07
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

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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17
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate Tips,

3 Things You Must Do after Inheriting a Home

There can be a lot of excitement when it comes to the realization that you've inherited a home, but simply because it's an inheritance doesn't mean there aren't a few strings attached. Whether you're expecting to be gifted with a home in the future or you're currently going through this process, here are a few things you may need to watch out for. The State Of The Mortgage Once a home has been effectively handed over to you, it's important to determine the status of the mortgage with the lender and if anything is still owed. While you have the…
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26
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate Tips, ,

3 Money-Smart Reasons To Downsize Your Home

Living big isn't necessarily living better. Apartment buildings, townhouses and multiplexes have become the new normal for increasing numbers of individuals, couples and families. It's clear that for many people, smaller spaces are smarter, too. This attitude is more than just a trend. According to TIME Magazine, multi-family dwellings like condominiums accounted for 40% of new construction in the United States in 2014 and the movement shows few signs of slowing down. The change isn't surprising when considering the benefits to moving, especially when it comes to sheer cost-savings. Whether residents are spending less cash or conserving their valuable time…
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12
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate Tips, ,

Real Estate Terms: The ‘Debt to Income’ Ratio and How It Affects Your Home Purchase

The real estate market is rife with terminology that can make a home purchase seem more than a little complicated. If you're currently looking for a home and are considering your loan options, you may have even heard the term 'Debt to Income' ratio. In the interest of simplifying things, here are some insights on what this term means and how it can impact your home investment. Determining Your 'Debt to Income' Ratio It's important to consider what exactly your DTI ratio is before your home purchase as this will quickly determine how much home you can actually afford. To…
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12
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate Tips, ,

Real Estate Terminology 101: What Exactly Is A “Buyer’s Market”?

If you've been following the real estate and mortgage industry for any length of time, you've probably heard the phrase "buyer's market" at some point. And although the meaning may seem apparent, it takes some study to understand what actually constitutes a buyer's market. Who decides whether it's a buyer's or seller's market? What's the threshold for deciding between the two? Here's what you need to know. Supply And Demand: Economic Factors That Govern...Everything If you studied economics in school, you'll probably remember an early lesson on supply and demand. Essentially, supply and demand are the two factors that influence…
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07
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Tiny, but Cozy: 3 Ways to Furnish Small Spaces to Make Them Feel Much Larger

When decorating a small space, there is a general desire to make the space look and feel larger than it is while also meeting basic functional needs in the room. For example, there may be a need to accommodate seating for a number of people in a living room, but there also may be a desire to provide ample space for foot traffic so the area does not feel cramped. By following a few important tips, it is possible to furnish smaller spaces so that they are functional and do not feel cramped. Think About Decorative Storage Solutions One of…
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