First Time Home Buyers: 3 Essential Tips That You Won’t Hear from Your Friends

When it comes to diving into home ownership for the first time, it can seem like there are so many things you just don't know. Whether you're getting advice from your real estate agent, your friends or your family, there are so many things that seem like common sense that they might be lost in the mix of details. Instead of having to squeeze it out of them, here are three tips that are easily forgotten but still essential. Be Patient And Take Your Time It's certainly not the most popular advice, but one of the most important things when…
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Buying a Solar-Powered Home? Watch Out for These Symptoms of Future Problems

Solar-powered homes are becoming more commonplace, and are an excellent step in the right ecological direction. That said, there are some aspects to consider if you're thinking about investing in solar energy. Read on for some salient points about living by the sun. The Sun And The Economy As solar power has grown in popularity, the government has introduced incentives to help homeowners combat the once-high costs of purchasing and installing solar panels. And companies are springing up to rent you panels and cover the cost of installation. This means that your initial costs are smaller, but also that those…
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How to Plan for a Smooth Move-in

With all of the rigmarole that goes into packing up your old home and moving into the new one, there are a lot of details that can get lost in the mix. From cleaning up the old house to handing over the keys, there's no shortage of small tasks that need to be completed. If you'll soon be prepping for the exciting move into your next home, here are some ways to prepare yourself for this busy time. Do A Spring Clean, Even When It's Not Spring! Spring cleaning may be something that people only do once a year, but…
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Master the Autumn Home Buying Season With Our Guide to Finding Local Real Estate Bargains

Most people have a good idea of the neighborhood they want to purchase a new home in. The problem is finding a great deal in the area, especially if it's a neighborhood that's very popular. Thinking outside the box and avoiding the standard real estate listings can result in some bargain properties for sale that most people are completely unaware of. Contemplate Investing In Foreclosed Homes When the housing market boomed, many people tried to take advantage by investing in a second home that they couldn't necessarily afford. This resulted in a huge market full of homes that were foreclosed…
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Moving with Children? Here’s How to Quickly Assess Whether a Community Is Family Friendly

If you're looking for a home that's in a family-friendly neighborhood, there are a few key things you can look for to make sure your new house is a good fit for both you and your children. Quality Public or Private Schools Are there good public schools nearby? If so, do they span from kindergarten all the way to high school? Finding a home in an area with a great elementary school can be a good fit for several years, but if you're looking for a home that will be convenient in the long-term it's important to consider your proximity…
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3 Things You Need to Consider Before Buying That Fixer-Upper Home

What Will It Cost? If you're going into a home expecting a few renovations costs, a minor detail here or there may not add up to much. However, if you're not interested in spending the big bucks on making changes, you'll want to estimate an approximate amount of how much the renovations you don't want to live without will amount to. By including all the necessary labor and materials, you'll be able to determine if the price-point of your offer will be worth it. Keep in mind that if there are any serious issues with the house, it may not…
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