A Home for Every Stage of Life Versus One Home For Life



October 6, 2010Over time your interests and values will change… should your house change to match? At one point in your life you might value charm, at another point you might value practicality.  One point you might love doing yard work, or at least believe that you could love it or could learn to love it.  Later, you might admit to yourself that you hate it, or lose interest in it as other interests gain...

Home Buyers Tip: Are Home Inspections worth the Money?



October 1, 2010When you are purchasing a home, it can be surprising how quickly the costs of the transaction add up.  There are closing costs, inspection costs, moving costs, down payments.  Maybe there are repairs or carpet cleaning that needs to be done before moving in to the new house.  There is no doubt- it is expensive. It can be tempting to look for short cuts, and ways to save money.  Actually,...

Establishing Your Home Budget is a Delicate Balance.



September 25, 2010Recently, we talked about an important home buyers tip: carefully planning for your future so that you find the perfect home to fit your needs. Let’s revisit the subject by taking a look at why people chose to move, and what the potential downside is to moving to early. The three most common reasons to move are: “moving up”, family, and work. According to the Current Population Survey,...

Manage your home buying fears: Three things every home buyer should know.



September 22, 2010People fear responsibilities of all types.  Getting married and having a baby are classic examples.  What about buying a house?  It is a large, life changing responsibility too.  And, people can be afraid of taking this step. Home Buyers biggest fear is being unable to afford their mortgage payment. Unlike changes like having a child or getting married, people are afraid of the financial...

Home Owners: Careful, Savvy and Happy



September 15, 201090 percent of new home owners are happy with their home purchase, according to a poll by Bankrate.com.  It is refreshing, to hear that the overwhelming majority of people are still happy to be home owners. According to the "Social Benefits of Stable Housing” paper released by the National Association of Realtors, there are many reasons that home owners are happy about their recent home...

Home Buyers Tip: Use Your Imagination When Home Shopping



September 13, 2010If you don’t have an imagination, shop with someone who does. There is a home on the end of our street that I believe is the envy of every home owner in the neighborhood.  I admit, I have a bit of a “crush” on this house.  It is beautiful.  From the landscaping, to the wood garage doors, to  their backyard filled with bonsai trees and a lily pond, the house tickles your imagination and...

5 Surprising Benefits of Home Ownership



September 10, 2010Let’s kick off the weekend with some cheerful thoughts.  The National Organization of Real Estate released research about the positive impacts of owning a home.  Instead of focusing on financial boons, the paper, “Social Benefits of Stable Housing” takes a look at the positive social outcomes. The benefits might surprise you. According to the paper, home ownership: Has a significant...