Once you and the seller have negotiated an offer and you've been pre-approved for a mortgage, you might think that you are in the clear as far as your closing goes. However, that is not always the case. Many surprising things can put a halt to closing. Some may ultimately stop the closing altogether while others could simply cause a delay. Here are a few unexpected things that can derail a real estate closing: A Job Promotion While you might know that changing employers is one way to interfere with the closing, another deal-breaker can be switching positions with your current employer. … [Read More...]
While a kitchen herb garden or pot-grown tomatoes may be commonplace in both suburban backyards and on urban condo patios, an increasingly large number of homeowners look to backyard farming as a way to relieve some of the stresses of modern life. Other benefits include cutting grocery bills, living a more sustainable life, and teaching children about food. The New Food Landscape Do new trends signal a return to simpler times, or are they a pushback against higher food prices and loss of control over the food supply? Is it a lasting change that will spread across the country or a trendy, … [Read More...]
This summer, quality homes are being scooped up almost as fast as they're being listed - and for top price. Yes, it's a seller's market out there, which is great news if you're planning to list your home. For those looking for a home, the competitiveness can be frustrating and aggravating. Frustrating as it may be, there's plenty of reason for buyers to stick it out until their offer is accepted. For starters, interest rates are still fairly low. And secondly, there are great homes out there if you act fast enough. How can you successfully get that dream home in a seller's market? Here … [Read More...]
Last Week's economic readings included reports on inflation, mortgage rates, new jobless claims and consumer sentiment. Inflation Slows in June The Consumer Price Index for June inched down to 0.10 percent growth in June as compared to May's reading of 0.20 percent. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 0.20 percent, which matched expectations and May's reading of 0.20 percent. Year-over-year inflation rose by 2.90 percent. This was the highest rate of growth in six years. Inflation increased by a year-over-year rate of 1.60 percent in the prior year. While … [Read More...]
Many homeowners are looking for ways to maximize on their investment. One idea that is gaining popularity is a space set aside for aging parents known as an In-law apartments. These additions are living spaces that can set a property apart from others on the real estate market. In-law apartments generally enjoy a private entrance and include things like a private bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and living room. Although generally smaller than the main residence, in-law apartments provide all the elements of a home. Because these living spaces are often built after the original floor plan was … [Read More...]
Energy-efficiency, smart electronics and automation have come home to the rest of the house, but many garages still look and feel like neglected warehouses. Why not update the lighting and add some high-tech features that will bring your garage into the 21st Century. Doing so will make your life easier and need not cost a fortune! Rethink Room Function Most homeowners use the garage for more than a car park. If it's part storage room, part play space and part project area, manage the corresponding needs for specialized task lighting, additional circuits for a second refrigerator or freezer, … [Read More...]
Buying a home comes with numerous financial planning obligations. It's far from a turn-key operation and one of the significant challenges involves developing a working knowledge about things often outside your area of expertise. For example, working as an educator, police officer, investment banker or office staffer does not necessarily make you an expert about home repairs or insurance coverage. Yet, the average homeowner is tasked with carrying a certain level of homeowners insurance coverage without a strong working knowledge. Many homeowners just purchase enough insurance to cover the … [Read More...]
Carving out space for a home office isn't always easy, but if you have the option to work from home even part of the time, it's essential to have a space that works for you. Here are 5 great ways to meet those needs: Adapt A Closet A guest room closet with bi-fold doors can become a perfect workspace with the addition of a shelf at the proper height to hold a computer or calculator and proper task lighting. Hang a bulletin board or add open shelving on the back wall. Multiply the functionality with a small cabinet or a portable file rack. The advantage of going to work in a closet is that you … [Read More...]
