As you come up to the date of your closing, there's time to reflect on everything that led to this step. Your real estate agent, mortgage broker, title company and others all work hard to ensure a successful closing for you. They're all in your corner, hoping for the same outcome as you. They've had to do a lot of work behind the scenes that you may not even be aware of. Their diligence and professionalism has already benefited you. But did you know that it's not all riding on your team of real estate professionals? There are things you can do to ensure a successful closing, too. 1. … [Read More...]
Home staging means getting a home ready for sale with the goal to maximize the sale price and close a sale as fast as possible. Some home staging tasks are very dreary, like having to get the place sparkling clean. That is really not fun work. It may be better, if it is affordable, for the homeowner to hire professionals to do that grunt work. Another part of home staging is really fun and even can start long before putting a home on the market for sale. Children like to participate in this as well. It is creating an urban garden. Urban Garden An urban garden fits in anywhere. The idea is to … [Read More...]
Last week's scheduled economic news included readings on construction spending and reports on public and private sector jobs. Monthly readings for public and private sector jobs and the national unemployment rate were released along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and initial jobless claims. Construction Spending Dips in May May construction spending fell to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 0.80 percent growth at a pace of $1.3 trillion as compared to April's reading, which was adjusted to 0.40 percent growth after reports of a flat reading. Year-over-year construction spending … [Read More...]
One of the best things about moving into a new home is personalizing it and really making it yours. From hanging wall art to arranging furniture to finding the perfect spot for your grandmother's hand crocheted afghan, it's a real joy to decorate. But are you forgetting about the big investment you just made? Consider the following important home upgrades that will protect your home and your family. 1. Smoke Alarm Take an afternoon and upgrade all your new home's smoke alarms. Smoke alarms save lives and it's not worth it to assume that just because it's there it's working. 2. Carbon … [Read More...]
3D printing technology is a game-changer in the home construction business. Not only is the technology capable of printing a home, but it can also be used to print one at a much lower cost when compared to traditional home construction. All3DP reports on homes printed using 3D technology that costs as little as $4,000 to $10,000. Some are ready for occupancy within 24 hours. The $4,000 Home A company in Texas, called ICON, is working with NewStoryCharity.org to create 3D-printed homes at an extremely low cost. New Story Charity builds simple homes in other countries, like Haiti and El … [Read More...]
If you're selling your home, your real estate agent has likely advised you to stage your home to sell. But why exactly do people stage homes to sell? Some people go to great lengths to stage their home too, even going so far as moving possessions into storage units or renting furnishings! If your home is already nicely decorated, why should you go to the added trouble of "staging" it? There are many good reasons to stage your home to sell. 1. Staging Makes Your Home Appear More Spacious Having lived in your home for a number of years, you probably haven't noticed how many things you've … [Read More...]