Three Key Points to Remember When Investing in a Cottage or Waterfront Getaway

If you're looking to invest in a cottage or waterfront getaway, there are three key things to keep in mind throughout your search. How's The House? Even if the lake is the highlight of a property you're considering, it is important to make sure that the home is equally as great as the beautiful body of water it borders. How's its orientation? Is it built on the ideal angle to take full advantage of the sun? Does the deck or large windows face another house directly? The orientation is an important factor to consider as it can make or break…
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Feeling the Squeeze of Rising Rents? Here Are 3 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Starter Home

With real estate becoming more affordable, new homes being sold in a range of prices and the cost of rent going up, there has never been a better time to consider buying a starter home. Put That Rent Money Into Your Own Property People who live in areas that have become trendy know the pain of rising rent rates. At what point is the amount of money being spent on rent more advantageous to put into a new home? Starter homes are not the crazy investment they used to be. With the increase in condo developments and the lower entry…
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Real Estate Investing: 3 Insider Tips to Winning House, Land or Foreclosure Auctions

House, land and foreclosure auctions can be one of the most nerve-wracking ways to buy a property. However, if you prepare yourself with proven bidding tactics, auctions can be a great way to purchase your dream home at a competitive price. If you're in-it-to-win-it, familiarize yourself with these top three tips and tricks before attending a real estate auction. Give The Right Impression While you may not have control over what other bidders are willing to pay for a property, you do have some control over their perception of whether or not bidding against you is worthwhile. Come well-dressed and…
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Buying for Retirement: 3 Reasons Why You’ll Want to Buy Your Retirement Home Before You Retire

Many people dream of buying their ideal retirement home after their career has come to a conclusion - with all that extra free time it seems like it'd be the most logical time to shop around. However, many real estate professionals strongly recommend that their clients find a retirement property before they're off the payroll. While it may seem like a big time commitment to find a new home while you're still busy with your work there are several significant financial benefits to purchasing your retirement home before you actually do retire. Here are our top reasons why. It Makes…
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Buying Your First Home? Learn These 5 Essential Home Maintenance Skills as Soon as Possible

New homes can be scary. But when you take the time to think about it, and plan ahead, maintaining a home is easier than you think a manageable mix of experience and common sense. Here are five skills that will help maintain your new home for years to come. Fixing A Toilet It's not as daunting as it sounds. Just remember that toilets work with gravity the water wants to flow freely. Don't be afraid to open that tank up and adjust the floater and valves as needed. Occasionally run the water (flush the toilet, turn on the sink) in…
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Getting to Know the Neighbors: 3 Tips for Building Good Relationships

One of the factors involved in feeling truly comfortable in your community is the relationships that you've been able to establish with the locals in your neighborhood, but it can be hard to know how to nurture a good relationship. Whether you're moving to a new home soon or are wondering how to make some nearby friends, here are some simple tips for ingratiating the ones that live closest to you. Offer up Your Favorite Dish It might seem like a bit of a risk, but one of the best ways to get to know your neighbors is to knock…
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