29
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Millennial Home Buyers: What You Need To Know

In the past, you've likely read about how the Millennial generation is opting to rent rather than buy property. While this still holds true for many Millennials, the fact is that a growing number of this generation is making the leap into buying. In fact, according to Inc., Millennials today represent the largest demographic of new home buyers, responsible for about 35 percent of all real estate purchases. (For comparison's sake, Gen X'ers are responsible for about 25 percent of the buyer's market.) What's more is the Millennial home buyers have been trending upwards for about four years now, and…
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28
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

New Home Construction Boom Expected

The housing market has been trending in a positive direction and economic indicators point to new home construction going vertical. Following the housing bubble and sluggish post-recession economy, construction companies largely turned their attention away from new homes. Diminished values, high regulatory and materials costs served as deterrents to home-building. But the economic revival the country is experiencing - coupled with a housing shortage - has builders poised to jump back into the single-family home game. Here are three reasons new home construction is expected to boom. 1: First-Time Buyer Lifestyles Consider that the last big new construction boom occurred…
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24
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate

4 Things To Know About Homestead Exemptions

Homeowners are well aware that peripheral costs swell over time and can put a strain on incomes. Utility bills increase, home insurance creeps up annually and taxes rise with the cost of schools and road repair. That's why many communities have enacted homestead exemptions that can help stabilize and even lower tax bills in some cases. Although these exemptions are not well publicized, knowing how they work and how to apply could save you a good deal of money. Understanding The Homestead Exemption A homestead exemption helps homeowners lower and/or fix the amount you pay in local taxes. Qualifying property…
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23
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

4 Reasons Millennials Should Buy A Retirement Home First

There’s an idea running through marketing and business circles that anything that is popular, the opposite will likely be popular as well. Consider that sugar and caffeinated beverages such as Coca-Cola have seemingly opposite products like Coke Zero. That product, in turn, is offset in the marketplace by high-sugar, high-caffeine energy drinks such as Monster and Red Bull. In the housing industry, reverse living homes enjoy popularity. Basically, the bedrooms are downstairs while the kitchen, living room and other gathering spaces are upstairs. This concept of doing the opposite brings us to the idea about buying a first home. The…
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22
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Easy Decor Tricks That Make Any Home A Standout

If your home's style currently wouldn't win any awards, there's no reason to put off a redo indefinitely. With a little ingenuity and a few hours of time, it's possible to transform a "Plain Jane" into a trendsetter. Here's how: Paint and Pattern Almost any designer will tell you that color is the best way to alter the character of a room. It doesn't have to be dramatic; even a subtle change of tone, texture or pattern on a single wall can be a distinctive focal point. If your home lacks architectural detail, you might consider adding wood paneling to…
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21
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

When It Makes Sense To Buy An Ugly Duckling

"Move-in ready" homes are desirable -- there's no doubt about it! But sometimes it makes better financial sense to opt for a house with dated decor and a less than trendy kitchen or master bath. You may not get your dream home immediately, but the opportunity to transform a property into your own swan can be rewarding. It can also be easy on the pocketbook. When looking at Ugly Ducklings, however, look first to structural integrity and the condition of major home systems. including plumbing and septic, driveway and drainage. A home inspection is invaluable, even though no inspector can…
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