemporary look, but with softer lines, warmer color […]
National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun predicted in November that we’d see a 15% growth in housing prices over the next three years, yet he was concerned about the housing affordability in this coming year. Yesterday’s announcement from NAR that housing affordability was up to 194, breaking the previous record of 186 in […]
While we’ve been spared lunging over the dreaded fiscal cliff, there are several real estate related items of which you need to be aware. Below is a summary of real estate related provisions in the bill and compiled by the National Association of Realtors: Real Estate Tax Extenders • Mortgage Cancellation Relief is extended for […]
You’re probably well aware by now, that your credit score will influence what kind and how much of a mortgage you can afford. But, did you know your credit score can also affect your home and auto insurance? That’s right. Just as mortgage companies evaluate your credit history to determine whether or not you’re considered […]
Interesting information from Dian Hymer of Inman News: At the end of the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, homeowners in many areas cashed in big profits when they sold. This enabled them to trade up to a bigger home, sometimes in a better neighborhood. Homeowners used their homes as piggy banks through the use of home […]
If your home will be for sale this winter, it is important to master certain seasonal issues that are less significant or even non-existent at other times of the year. Here are a few tips to aid in the successful sale of your home: • Brighten it up: Counter the cloudy days of winter by […]
The November poll hosted on the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) website queried consumers regarding holiday spending. The results revealed that 50 percent of consumers intend to spend less on holiday purchases this year than last, indicating they are in a worse financial position, while thirty-seven percent plan to spend nothing at all, as […]
Is all debt created equal? Maybe not. In order to pay down debt faster while paying the least amount of interest, you’ll need to prioritize some debt over others so that you can pay the least amount in the long run–being strategic about which ones you pay off first can save a significant amount of […]
Family Features—Over half of all Americans will need to make choices about their health insurance by 2014, and already, millions are making decisions about their Medicare drug or Medicare Advantage plans. But many people struggle with choosing the right plans for personal health care insurance, family plans, or deciding on behalf of a loved one. […]
In the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy, thousands of homeowners along the East Coast are assessing the damage their homes sustained in the storm and will soon begin the rebuilding process. A natural disaster of this magnitude can be daunting, leaving many unsure of where to begin. If your home was affected, read the following […]
In this segment, we’re going to talk about long-term energy savings and consider a few effective but higher cost efficiency initiatives. While these investments are somewhat larger than that of simply caulking a window, the potential savings are larger as well. These investments include: -Making sure you have good insulation in exterior walls, ceilings with […]
These days, it seems easy for credit scores to be damaged and difficult to improve your scores even when you’ve done nothing wrong. Because scores can be so important to your buying power and even job fitness, and because every little factor counts in determining your scores, Forbes Magazine finance writer Erik Carter offers seven […]
All parents want to support their children’s learning process. From algebra to a musical instrument, parents can help their children improve their education through support and encouragement. But what about financial intelligence? According to a recent BMO Harris Bank national survey conducted by Ipsos America, Inc., a leading market research company, nine out of ten […]
In the wake of last week’s superstorm Sandy and other damaging weather conditions throughout the year, many homeowners have invested in back-up generators to keep their homes humming when the power goes out. According to the Building Performance Institute (BPI), however, generators can pose serious danger to a home’s inhabitants when not used properly, especially […]
Even if the temperatures are still mild in your neck of the woods, there is no denying that winter is on its way, and it’s time to winterize your home. According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), many winter-related disasters can be prevented if people take a few simple steps to protect their home from […]
Nationwide production and permitting of new homes rose sharply in September to their highest levels in more than four years, according to newly released figures from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau. A 15 percent gain brought the pace of new housing construction to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 872,000 units, while an 11.6 […]
Even if the temperatures are still mild in your neck of the woods, there is no denying that winter is on its way, and it’s time to winterize your home. According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), many winter-related disasters can be prevented if people take a few simple steps to protect their home from […]
Nothing turns off prospective homebuyers more than bugs and critters – dead or alive. And when there are visible signs of rodent pellets on the floor, some prospective buyers may even run out of the house screaming. Home sellers need to ensure that bugs and critters don’t turn a potential sale into a lost opportunity, […]
A fire is one of the greatest homeowner fears. Not only could you lose your home and valuables but, more importantly, your family could be at risk! To put your mind at ease, and protect your home from potential fires, follow these simple tips. -Change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every […]
If you’re at the point of having a home inspection done, Congratulations! You’re that much closer to getting your dream home! But, as with any of the steps to purchasing your home, there are key points to address and understand. The following are items you’ll want addressed before settlement: •Know that the home inspector is […]
A: There are a few things to consider, including cost, individual needs, and what will add value down the road. Also important: your emotional attachment to the existing home. Often, it is more cost effective to put on an addition than it is to build or buy a new home. Key points to consider are: […]
You can find out more about an existing property and neighborhood before you buy than you can a new home in a newly developed community. Things to consider: Ask homeowners already living in a development about the builder. If none currently live there, find out where the builder has previously built and speak to those […]
As the U.S. housing market reports a cautious rebound, genuine clay brick manufacturers continue to invest in progressive technology for sustainable exteriors in more textures and colors at a wider price range. Historically a provider of steady jobs, brick manufacturers continue to increase environmental efficiency with environmentally-friendly plants to offer Made-in-America quality–and endless green building […]
As you drive through your neighborhood, whether it’s Barclay Farms, Alluvium or Short Hills, you’ve probably noticed that the houses resemble each other in some way. There may be a few different model types in the neighborhood. But typically, homes built between 1955-1985, have a “cookie-cutter” look. Mass production during this time period was in […]
September happens to be healthy aging month. No matter where you are chronologically, it’s never too late, nor too early, to take care of yourself. There’s no getting around it. There are no short cuts to getting & maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But, it is worth every effort. The following tips are to help you […]
As reported by Paul Ausick at www.dailyfinance.com and RISMedia, mortgage applications increased 11.1 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending September 7, 2012. This week’s results include the customary upward adjustment for the Labor Day holiday. The Market Composite Index, […]
The average cost of a bathroom remodel tops $16,500, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report. Whether you’re looking to update your bathroom to meet your living style now or you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, revamping your bathroom doesn’t have to cost you an arm & a leg to […]
The cool temperatures that quickly returned to us this week, conjure up those comforting images of brilliantly turning leaves, warm apple cider and toasty fires at the hearth. If you are selling your home this Fall, you’ll want to capture the essence of those images and create a warm & inviting atmosphere for potential buyers […]
Remodeling your home, whether to update for resale or just to improve your quality of living, can be amazing and fun. But picture yourself halfway through your kitchen remodel, only to realize the money you budgeted isn’t enough to cover completing the project or unexpected issues that arose. This is a perfect example of why […]
September is National Preparedness Month and we’re now in hurricane season feeling the residual rainbands of Hurricane Isaac. Keeping emergency & survival kits at the ready is a good idea in the event of a natural disaster. But, also have a plan for your important documents. While keeping you & your family safe is the […]