Buying a Home
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Questions to ask before buying a home
Buying a house is a huge decision. Obviously, you want a place that you and your family will love to live in, but it's essential to let your choice be guided by your head at least as much as by your heart. After all, a home purchase is likely to be the biggest financial investment you make in your life. So be sure to ask your real estate broker these questions before you even think of signing on the bottom line. Why are the owners selling and what is their timeframe?
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Tips for choosing the right mortgage
Homebuying can be a stressful or uncertain business at times. In today's market, there's much debate about what type of mortgage to get - an adjustable-rate or a fixed mortgage - and how do you know when it's time to consider refinancing an adjustable-rate mortgage? Market Street Mortgage, one of the nation's leading retail originators of residential mortgage loans, offers these tips:
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2017 real estate trends
Between interest rate questions and economic changes, it's more important than ever to be on top of the latest real estate developments. Here are three promising trends that will shape the market this year. Millennials rising from the basements
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Myths first-time homebuyers believe
When entering the housing market, some first-time homebuyers believe a lot of myths about mortgages to be true. Take a look at some of the most commonly believed myths. According to Realtor.org and Quicken Loans, many first-time homebuyers believe: - Lending requirements are tight. - You don't need to check your credit before starting the home-buying process. - "Preapproved" and "prequalified" mean the same thing.
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Where are Millennials buying homes?
While first-time homebuyers have resisted buying a home in recent years, there could be an increase in home buying from the Millennial generation in the coming years. According to Realtor.org and research from the National Association of Realtors, current housing conditions, job creation and population trends can influence where Millennials could be purchasing homes in the near future.
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Financing
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How to handle rising interest rates in 2018
(BPT) - The nation's central bank - the Federal Reserve - just raised interest rates by a quarter point. The Fed is expected to raise rates at least two more times this year by the same amount. That's going to affect a lot of your finances, including your credit card bill, car payment and home equity line of credit. But don't panic. Rates will still be below historical averages, and you can eliminate the impact of higher rates, or lessen them, with some careful planning.
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Selling a Home
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These are the best trees when selling your house
Believe it or not, the types of trees in your yard can impact your ability to sell your home.
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3 ways to increase property values
By Kevin Amolsch Real estate investors live and die by their ability to add value. With no added value, there are no profits. This is true with any business, but what makes real estate such a great business and a great investment, is the number of ways you can add value and cash in on big profits. Here are three ways you can add value to your properties. Upgrades and Repairs
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Advantages of selling your home in the winter
Traditionally, spring and summer is the best time to put your home on the market. In the winter, the days are shorter, the temperature is colder and people are busier or just don't get outside as often. Don't let this dampen your spirits! There are still advantages to selling your home in the winter. Here are just a few of them. Your buyers are serious
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2017 is a seller's market
2017 is the most profitable year to sell a home in the last decade. Homeowners who have sold this year have seen an average price gain of $44,000 from purchase. This is the highest gain since 2007. Experts are saying things will continue to get better for sellers before they take a turn for the worse. So, if you're thinking about moving this year, now is a great time to put your house on the market.
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Keep your home buyer-ready with these cleaning tips
When listing your home for sale it's important to keep it in good shape for when prospective buyers want to tour the house. Take a look at these tips from Realtor.org and Houselogic on how to keep your home clean while it's listed on the market.
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Building a Home
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Things to consider when building a home
By Mike Blake Working with a team of custom home builders can be a fun process as first time home owners design their dream house. Most people that choose to build their own house have no idea how many options they have until they realize that they truly have a blank slate, and that they have the option to add whatever they would like to on it.
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Look before you buy: Virtual reality comes to home improvement
(NewsUSA) - You're about to shell out a significant amount of money to upgrade your house, and the choices make your head spin. Traditional asphalt or slate shingles? Summer blue or teardrop blue paint for the walls?
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Remodeling your home? Be ready for the following
Remodeling a home can be quite a project, one that promises beautiful outcome. As a family grows or we need different, more streamlined space for various needs, remodeling can be a great help.
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When building, choose smart when picking out windows
(NewsUSA) - Whether you're building a new house or remodeling a cherished older property, the product choices you make are critical to the long-term enjoyment of your home.
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What you need to know when building a home
Building a home can be an exciting experience - but it can also be a little stressful. To make sure you are prepared for what to expect when you start building a home, take a look at these tips.
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Commercial Real Estate
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What real estate metrics are key?
When assessing commercial real estate property take a look at these key metrics. Net Operating Income (NOI): This is found by calculating the property's first year gross operating income and subtracting the year's operating expenses. The goal for this metric is to have a positive value. Cap Rate: The capitalization rate shows the value of income-producing properties - like office buildings and malls. The cap rate helps estimate the future profits made on the building.
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Pros and cons of owning different commercial properties
Looking to invest in commercial real estate, but don't know which property type to consider? Here's a comprehensive guide on the five most common types of commercial properties. Multifamily (Apartment Buildings) Multifamily refers to apartment buildings of all sizes. It is categorized into garden apartments, walk-up apartments, mid-rise apartments, high-rise apartments, and special-purpose housing.
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Construction site safety checklist
By Graeme Hick If you are starting construction on a commercial site, here is a safety checklist of what to wear, things you should do and actions you should avoid. "What to wear" checklist: -- Wear Safety Glasses or Face Shields, whichever suits better, to protect your eyes from harmful exposures like dust, chemicals, flying particles, smokes and what not - especially if your job involves welding, cutting, grinding, nailing, concreting and chemical-related works.
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More Headlines
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Hottest real estate markets in 2018
Where are buyers purchasing homes? Take a look at the 20 most active real estate markets in the country, according to Forbes.com. 1. Orlando, Fla. 2. Provo-Orem, Utah 3. Jacksonville, Fla. 4. Raleigh-Durham, N.C. 5. Ogden-Clearfield, Utah 6. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro, Tenn. 7. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Ga. 8. Springfield, Mo. 9. Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
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Protect your home from the cold
Unless you live in Florida or the Southwest, it's a safe bet you are facing a stiff dose of winter temperatures. However, those cold spells can be short, and followed by warmups that can occasionally make you think that maybe winter isn't really going to show up to play this year.
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The most expensive states in the U.S.
Are you living in one of the most expensive states in the U.S.? Check out the list here and find out! 1. Hawaii 2. District of Columbia 3. New York 4. California 5. Massachusetts 6. Alaska 7. Connecticut 8. Maryland 9. Vermont 10. Rhode Island 11. New Jersey 12. New Hampshire 13. Oregon 14. Maine 15. Washington
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How to get your home ready for renters
The housing market has improved greatly but there are still many reasons why people choose to rent their homes instead of putting them up for sale. If you're considering renting out your home, keep these tips in mind:
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Millennials are moving out
As the economy improves, more millennials are expected to be moving out from their parents' homes and into houses and rentals. According to Realtor.org, millennials are expected to make $1.6 trillion in home purchases over the next five years. As millennials are expected to want to pursue home ownership, many will first rent property until they can afford a home.
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