Real Estate Articles

True, the phrase, “location, location, location”, is a cliché. But smart homebuyers have come to realize that the location of their new home not only determines how happy they’ll be with their purchase but also dictates its resale value. Following is a primer to help you find the right home in the right location. Don’t [...]

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No longer is the sprawling luxury home the pinnacle of real estate in the North American market. As baby boomers look to downsize and homeowners trade luxury for function, there is renewed interest in smaller homes. Eighty percent of 1,300-plus real estate agents surveyed in 2011 said that baby- boomer clients aged 54 to 64 [...]

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If you’re looking for the perfect house, that huge wish list you’re carrying around may be holding you back – and ultimately could cost you your dream home. Even the casual HGTV watcher will be familiar with “granite obsession.” Picture this: A real estate agent is showing a couple a house that has great curb [...]

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These days, staging your home involves more than decluttering and inexpensive fix-ups. You can spend big bucks. Or not. The following tips can help you add value to your home: 1. Listen to your real estate agent. He or she views hundreds of houses a year and knows what works. 2. Watch the trends and [...]

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Spring is the time of year when sellers and buyers gird up for what has traditionally been the most important season for buying or selling a home. Following are some ways to prepare: Sellers Sellers should be aware that there’s a lot of competition for buyers in the spring. That means sellers should do everything [...]

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Real estate remains a bargain in much of the United States. For many home buyers this is the ideal time to jump into the housing market with a long-term investment strategy. Following are five tips to help you take advantage of a down market. Use a Buyer’s Agent: A buyer’s agent can help you navigate [...]

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These days, a click of the mouse can open a world of dream homes to you. But when you’re facing down a determined seller or trying to figure out what to offer, it literally pays to have a buyer’s agent on your side. Real estate is all about negotiation. On one side there’s the seller [...]

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There are bargains to be had in today’s depressed housing market. When buying a lender-owned property, though, you need to be especially savvy to come up with an offer that will satisfy the beneficiary bank or agency. First, be aware that lenders are anxious to sell what is now a nonperforming asset. They also don’t [...]

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With proper due diligence and the right real estate agent, buying a fixer-upper can be a satisfying and lucrative experience. Buying a bad one, though, can lead to disaster.  Here are some tips to help you avoid problems: Location: A bad house in a desirable neighborhood is almost guaranteed to pay big dividends for the [...]

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You may not need a magnifying glass or a deerstalker hat, but thinking like your favorite fictional detective can give you an edge when looking for your dream home. Sherlock Holmes, for example, would likely advise you to draw conclusions based on what you see. Cracks in the walls could point to foundation problems. Loose [...]

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The home buying process can be stressful, particularly for first-time buyers. But even seasoned buyers can be disappointed when their first offer is rejected. Luckily, in real estate, “no” doesn”t usually mean “no.” It simply means ‘let’s talk.” And it’s here that you can be glad you have a qualified real estate agent in your [...]

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Most people realize the necessity of hiring a real estate agent to sell a home, but they take an entirely different approach and opt to go it alone when buying, especially when the property is a short sale. Before buying a short-sale property, though, people should consider the benefits derived from working with a knowledgeable [...]

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If you’re a senior, there could be many reasons to move from your family home. The house might be too big or cost too much to maintain, or the neighborhood may be changing. Following are some tips to help you make the decision: Right-Size: Although you need less space, you want to maintain – or [...]

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Spring-cleaning takes on an entirely new level of importance for those who intend to put their homes on the market. To attract buyers, it’s very important to make a great first impression. Whether you have already listed your home or you just want to keep your options open, it’s easy to make the most of [...]

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Obtaining the services of a professional real estate agent is the first step in selling your home. In today’s tough economic times, though, every little bit helps. Following are five ways to reduce the risk of last-minute mishaps: 1. Make It Easy to Move: Small things can add up, especially when making a major move. [...]

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Deciding whether to buy a new home or renovate your existing one is no easy task. There are pros and cons to both options. However, it boils down to one simple question: What do you want out of it? If space is the problem and you love your neighborhood, an addition might well be the [...]

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For years, economists have used the study of behavioral finance to explain the role emotions play in investment decisions. Their observations have turned up some interesting results. First, they’ve found that while investors know very well that the stock market has its ups and downs, some will still base investment decisions on the assumption that [...]

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Planning to buy in 2011? Preparation is the key to getting the best deal when shopping for a new home. Following are some tips to help you get started: Define Needs Versus Wants: Make a list of your needs versus wants in the new home. For example, if you have a large and growing family [...]

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When a new year starts, many people resolve to lose weight, give up smoking and spend more time with the family. Others add selling the house to their list of resolutions. Following are eight tips to help you decide whether or not to sell, and how to go about it: 1. Take a good hard [...]

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Whether you are relocating, purchasing a new property or simply needing to move ahead, it’s sometimes necessary to sell a home fast.  Unfortunately, that is sometimes easier said than done.  There are however several steps that you can take to help move your property quickly. Price: The number one reason most homes do not sell [...]

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