Pent-up housing demand is likely to increase exponentially now that a COVID-19 vaccine is on the horizon. Homebuyers should prepare for what could possibly be the most competitive spring homebuying season in years. Here are a few suggestions that will put you ahead of other homebuyers. Have a family meeting. When your household is together, tell […]
Why are so many front doors painted red across the world? For fun, we’ve gathered some of the most interesting reasons why this is an important choice for many homeowners. Many cultures use red front doors to communicate something about their beliefs or status. Since the first Passover the red door has symbolized God’s protection, […]
In a fast-moving housing market, you may find yourself compromising what you want to what’s affordable and available to buy. Some wish list items you’ll be able to find, but others you can happily do without if you concentrate instead on choosing a home that functions for your household and budget. Size: Most homebuyers want more […]
Have you ever toured a home and just wanted to run right back outside? Maybe something hit you negatively, but it could be easily fixed. If the location and price are good, updates could be the answer. Ask yourself: what would you do to make a creepy home warm and inviting? Improve lighting –Dark rooms can […]
Do homebuyers want the same things in their next home as they did before the COVID pandemic? In some ways, yes, and in others, no. According to the latest summer Realtor.com survey, post-COVID homebuyers are willing to spend more money on a home, have saved more money toward a down payment as they sheltered in place, and […]
Building equity in your home is like a savings account – the more you put toward it, the better. Your home’s equity grows with each mortgage payment you make and with time. According to BankofAmerica.com, you can calculate your equity based on current appraised value less any mortgages tied to your home. If your home is […]
One pleasure in buying an older home is the beauty of mature trees on your property and their dazzling display of fall colors when the weather turns cool. But, what happens to the leaves when they fall? What you don’t want is leaves clogging your gutters, preventing them doing their most important job – to […]
It’s typical for single-family home sales to surge in the spring and summer, but this year, there are some differences due to Covid-19. The pandemic is causing more urbanites to move out of the city say The New York Times, Forbes.com, NPR.org and other news services. Many of the attractions that make city living attractive, such as theater, shopping […]
In June 2020, average mortgage interest rates fell below three percent for the 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage – the lowest level in modern recorded history, according to Mortgage News Daily. What caused such a dip? A stock market sell-off sent investors to the relative safety of the bond market, wrote housing journalist Diana Olick. Mortgage rates loosely follow the […]
In June 2020, average mortgage interest rates fell below three percent for the 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage – the lowest level in modern recorded history, according to Mortgage News Daily. What caused such a dip? A stock market sell-off sent investors to the relative safety of the bond market, wrote housing journalist Diana Olick. Mortgage rates loosely follow the […]
Angieslist.com suggests that a typical asphalt shingle roof will last about 20 to 25 years, depending on variables such as the quality of the shingles, the professionalism of the installation, homeowner maintenance over the years, and, of course, the weather. Your roof should have several lines of defense or redundancies. If one part fails, such as […]
It’s no secret that Millennials, ages 24 to 34, have been hit hard in 2020. The triple whammies of student loans, COVID-19 and record job losses are huge challenges to face. It would be easy to give up your dream of owning a home, but we say where there’s a will, there’s a way. How […]
The costs of buying a home are high, but they can become insurmountable if you cut out necessary services to save money. Here are some things to think about before you choose your next home. Homeowner’s Insurance – Lenders require just enough homeowner’s or hazard insurance to cover the mortgage in case of disaster. While it’s […]
What a great day to be able to give back to our community! REALTORS® from Macon, Swain and Jackson counties came together on June 24th to support and give back to our community! In Swain county, we had the pleasure of creating meals for folks who will come together to “break bread”! It was such […]
Sooner or later, you’re bound to experience a water leak somewhere in your home. The usual culprits are shower pans, hot water heaters, washing machines and clogged plumbing – any of which can cause water damage. Quickanddirtytips.com recommends finding the source of the leak and shutting off the water to it. Every drain and water-using appliance […]
While the U.S. wrestles with social distancing and a disrupted economy, you may not feel it’s the best time to buy a home, but you may be missing a great opportunity. Many buyers prefer to wait and sit on the bench, giving you more access to homes with less competition. The real estate industry is […]
With the accent on durability in home décor, hardwoods, stone and tile floors are more popular than ever, but these materials can also be cold and noisy. One of the best ways to warm up a room is to make a fine quality rug the major focal point of your room. Rugs enhance contemporary, transitional […]
After a decade of industrial grey walls, stark white kitchens, and minimalistic décor, it’s time for some color. Blues are a great choice; they can be peaceful and soothing, confident and bold or as refreshing as a dip in the pool. Here is a range of blues you may like: Classic blues are elegant and have […]
One of the greatest pleasures of owning your own home is being in better control of your environment, including the sounds you listen to. Imagine waking up to the cheerful melodies of chirping birds, instead of your neighbor’s clanging, banging and muffled conversations. So, when you shop for a new home, consider one with a […]
This year may be the ideal time to go solar. The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) otherwise known as the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit is a federal tax break that allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of buying and installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. Unless a financial stimulus policy says […]
