25
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Dealing with the Summer Heat? How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Using a Ton of Energy

Many people look forward to the long, relaxed, sunny days of summer, but they also dread opening up their energy bills throughout the summer months. Cooling a home can be costly, and many are searching for convenient ways to lower cooling costs without sacrificing on comfort inside the home on the warmest days of the year. These are just a few of the cost-effective and convenient options that can help homeowners to reduce cooling costs throughout the summer. Keep The Blinds Closed A significant amount of heat can enter a home through the windows, and blinds and curtains provide an…
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24
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Tips, ,

What Are The Top Ways To Win A Bidding War?

Right now, there are not a lot of houses for sale, as inventory and new home construction continue to lag behind buyer demand. In addition, low mortgage rates are accelerating demand, meaning that in many situations the sellers are receiving multiple offers. Therefore, it is important for potential buyers to do everything they can to win a bidding war. What are a few ways buyers can give themselves an advantage? Get Pre-Approved For A Home Loan The first thing interested buyers need to do is to get pre-approved for a home loan. Because many sellers have options, they might be…
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06
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

The Top House Appraisal Tips For Home Buyers And Sellers

There are a lot of steps that come with buying or selling a home. One of the routine steps that have to be accomplished is called a home appraisal. When it comes to a home appraisal, this is something that can cause both buyers and sellers to pause for a second. For those who might not know, a house appraisal is where a trained professional will take a look at the fair market value of the home. It is important to understand what happens when a home appraisal is conducted.  Compare The Home To Similar Properties When a home appraisal…
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06
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Looking For A Major Lifestyle Change? Consider Buying A ‘Micro’ Home

With the sometimes high cost of buying and maintaining a home and the concept of being sustainable becoming more popular, many people are considering moving to a smaller home to minimize their impact. It's important, however, to consider what living small is really like before deciding that it's the right move for you. If you're curious about life on a smaller-scale, here are some things to contemplate beforehand. Getting Rid Of The Excess It's just a fact that a smaller amount of space means a smaller amount of stuff, but many people don't realize this works two ways. While you…
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26
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Managing Finances Before Applying For A Mortgage

Are you planning on using a mortgage to help cover the cost of a new home? If so, you will want to prepare your finances and figure out how you will manage all those wallet-draining monthly expenses. Let's take a look at how to run a quick financial health check to ensure you are ready to apply for a mortgage. Update (Or Start) Your Monthly Budget First, it is essential to get the basics out of the way. If you haven't already, it's time to start a monthly budget to keep track of your income and expenses. Once you have…
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16
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, Mortgage, ,

Recently Inherited a Home That You Don’t Need? Here’s How to Get It Sold Without Too Much Stress

Has a loved one or family member recently passed on and left you with their home? Inheriting a house can be a delightful gift, but it can also present a significant number of challenges that you must navigate. Let's explore how to deal with an inherited house and, should you decide to, how to sell it without incurring too much stress. Are Emotions Involved? The death of a family member or other loved one can be a trying time emotionally. Depending on how the deceased left the property, you may also have to deal with cleaning out personal belongings and…
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