Most new homeowners decided to go from renter to homeowner because they had saved a sizable down payment, and either they or a mortgage lender determined the costs of home ownership were no greater than 30% of their income. But what if you’re retired and on a fixed income? Suddenly deciding between renting and buying isn’t so simple. No matter why you’re moving as you enter...

You found a new home that checks all the right boxes. You’re elated. But now, it’s six months later and the bloom is off the rose. Something that seemed like a “must have” is now a “wish we hadn’t.”  Where did things go wrong? Sadly, it happens. Sometimes, it’s predictable. Like buying on a busy street despite the traffic. Or, wishing you’d listened to that little voice that...

If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, you may have given some thought to staging. After all, staged homes sell 88% faster and for an astounding 20% more on average than homes where sellers didn’t give any thought to home staging.The drawback to staging, however, is obvious—it usually isn’t cheap if you’re going to engage the help of a professional home stager.If hiring a...

It’s one of the hard and fast rules of buying a new home: know how much you can afford and stick within your budget. Conventional wisdom says that looking at homes outside of your price range will only set you up for frustration because you’ll want what more house and more amenities than you can afford. For the most part, all that is true. But, there are certain situations in which you may...

There’s a reason homeowners bake bread or cookies just before a showing or open house. Those pleasant odors stir emotions and make lasting impressions when it comes to buying a home. But when those impressions are made by something far less inviting than fresh-baked goodies, it could spell trouble down the road. When it comes to touring a home you may potentially buy, your nose usually knows....

If you’re thinking about becoming a repeat home buyer, you already know things will be a bit more complicated than when you bought your first home. You know the goal: buy a new home while simultaneously selling your current one, close on the same day and move. That’s in an ideal world. But what about in the world we actually live in? Understand the market. Before you start searching for a...

Video tours are becoming more popular than ever. But there’s more to a home video tour than checking out a well-appointed kitchen and spacious master suite. In fact, it was probably a shot of the home’s exterior that got you interested in the first place. Yet, when it comes to a video tour, do you know what to look for? Here are some tips for ensuring you ask the right questions and get the...

Whether you’re a cat person or a dog person, you probably think of your beloved pets as members of your family. Just like children, you want to keep them happy, love them and safeguard them from harm. But what about when there’s a move in your future? Our cats and dogs can actually have an impact on how easily a home sells. In addition, making a move isn’t always easy on your...

Whether you’re putting your home on the market soon or sometime down the road, presenting it at its best can help you get top dollar and reduce the time it is on the market. There are plenty of things you can do as homeowner to get your home ready. But even the best decor intentions can sometimes result in décor that appeals less to buyers than anticipated. Here are some examples of what not to do...

Even if your home is in good condition, you’ll want it looking its absolute best when you’re ready to put it on the market. Helping your home make a great first impression can mean the difference between a quick sale at full list price and offers below what you were expecting. It doesn’t need to cost a lot to get great results. Here are 10 some simple staging tips that will add a boost of...