Is it smart to buy another home before selling your present home? That’s a loaded question given the lack of information you’ve shared with us, but we’ll try to give you some guidance. As a general rule, you’d rather know that you have a buyer in hand to purchase your home before you go out...Read More
Sarah Rae Smith We’ve learned the hard way that there are some very important things that should be checked before signing the papers to buy a new home. Of course, you’ll have a professional do an inspection and look over the place to make sure the home is termite and flood damage free, but these...Read More
Planning to remodel your home? Great idea and good luck to you! Think you can do whatever you want to your house? Not so fast, my friend. Home remodeling is governed by your local laws. Fall afoul of them and you’ll be in big trouble. (Worst-case scenario: Someone might get hurt on your property. Really...Read More
By Jill Chodorov Kaminsky April 11 If you’re planning to take a loan out on your 401(k) to purchase a home, you better check with your employer first. Your employer’s rules on borrowing from your retirement funds might be tougher than those of the Internal Revenue Service. In a recent transaction, my buyer client learned...Read More
Shopping for a house is stressful. You’re trying to find the best home, in the best area, for the best price. Making your budget match your wish list is overwhelming, but take heart. It’s not about finding the perfect house; it’s about finding a house you can make into a safe, comfortable home that isn’t...Read More
Certain pillars of adulthood feel more achievable than others: finally learning how to hang a gallery wall, say, or flossing. Homeownership, on the other hand, remains a pipe dream so bewildering that the mere idea is as unrealistic as joining the ranks of people who know where to find the “portico.” (In the bathroom, right?...Read More
Home is no longer just about personal retreat and comfort — more and more, we are seeing people place a high value on how well it can serve and entertain family and friends. According to real estate agents across the Mid-Atlantic, outdoor living and entertainment spaces are gaining momentum as the next big trend and...Read More
Enjoying a warm, cozy fire requires a clean, safe fireplace. Here are some tips for keeping it that way: Fireplaces should not be used as furnaces. Use a fireplace for a short-duration fire — no longer than five hours.Keep the glass open to allow air to be drawn up to cool the chimney, but keep...Read More
The right outdoor lighting can redefine a property, adding not only safety and security but expanding the use of the yard and beautifying the space. Whether starting from scratch or retrofitting an existing yard, the most important trend today is installing LED lights. LED lights (light-emitting diodes) are energy-efficient, versatile and will reduce maintenance. Although...Read More
Mikey Rox It can be a tough decision to leave your home, especially if you’ve worked hard for it or it’s the residence you’ve always dreamed of owning. But for many people, downsizing isn’t so much of an option as it is a financial necessity. And if any of these situations apply to you, it...Read More
