Category Archive for "Real Estate"
DIY solutions to a sticking sliding glass door
Sliding doors have been around longer than most of us think. In fact, archaeologists say that they were somewhat common in “… Roman houses as early as the first century CE,” according to Martin Whitmore, President of US Window and…
3 things you can do this week to get closer to buying a home
Many Americans are putting their home purchases on hold over the uncertainty about the housing market. While we don’t recommend trying to time the market, it’s certainly understandable that some folks are a bit trepid right now. Even though you…
The Pitfalls of Automated Home Values: Why They Often Get it Wrong
In today’s digital age, homeowners and prospective buyers have easy access to a wealth of information regarding real estate. Automated home valuation tools like Zillow’s Zestimate have become increasingly popular for estimating property values. However, these tools are far from…
The Pros and Cons of Adjustable-rate Mortgages
When it comes to purchasing a home, one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is choosing a mortgage that suits your needs. One that might be worth your consideration is the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Yes, they received a bad…
What happens if your offer on a home is rejected?
What a thrill it is to finally find the house! Waiting for a response to the offer, however, is stressful. Will you win the home, or will the seller reject it? The truth is the seller is more likely to…
Understanding foreclosure rates and their impact on the housing market
Well, this is certainly something we weren’t expecting. Major economists promised us that the economic downturn would be nothing like what we experienced in 2008. Yet, a recent headline at Realtor.com warns us that “The number of homeowners receiving a…
Struggling to buy a home? Consider multi-gen living
In the 19th century, three generations living in the same home was a practice that dominated the American lifestyle. “Victorian society believed in the importance of family … Lifespans were lengthening, and couples also married earlier and had children sooner,…
What’s happening there between the curb and your home’s front door?
What happens — or doesn’t — in that area is known in real estate circles as “curb appeal,” and it makes or breaks your home’s first impression. The focal point of this area is the entryway to the home –…
House or Condo: How to decide
Apples and oranges — that’s what condos and houses are. Sure, they both provide a roof over your head, and they’re both financial investments, but that’s where the similarities end. Just as when we compare apples and oranges, houses and…
What to do if your mortgage application is denied
One in 16. That’s the mortgage application denial rate here in the U.S., according to Consumer Reports’ Lisa L. Gill, citing Urban Institute’s data. “And a too-low credit score is among the top reasons folks can’t get a mortgage, according…
