13
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Fix and Flip: Forget What You See on Television

The drama of home and garden TV shows may be fun to watch, but no matter what you think, reality shows are not at all like real life. If you think it's easy to buy a house that needs updating and turn it quickly for substantial profit, you might want to think again.  That doesn't necessarily mean, though, that you should shy away from the idea of buying a "fixer-upper" -- just that you should approach such a home purchase with eyes wide open. Here are some valuable tips: Buying a house that needs cosmetic updates can make financial sense,…
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08
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Long-Distance House Hunting Tips

It pays to start with a solid strategy when you have to house hunt from afar. Hunting for a house is stressful enough even if you are moving to another part of town. However, when you are searching for a house from afar, it can make the task of finding the right home for your needs seem almost impossible.  Fortunately, in today's high-tech world, you have an array of tools available right at your fingertips that can make it easy to find the perfect house for your needs. So, even if you are looking for a home thousands of miles…
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30
May
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Home Updates That Make Good Multi-Generational Sense

Multi-generational households and the growing preference on the part of many retirees toward "aging in place"have altered home design in recent years. Interiors are more open, more functional and more adaptable that they were even a decade ago. Spaces tend to be less formal; living space is better integrated with work space like the kitchen, and rooms tend to serve more than once purpose, both for quiet pursuits and for family gatherings. Universal Design Home design has gained a new dimension -- planning for the future and for a changing lifestyle. Universal design features and amenities that were once off the radar are now…
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24
May
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Smart Technology or Home Automation: What’s the Difference?

Is it worth it to add smart appliances or automated features if you're selling a home? Just how much connectivity do buyers want? And what exactly do the terms refer to in terms of home updates. Although smart homes and home automation are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to two basically different concepts about how appliances and home systems can operate. Then there is the need for "connectivity," adding another dimension to any discussion of futuristic home features. Home Automation According to a Texas-based Direct Energy blog, home automation has a long history, beginning with the first labor-saving devices…
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23
May
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Green Technology To Reduce Your Home’s Carbon Footprint

When you are a homeowner looking to reduce your carbon footprint, there are a number of steps you can take to make your home earth-friendly. From passive solar heating to solar panels, you can make a difference in the impact your home has on the environment. Even when you aren't building a new home, changes can be made to an existing property to increase efficiency and reduce reliance on utility systems. Invest In Solar Power Solar panels are one of the most popular ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and with good reason. Solar panels often produce enough electricity so…
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22
May
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Thinking About Buying A Fixer-Upper? Know These Top Resources To Make The Most Profit

If your financial situation is limited, yet you're handy with a hammer and nails, then purchasing a fixer-upper home can be an attractive option. Fixer-uppers typically require a bevy of updates and repairs to bring the home up to current market conditions. Because of this, the listing price is often considerably less than a move-in ready home.  Your trusted real estate professional can help you find the best projects to buy and sell. Getting Started Fixer-uppers aren't for everyone, but there are plenty of resources available if you plan to do most of the repair and upgrades yourself. Let's take…
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