19
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Surprising Things That Can Derail A Closing

Once you and the seller have negotiated an offer and you've been pre-approved for a mortgage, you might think that you are in the clear as far as your closing goes. However, that is not always the case. Many surprising things can put a halt to closing. Some may ultimately stop the closing altogether while others could simply cause a delay. Here are a few unexpected things that can derail a real estate closing: A Job Promotion  While you might know that changing employers is one way to interfere with the closing, another deal-breaker can be switching positions with your…
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18
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Backyard Farming: Fad Or The New Future

While a kitchen herb garden or pot-grown tomatoes may be commonplace in both suburban backyards and on urban condo patios, an increasingly large number of homeowners look to backyard farming as a way to relieve some of the stresses of modern life. Other benefits include cutting grocery bills, living a more sustainable life, and teaching children about food. The New Food Landscape  Do new trends signal a return to simpler times, or are they a pushback against higher food prices and loss of control over the food supply? Is it a lasting change that will spread across the country or…
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17
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

5 Critical Tips For Buying In A Seller’s Market

This summer, quality homes are being scooped up almost as fast as they're being listed - and for top price. Yes, it's a seller's market out there, which is great news if you're planning to list your home. For those looking for a home, the competitiveness can be frustrating and aggravating. Frustrating as it may be, there's plenty of reason for buyers to stick it out until their offer is accepted. For starters, interest rates are still fairly low. And secondly, there are great homes out there if you act fast enough. How can you successfully get that dream home in…
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13
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

In-Law Apartments Provide Tangible Benefits For Home Owners

Many homeowners are looking for ways to maximize on their investment. One idea that is gaining popularity is a space set aside for aging parents known as an In-law apartments. These additions are living spaces that can set a property apart from others on the real estate market. In-law apartments generally enjoy a private entrance and include things like a private bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and living room. Although generally smaller than the main residence, in-law apartments provide all the elements of a home. Because these living spaces are often built after the original floor plan was conceived, spaces such as…
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12
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

The Case for Making a “Smart” Garage

Energy-efficiency, smart electronics and automation have come home to the rest of the house, but many garages still look and feel like neglected warehouses. Why not update the lighting and add some high-tech features that will bring your garage into the 21st Century. Doing so will make your life easier and need not cost a fortune! Rethink Room Function Most homeowners use the garage for more than a car park. If it's part storage room, part play space and part project area, manage the corresponding needs for specialized task lighting, additional circuits for a second refrigerator or freezer, conveniently located…
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11
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Rebuilding Costs: Rethinking How Much Homeowners Insurance You Really Need

Buying a home comes with numerous financial planning obligations. It's far from a turn-key operation and one of the significant challenges involves developing a working knowledge about things often outside your area of expertise. For example, working as an educator, police officer, investment banker or office staffer does not necessarily make you an expert about home repairs or insurance coverage. Yet, the average homeowner is tasked with carrying a certain level of homeowners insurance coverage without a strong working knowledge. Many homeowners just purchase enough insurance to cover the purchase price or take the advice of others. Both of those…
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