Are you thinking about buying a vacation home? Maybe owning two homes is part of your retirement dream. Maybe you'd like to have a second home in your favorite holiday locale. If you are thinking about taking this step, you might have talked to family and friends about it. Unfortunately, many people give well-intentioned, yet poor advice when it comes to buying a vacation home. Here are some myths -- and the truth -- about buying a second home straight from leading real estate experts. You Can Buy A Vacation Home With No Money Down You have probably seen advertisements about buying a vacation … [Read More...]
When the leaves start falling, winter can't be far behind. In order to make sure your home will offer you cozy shelter from the coming cold, there are a few simple checks that you should not delay. It's wise to perform simple pre-checks of major home operating systems; schedule required maintenance or call for service if you suspect a problem. Be diligent about routine upkeep; replace filters regularly. Check for faucet drips, and make note of unusual appliance or plumbing fixture noises. Here are five areas you should not ignore: The Roof A tight roof is vital all year long, but … [Read More...]
Last week's economic reports included readings from the National Association of Home Builders and Commerce Department releases on Housing Starts and Building Permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were released, along with a monthly report on consumer sentiment. NAHB: Home Builder Housing Market Index Drops 1 Point August's reading for the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index dropped one point to 67. This was the lowest reading for home builder confidence in housing market conditions in 11 months. Analysts said that trade wars are … [Read More...]
With Baby Boomers already rolling into retirement and Gen X looking forward to shrugging off the stress of the 40-hour work week, downsizing could be a strategic move. For many Americans, homeownership remains their single largest investment and the monthly mortgage payment their highest bill. Lowering or nixing that cost altogether can free up a considerable amount of cash that could be used for retirement security or leisure activities. Keep in mind, your "golden years" should be just that, so enjoy them. That being said, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to downsize … [Read More...]
While the weather is still pleasant this fall, it can be a good idea to plan ahead for early spring blooms. Trim shrubbery, plant bulbs, install new edging or add whimsical garden accessories to assure that when spring rolls around you'll have something attractive to look at. Getting creative now will boost your spirits when winter seems to last longer than it should! Whether you want to beautify for your own enjoyment or spruce up your yard with the intention of listing a home for sale come spring, get a headstart on your goals by taking time now to plan for spring. Plant Early Spring … [Read More...]
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 one wall or to the ceiling. It can be … [Read More...]
