Flipping homes is popular once again. It took about eight years after the Great Recession that started in 2006 for home prices to rebound to the levels seen before the recession. Then, by 2016, in many areas, home prices started to rapidly increase. The increases in home prices caused more flipping activity due to the potential profits. CNN reports the average gross profit on a flipped home sold during the past three years was about 50%. In 2017, one real estate speculator took nearly one million dollars ($985,00) in cash and bought a home in an "as-is" condition, sight-unseen. That is what … [Read More...]
When viewing a potential home, how much consideration should you give to the surrounding land? In many ways, the land should be carefully regarded, since land is the thing that is hardest to alter. You can rip up carpet, paint walls and even knock down walls, but it takes a lot more effort to change land. Mature Landscaping Mature landscaping is typically cited as a benefit, but what if you're the type who enjoys looking out at wide open spaces? It could also be that the mature landscaping - older trees - are situated dangerously near the house. Weakened trees could lose heavy … [Read More...]
It's more likely that someone will incur an injury on moving day than on an ordinary day. The reason is that people are moving in ways that they don't normally move, loads can be heavy, and accidents do happen. However, most injuries on moving day can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. Use A Dolly Instead of trying to move more than one box by hand, use a dolly or a hand truck. This inexpensive tool can safely move multiple boxes without you having to lift anything at all. Keep in mind that all the boxes should be of equal size; don't attempt to stack uneven boxes because they … [Read More...]
Last week's economic news included readings from the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index and July readings on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on initial jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released. NAHB: Home Builder Sentiment Remains High According to the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence in housing market conditions rose one point to an index reading of 66 for August. Housing Market Index readings showed that builder sentiment has held steady with readings of 64 to 66; any reading over 50 indicates … [Read More...]
The average size of an American home has been increasing since the 1970s. The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) reports that, in 1973, the median size for a new home in the United States was 1,660 square feet. Over the past 45 years or so, this increased by more than 1,000 square feet. The median size of a new home is now 2,687 square feet. The Problem With Big Houses At first, a big house is appealing until one tries to clean it or pay the utility bills. Many baby boomers, who are now nearing retirement age, are downsizing, especially if their children have all moved away. Moreover, … [Read More...]
What can be done with a house that is just perfect but it is in a bad neighborhood or a dangerous spot? Think about homes that are in decent condition; yet, too close to the water. America is experiencing flooding now that is not supposed to happen in 500 years. That cute little beach bungalow could easily get wiped out in the next hurricane. It might be time to think about moving those homes to a safer area or higher ground. The International Association of Structural Movers says that around 8,000 homes are moved each year in America. Relocation may be due to hazards, such as the erosion of … [Read More...]
