So you’re planning a few home updates, improvements or repairs, maybe an entire remodel, you have a plumbing headache or an electrical predicament, maybe your home needs painting inside or out, perhaps your family could use some extra space and an addition is in your future. You need a contractor, so where do you start?… Read More
So what does the term Homestead Exemption mean and how does it apply to you? A homestead generally refers to one’s owned, primary residence, and is a protection of the value or a predetermined portion of the equity in your principal dwelling place from some creditors and/or forced sale of your home.
No matter your region’s season of highest energy use, there are a few things including some routine home maintenance and repair, that everyone can do to cut energy costs in their home. Changing out filters regularly in heating and cooling systems is one of the simplest and least expensive steps you can take right now…. Read More
So why is May to August prime-time for Real Estate sales? It mostly comes down to families with kids. For obvious reasons, parents would prefer moving during the Summertime, Real Estate’s infamous ‘busy season’. “Before the kids start school” is most often the #1 item on a parent’s home buying wish list. But of course… Read More
Gone are the days of the guaranteed 30-day closing. Though not impossible, in light of tighter mortgage regulation a 30-day closing is no longer the norm. Realistically you’re probably looking at 45 days from contract to close, and that’s without additional contingencies. Even with this extended contract period there are a number of things that… Read More
Should I do anything special before an Open House? I am in the ‘Open Houses are good business’ camp and I do them regularly. Folks visiting Open Houses are not in the same category as the clients that I show properties to, so there’s not the same level of mutual trust. It’s just logical that… Read More
I’ve had some personal experience with a botched title and I can tell you, it’s no party clearing it up. It took almost 2 years and over thousands of dollars in attorney fees before we were able to sell our home, and mind you, this was someone else’s error, not our own. When you’re buying… Read More
Look Left, Look Right, Then Look Again. Your contract to purchase a home contains a clause granting you a certain number of days for an inspection period. Did you think this meant your Home Inspection? That’s only one very small piece of the puzzle. The customary time period for inspections is 10 days and you… Read More
