A kitchen upgrade may seem like the sort of renovation that will cost a pretty penny, but there are a lot of funky things you can do that will add an easy accent and make for a current look. If you're planning some home improvements in 2016, here are some upcoming trends you may want to try out. Cue The Contrasting Cabinets It can be a major undertaking to change the style of your kitchen cabinets, and that's probably why many people are considering a little switch instead of a major upheaval. By keeping your top cabinets the same and adding a funky new color or material to the bottom half, … [Read More...]
With all the work that goes into finding the kind of home you'll want to put an offer on, it can be easy to forget about all the little things that happen after the deal has been made. While the paperwork involved in purchasing may seem like a long way off, here's a quick review of some of the documents you'll need when the time comes to seal the deal. Your Credit Report It's important to review your credit before putting an offer in, so ensure that you request your credit report in advance and review it for any errors that may be present. If there are any discrepancies negatively impacting … [Read More...]
Whether you've done a lot of research on the real estate market or you've sold a home before, you may be aware that there can be a lot of trepidation around how long your house remains up for sale. If you're concerned about your home's market potential, here's what you need to know about "Days on Market" and how it can impact your home sale. "Days on Market" Explained A fairly no-nonsense phrase, Days on Market (DOM) refers to how long a home has been listed on the real estate market. The DOM stat can be found on many Multiple List Systems (MLS), and this can be seen as a signifier to agents … [Read More...]
It can be easy to forget, but the first thing people will see when they come to your home is the outside, so it's important to have a well-maintained and picturesque property that represents the inside of your home positively. If you're looking for a few ways to boost your outdoor space, here are a few tips to help with curb appeal. Plant A Flower Bed Whether you decide on a tiny plot or a much larger space, a splash of flowers is great for adding a warm, homey atmosphere to your front yard. This can easily be done by going to your local nursery, picking out some easy-to-maintain perennials … [Read More...]
Last week's economic news included minutes of the most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. FOMC Minutes Indicate Fed Not Pressing Rate Increases Minutes of the FOMC meeting held March 15 and 16 suggest that FOMC members are easing their enthusiasm for raising the target federal funds rate. In recent months, the committee has indicated that it was leaning toward raising rates on a slow but steady pace. Ongoing concerns over changing global economic and financial conditions contributed to FOMC's decision … [Read More...]
There are different methods that home buyers may use to find a real estate agent to work with. While some may use the services of a real estate agent who they know personally, others may reach out to a professional who they have located online. Regardless of whether you previously knew the individual in a non-professional setting or not, it is important that you check your agent's reference and testimonials before you get started with the home buying process. There are several good reasons for this. The Importance Of Accessibility Whether you are trying to find the perfect property and submit … [Read More...]