Today's Current News, Opinion & Advice
Vacation rentals are experiencing a surge of popularity as websites like VRBO and Airbnb make them more accessible. Guests can find a place that fits their budget, location and accommodation needs. Hosts can easily list their property. The real challenge is creating a space which stands out and offers more than a guest could hope…
The benefits of real estate investing are numerous. That’s why millions of Americans decide to go down that road. However, for someone new to the property investment business, choosing the right strategy can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together the advantages and disadvantages of both short-term rentals and long-term rentals to help beginner investors…
Arguably one of the more significant steps of the home-buying process is the home inspection. Done properly, the home inspection allows buyers to gain a clear understanding of the property they are about to purchase as well as provide sellers the knowledge of what can (or should) be improved at their home. As the real estate…
Are you so jazzed after an amazing vacation in your favorite corner of paradise that you feel ready to take the plunge and move there? PJ Wade cautions that there are 5 life-defining challenges to consider before you head for paradise. Just back from an extended tour of the South Pacific, I am ready to move to almost…
Every year at this time you, (and we!) start thinking about what we can do to lower our energy output, and therefore our utility bills. If you live in a place where summer heat is an issue, you could be looking at substantially higher costs during the summer. The harsh summer sun and west-facing windows…
Okay, more specifically, how much money do you need to qualify for a mortgage? There are different factors involved because there are so many different types of loans available. Even the very same loan program might require more or less cash to close depending upon someone’s personal situation. But this is indeed a very legitimate…
It’s probably safe to say that most homeowners give little thought to their residential roofing, until that roof leaks, sags, or otherwise is in obvious need of repair! Replacing residential roof shingles and tiles before they become worn and damaged or blow away in a storm is an excellent option for keeping your home’s roof…
More and more travelers are using services like VRBO instead of hotel rooms when traveling in the United States and abroad, and more and more investors are turning to vacation homes to put some passive income in their pockets. Now, a new loan will make the rental income from these properties easier to use for…
When it comes to home staging, there are typically two buyer camps: The first thinks it’s a waste of money and doesn’t want to pay more to potentially make their home more attractive to buyers—even if their real estate agent says they’ll make it up (and then some; The second realizes the value and is…
This question might seem a bit odd at first, but there can be different stages for a loan application. Typically, the difference is when someone has submitted a loan application to a lender but has yet to pick out a property. When submitting an application in order to receive a preapproval letter, there are certain…
Developers, home owners, and businesses alike all have a vested interest in purchasing the best properties within their budgets. Especially true in older communities and cities, a variety of high-quality buildings and homes can be found, many of which use more solid building styles and materials. You’ve probably heard the phrase “this home has good…
What the Heck is a Seller’s Market? There are no better words in the English dictionary that can make a home owner do their infamous happy dance than these four little words: “it’s a seller’s market”. So….you ask….how do you know if it really is a seller’s market and what exactly does that mean? I’m…
Most loans today require some amount of a down payment. But they all require closing costs. There are lender fees, common ones are loan processing and underwriting fees, and there are non-lender fees. Non-lender fees include items such as an attorney fee or title insurance premiums. It’s the non-lender fees that can really add up…
Most homeowners have a desire to decorate in a manner that suits personal tastes while also being visually appealing. All those home magazines make it look so easy, but can also come with steep prices. When you are limited to a budget that’s somewhat smaller, you can still achieve the look you desire without breaking…
Spring is here and, for many people across the country, that means storms. And storms, unfortunately, mean storm chasers. But not the kind who get in their car and follow the path of those storms so they can report dangerous weather and learn more about preparedness. We’re talking about those who show up at your…
Investing in energy-efficient windows is not simply a trend or passing fad; many homeowners today are concerned with saving as much energy in the home as possible, to lower their utility costs and create a comfortable interior environment. Solar roof panels, tankless hot water heaters, energy-efficient appliances, and thermal windows are becoming increasingly popular, but…
The #1 Top Place to Live in the USA (U.S. News and World Reports). The #1 Top Place in the World for Tech (Savills). The #1 Best Place for Veterans to Live (WalletHub). These are but a few of the many, many accolades Austin has racked up in just the last few years, and all…
The #1 Top Place to Live in the USA (U.S. News and World Reports). The #1 Top Place in the World for Tech (Savills). The #1 Best Place for Veterans to Live (WalletHub). These are but a few of the many, many accolades Austin has racked up in just the last few years, and all…
It’s spring cleaning time, but this year you don’t have to stock up on all those expensive potions and cleaners. The stuff you already have in your house might be even better at getting—and keeping—it clean. Here are a few of our double-duty (or triple or more!) products: Mr. Clean Magic Erasers Dirty baseboards. Scuff…
Bully offers are not illegal but they are controversial and stressful for sellers. Real estate professionals can get themselves into trouble if they don’t handle them correctly. Canadian real estate markets have generally cooled down during the last year, but there are always popular neighborhoods where bidding wars between buyers end up frustrating potential homeowners.…
The annual homeowner association meeting convenes. The president announces that the floor is open for nominations. A fellow homeowner say to you, “You know, you would make a good board member.” Before you have a chance to reply, some body movement indicates that you are willing, ready and able to serve. “The nominations are closed”,…
Sometimes, for whatever reason, a loan needs to be “manually” underwritten. And when consumers hear that term from their loan officer it can be a little unsettling, if not confusing. Lenders can forget that consumers aren’t necessarily familiar with the internal processing of a mortgage loan application and simply assume they know how loans are…
Selling a home is one of the most challenging and stressful parts of the homeownership process. When you are looking to sell your home, there are many tips that should be followed that can help you to sell your home faster and at a better price. There are also a variety of tips that…
Buying a new home is an investment in your future, but is it right for you right now? There are a few things to consider before taking the real estate plunge. This is a large investment, and it should never be rash. Location! Location! Location! Be sure to look into the local school district. If…
