This post from RIS Media with information provided by the Insurance Information Institute, is truly educational. Homeowners insurance is an often overlooked detail in the home buying process, usually only considered in passing as relates to its inclusion in monthly mortgage payments. As a Realtor, and indeed a fellow home owner I can assure you,… Read More
When you look around your home, really look, what do you see? Almost all of us will notice a few small projects that have been neglected or even one or two big ones we’ve been avoiding. You could be seriously risking your home’s value when you disregard necessary repairs, and by brushing aside the small… Read More
Nationwide, foreclosures have been steadily decreasing since 2010. However there are a few isolated markets that have been seeing a recent increase in foreclosures and foreclosure starts. This is not necessarily baffling. It’s no coincidence that the majority of these locals are the same ones that have experienced a faster-than-average rise in home prices. Most… Read More
Friday saw a slight rise in mortgage rates but it appears to be only a blip in this year’s trending rate declines. The conventional 30-year fixed closed Friday at an average of 4.25%, with FHA backed financing and the VA mortgage both stalled around 4%. Early in January, it was anticipated that rates for home… Read More
When you sign your closing documents as either a home seller or a home buyer, there will be a notation on the Settlement Statement regarding property taxes. There’s always a bit of a kerfuffle over property taxes so it helps to understand how they work. If you’re a homeowner here in Arizona you’ve probably just… Read More
When I bought my first home, the fad at the time was to purchase a fixer-upper at a good price then rehab it to death building ‘sweat-equity’ right away and increased value over time. But the fascination with finding a bargain seems to have lost its cache. I’m thinking that homes in need of TLC… Read More
Whose homes are voice activated? It’s more than just Millennials. Many older Americans are employing voice controlled devices to improve their quality of life. Technological conveniences enhance entertainment, comfort, health and safety features in some capacity, in nearly 50% of US households. We talk to our homes and they talk back. Refrigerators compose our grocery… Read More
Planning Ahead for Home Improvements. Rarely is home renovation a waste of your money. What’s not rare however is that home improvement projects are chock-full of surprises. Successful home repairs and additions rely heavily on exhaustive advance recon and an easily accessed emergency fund. Everything from general facelifts like freshening interior paint to major upgrades… Read More
White Walls are Back With a Vengeance, How to Choose the Perfect White. Home builders routinely lean toward all white interiors mainly for convenience. Many homeowners are doing the same but in the name of style rather than ease. After many years playing the part of the ugly step sister, white is quickly becoming the… Read More
Square footage isn’t always at the top of the list when you’re buying a home, but as the infographic below illustrates, it probably should be. Trulia conducted a poll surveying folks in several different demographics and the study showed that most people are not content with the size of their home. There are distinct advantages… Read More
