Whether you’re a first-time or experienced homebuyer, chances are a good portion of your real estate journey will take place online. In fact, four in 10 homebuyers start their house-hunting with an online search, according to the National Association of REALTORS. It’s easy to understand why: Online tools and apps can make the homebuying experience…
Party balloons, elastic waistbands and the universe – for some things, expansion is easy. When your home is too small, however, it’s not always possible to expand it. Whether you live in a suburban townhouse, an urban condo or a big, modern single-family home on a tiny lot, chances are good expanding just isn’t in…
For many Americans, the biggest hurdle in buying a home is the 20 percent down payment they think is required for mortgage approval. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, 34 percent of respondents believe they need more than 20 percent. Meanwhile, low down payment mortgages account for a significant amount…
Whatever you’re passionate about, you know hobbies cost money. People who haven’t shaken the travel bug need to negotiate time off work, pay for lodging, airfare and more. If you’re a big football fan, the amount you spend on food, snacks, game tickets and clothing adds up during the course of a season. Even simple…
When you purchase a home, an inspection could uncover existing problems that only a professional might see. Here’s how to choose the right inspector. With this information, you as the buyer could require that the seller make fixes prior to closing the sale. You may also discover issues that would convince you to cancel the…
Many home buyers choose their home inspector by calling around to see who has the cheapest price. Choosing a home inspector based on a bargain basement price, however, is probably not the best idea. Check the best home inspection service. They offer the best home inspection. While this strategy can save money up front, it…
If you’re looking to move, then you’re probably preparing to sell the home you’re currently in. Here are the home inspection tips for home sellers. It’s quite likely that a home inspection will be a part of the selling process for you. In fact, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the National Association…
Chances are, your home is the largest purchase you will ever make. Because of the size of the investment, it is best practice to have a certified home inspector come and go through your potential home with a fine-toothed comb and give you the low down on any hidden quirks or repairs that need to…
Most homebuyers recognize the importance of a home inspection when buying a house from a previous owner. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that a home inspection is equally important for new construction. Many buyers mistakenly believe a home inspection is a repeat of their final building inspection and therefore unnecessary. Additionally, buyers often do…
When you first hear how much a base home inspection costs, you may not think it sounds like very much money — especially if you’re at the start of your home search process. Of course the problem is that when you hear all the additional options of the home inspection, plus factor in the amount…
A home inspection checklist is what prospective homeowners or renters look at in a home to anticipate possible maintenance issues and/or whether a home is going to be safe to live in or not. Home inspections may be done by the prospective buyer or renter, a professional inspector, or both. Because things can potentially be…
Home inspections provide vital information to future home buyers and to the current owners. The inspector examines the condition of the home that is going to be purchased and reports the findings. The real estate agents for the buyer and seller should always attend. What is found can be detrimental for the sale of the…
Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Because you will spend so much money on this purchase, you need to be sure that you are making the right decision. One of the best ways to evaluate the home you intend to purchase is by scheduling a home inspection.…
When you’re in the process of buying or building a home, you’re constantly researching trends and technology that will set your home apart. Fast forward a few years and you probably don’t have your finger on the pulse of home advancements like before. It’s good you’ve settled in to your home, but a lot can…