There was a time when home inspections were never carried out and residential real estate transactions were made relying on the presentation of the agents and a brief visual inspection by the buyer themselves. However, over the last 20 years, a dramatic change has occurred in this process. The real estate buyers of today have…
Buying a home can be a tedious process. You need to choose a home that fits your budget. You also need to choose a home that has good features so that you can enjoy more comfort in your home. These include HVAC systems, garage, landscape and so on. Different homes usually have different features. In…
No one wants to pay more for something than they have to, especially when it comes to a large home improvement purchase. So, why can there be thousands of dollars difference between contractor bids for neighboring homes? And how can homeowners get an idea of what a new roof will cost? In general, labor for…
Warmer weather and more daylight hours bring renewed energy to truly enjoy your home with family and friends. Spring is a great time to get rid of the lingering grime and grit of winter to keep your clean home happening all season long. With a thorough home clean, you can create a vibrant living space…
Whether it’s transforming a fixer-upper into your dream home or just giving a makeover to your kitchen or bathroom, home improvement projects are on the minds of many new homeowners across the country. While many things about renovating your home are flexible, your budget might not be. In general, not a single floorboard is laid,…
Buying a home is a major financial commitment. It’s exciting, but can also be confusing and overwhelming. Choosing the best mortgage that fits your needs is an important first step and first-time homebuyers, in particular, should research the many options and know the right questions to ask. Here are some questions to ask a lender…
When it’s time to embark on your well-deserved getaway, the last thing you want is to worry about the things that could go wrong at your unattended house. It’s pretty common to wonder if everything is OK while you’re on vacation, says Chip Wade, an HGTV expert. Especially since there are plenty of hair-raising tales…
Whether you’re a millennial looking to buy your first home or a boomer thinking about downsizing your empty nest, you’re probably aware that it’s a seller’s market out there. Homes are selling at lightning speed, bidding wars are commonplace, buyers often have little to no room for negotiation and the price of those homes keeps…
The real estate market is heating up, and if you’re planning to sell your home in the future, you want it to sell quickly and for as high of a price as possible. By taking proactive action now, you can make a few strategic home improvements that can help you achieve both your goals. To…
Spring is in full bloom, but are your plants keeping pace? If the answer is anything but a resounding yes, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of time to get into the spirit of the season and grow your most beautiful bed of flowers. “There’s nothing like the start of the season,” says Emily Murphy of…
Don’t Re-roof Until You Do These 5 Things: With spring officially arriving, home improvement season is swinging into full gear. Fair warning to homeowners looking to hire a professional, 2018 is predicted to be a record-breaker. A recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University projects home improvement spending will approach $340…
There are many reasons that termites have gained the nickname “silent destroyers.” Five billion reasons, in fact. Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage in the U.S. each year. If left unchecked, they can silently chew through the structural stability of a home, eating away at wood, flooring and even wallpaper. To make…
Pests can be hiding just about everywhere — whether you can see them or not. When you know where to look, there are preventative measures you can take to help avoid a pest infestation problem in your home. Terminix shares details on the unexpected, “secret” places pests can be hiding. Sinks and drains One often overlooked area…
House hunting can feel like an adventurous new chapter in your life. If you’re lucky enough to find the property that checks off all the “must have” boxes — appearance, size, price, location — it’s easy to fall in love. Not so fast. Before making an offer on any property, it’s smart to take a…
In the year 2018, it’s very easy to take your home’s power for granted. You flick the light switch and the lights come on. Same with the television and the microwave. It’s easy. And should a storm knock the power out, you expect that it will be up again in a matter of minutes or…