The rush of excitement that comes with finding the home you've been looking for is ideal, but just because it seems like the perfect place, it doesn't mean there aren't other factors to consider. Instead of getting hit with buyer's remorse, here are some tips so that your home purchase doesn't become something you'll regret. Forget About The Competition If you're contemplating a house and happen to be dragged into a bidding war, it's important to take a step back and determine if it's really the right home for you. It can be easy to get carried away and up your offer, but make sure you … [Read More...]
Last week's economic news included reports on retail sales and consumer sentiment along with weekly releases on new jobless claims and mortgage rates. Retail sales jumped 1.30 percent in April as compared to the March reading of 0.30 percent. Retail sales excluding the automotive sector rose from 0.40 percent growth in March to 0.80 percent growth in April. Both retail sales reports exceeded expectations. Growth in consumer spending suggests higher confidence in economic conditions and may lead potential homebuyers to consider buying rather than renting their homes. Consumer sentiment jumped … [Read More...]
Whether you're moving into your first apartment or preparing to purchase a second home, Ikea is a favorite for those trying to economically fill up the extra space in their home. While Ikea may have plenty of inexpensive options that you might not think can be dressed up, there are actually a lot of simple pieces that you can add to for a stylish, DIY look that will take no time at all. Cue The Cocktails The popularity of the bar cart has seen a resurgence, but many of these decorative pieces can be quite pricey for the person who isn't sure they want to commit to the cost. Instead of shelling … [Read More...]
Making renovations that are energy efficient is not just a great way to reduce energy output, but it's also an effective way of decreasing monthly utility costs. It serves as a one-time investment that will save money in the long run. However, renovations are costly and not everybody has the extra finances required to make energy efficient changes. This is where the VA's energy efficient mortgage (or EEM) program comes into play. The program is designed to allow veterans to apply for a new mortgage or refinance an existing one with extra funds to renovate the home to be up to energy efficient … [Read More...]
If you have a great house at the perfect price point, you're already on the right path to selling your home successfully. However, there are still many tricks of the trade you can utilize to bring potential homebuyers to you. If you're working with a real estate agent and are looking for great ways to grab attention, here are a few that may garner added interest. Create A Video Tour Open houses are great for giving potential homebuyers a look at your place, but posting a video of your home online can bring in a few more interested candidates than the typical staging. Find a professional who … [Read More...]
Why The Added Incentive? It may seem like keeping your home in good condition and pricing it according to its market value is good enough, but in more difficult market times many people have opted for extras that may boost the appeal of their home. While the wrong incentive strategy can make it look like you have a home that is not worth the asking price, there are classy ways value can be added that can still engage the right buyer. Determine Your Ideal Buyer If you've already decided that your ideal offer is a perfectly fair deal, you'll want to consider what kind of incentives will … [Read More...]
