By John Egan Curb appeal is in the eyes of the buyer. But as Texas Tech University researchers Emmett Elam and Andrea Stigarall point out, the precise factors that influence a homebuyer’s perceptions of curb appeal are debatable. What is not debatable is the lift that curb appeal gives to the value of a home. Improving… Read More
Whether your home is newly listed or it’s been on the market for awhile, even if you’re simply thinking about selling, it’s never too early to prepare for the home inspection. What will the home inspector be looking at? How can you prepare for the inspection? There are a few important but manageable projects that… Read More
The tips below are certainly helpful but I always take issue with anyone telling you that Real Estate transactions are difficult, stressful or overwhelming. If your agent is doing their job there should be no stress or difficulty involved. The article suggests you hire a lawyer. This is never bad advice, but you should also… Read More
Tis the season. Did you know most homeowners can write off all mortgage interest up to $1.1 million for primary and secondary residences, as well as property taxes? Credits for property taxes and other tax breaks are also offered to in 21 states and the District of Columbia. But mortgage interest and property taxes are… Read More
When it comes to home renovation, it’s smart to focus on improving the areas that see the most use, not only for increased functionality and enjoyment, but also to boost the home’s value come resale. Kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and game rooms top the list of rooms homeowners would most like to remodel, according… Read More
Anchoring your TV is worth talking about. A Wisconsin mom recently shared her story in hopes that other parents can avoid what she went through. Her 4-year-old daughter nearly lost her life when a TV fell from a bureau and fractured her skull. Kudos to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for spearheading a campaign… Read More
For the first time, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today awarded $5.9 million in grants to 26 Tribes to offer a permanent home and supportive services to Native American Veterans who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs… Read More
Bigger and more expensive projects, rising new home prices, curb appeal and energy efficiency all contributed to a slight gain in remodeling projects’ payback at resale, with an average return of 64.4 percent return if the home is sold within a year. That’s up from 62 percent in the 2015 report and the second-highest return… Read More
You might think home heating systems would be the last thing we worry about here in Arizona. You’d be wrong. Short winters are the norm from the Phoenix Metro area to the Southern border but we do have them. The Northern and Eastern parts of our state are mountainous and indicative of all that comes… Read More
Among the nation’s top 300 markets, a total of 170 or 57 percent have now achieved full price recovery, according to Homes.com®’s September 2015 Local Market Index, a price performance summary of repeat sales in the top 100 markets, and the companion Midsize Markets Report for the next 200 largest markets. By September, 53 out… Read More
