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Blog: Tips on Buying and Selling Real Estate!

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5 Classic Home Upgrades that Will Withstand the Test of Time

A classic home might seem like it needs no addition. However, if you want to modernize your home with some new amenities, or if you'd like to make subtle changes to your home, you need to make sure that they will stand the test of time. What home upgrades will add value to your classic home?

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5 Signs You're Ready to Buy a Home

Have you been biting your nails and thinking hard about whether you're ready to buy a home? Your first home purchase is a big step. If you're thinking of moving off the fence and shopping for a home, here's how you know that you're ready.

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What is an FSBO Property?

What kind of property do you want to buy? When you're in the middle of a home search, you need to make sure that you don't remove any potentially promising properties from your list. This includes homes that are for sale by owner. However, you might have questions about these properties. Are there any challenges to working directly with the owner of a property to purchase a home? Are there benefits?

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Interested in Historic Homes? Look for These 4 Things Before You Buy

Historic homes for sale: they're full of character, history, and surprises. Those who like historic homes often fall in love with them completely, wanting to restore them and maintain them. However, before you dive deep into the world of older homes, consider how you'll manage the many issues that come with these homes as well.

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Top 5 Benefits of Buying a Ranch Home

Are you considering buying a ranch home? Before you go to your new home on the range, consider whether the benefits of this home style are right for your family. From its indoor-outdoor orientation to its flat interior, the ranch home has several positive features: is it the right choice for your family?

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What to Expect if You're Selling Your Home This Spring

What's going on in the housing market? If you're planning to sell a home, that's one of the first questions that comes to mind. Will your house sale be slow or is the market very hot? Are properties selling below asking or do they get multiple offers that are higher than asking price? If you're selling your home in spring 2018, what can you expect?

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Should You Test That Home for Radon Before You Buy?

Are you buying a home that's healthy for your family? While that may not be the first question that comes to mind when you're considering a home purchase, perhaps it should be: problems such as mold, lead paint, and radon can lead to health concerns. As you purchase that home, make sure that you know what the health hazards are in that particular area and whether you should test for radon before you buy.

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5 Things to Watch Out for During an Open House

You'd like to think that a home deal could be straightforward. You learn about the home, decide that it's for you, and you buy it. However, homes have all kinds of complexities. If you're buying a home, you need to be aware of potential issues before you make an offer, and that includes keeping your eyes and ears open when you're looking around the home. What should you look for at the open house?

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Is New Construction Right for You?

When you're looking at new homes for sale, it's possible that the right home for you is not even built yet. You might do best with a home that's under construction, one that can be customized to your needs. However, new homes have their benefits and drawbacks: Is new construction right for you?

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What Is the Difference Between a Manufactured Home and a Modular Home?

You're excited. It's time for you to buy a home. You've been saving for years, and it's finally a possibility. You're considering a manufactured or modular home. What is the difference between the two, and which one should you choose?

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Should You Buy a House with a Pool?

Is a home with a pool a worthwhile investment for your family? Pools can be great fun for a family, and they can be a relaxing way to begin the day. However, they also involve maintenance and safety concerns. What do you need to consider as you buy a house with a pool?

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3 Best Cities for Home Buyers

Where should you buy a house? Some choose to go for the underrated cities and towns, while others are curious about what places get the best reviews. If you are looking for a high quality of life and a wonderful place to live, where should you choose to move this year?

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How Does the Fed's Interest Rate Hike Affect Home Buyers?

Will changes in interest rates impact your current or future mortgage? Are you buying a house in the new year? If so, the decision by the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates could affect you. How will this impact your home-buying abilities?

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What Rights Do Renters Have?

Are you planning to rent a home? If so, you need to know your rights as a tenant. You may never need to talk with your landlord about these rights, but it is important to know what they are, just in case an uncomfortable or unpleasant situation occurs in which you feel your rental rights have been violated or ignored.

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What Is a Short Sale in Real Estate?

When you are talking about real estate, what is a short sale? It is not the sale of a short home or on a short deadline; it is the sale of a home that "occurs when a property is sold at a price lower than the amount the homeowner owes on the mortgage," according to Freddie Mac. Should you purchase a home in a short sale?

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Can You Rent a Home with Bad Credit?

You have bad credit, but you need a place to live. What happens now? Is it possible to rent a home with bad credit?

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4 Questions to Ask Before You Rent an Apartment

You love the look of that new apartment, but is it really right for you? You are renting a new apartment, and you are excited about the change. Each new home brings with it new possibilities. However, you realize that you also need to do your due diligence. You must make sure that any apartment rentals that you look at are suitable for your needs. How do you ensure that your new rental is the right rental for you?

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What Is a Perc Test and Why Does It Matter?

You love the property, but is the soil suitable for your needs? What a great property for sale! It has everything that you have dreamed about: a few trees, sunlight that would stream right into your kitchen windows, and a location that is close enough to all of the amenities that you want. You are already building your dream home in your mind, but before you actually buy that piece of land, you need to look realistically at it as an option.

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Why Fall is the Perfect Season to Buy a Home

It is fall. Is this the right time to buy a home? It is getting close to winter festivities, and the beginning of the school season has just passed. Why would you buy a home in the fall? It might seem like it is an awkward and inconvenient time to look for a home or consider moving, and that is exactly why you should purchase a home during the fall season.

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Found Your Perfect Home? 5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Moving Company

Move with ease when you hire a professional moving company. There are boxes upon boxes in your living room. You are likely feeling a little overwhelmed as you buy a home and move. Is it time to hire a professional moving company? Here are five reasons why hiring a moving company could be the best idea since bubble wrap.

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Pros and Cons of Buying a Tiny House

Would you buy a house that is 500 square feet? How about a house that is 200 square feet? The tiny house movement has been growing over the last few years, and while the movement is now large, the houses remain really small. Committing to a tiny house means committing to living with an efficient use of space. Before you decide to try one out, consider the pros and cons.

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Garage or Carport: Which Do You Want for Your New Home?

When you are buying a house, it is a question that is easy to forget. Where are you going to park your car? Protecting your car from wind, ice, and snow is important, since aside from your house, your car is probably your most expensive possession. As you purchase a new home, make sure that your new home can take care of your vehicle with a garage or carport. Which one should you choose?

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4 Tips for Choosing a Real Estate Agent

When you are buying a house, one of the most important jobs to get right is to hire a real estate agent that will meet or exceed your needs. As you choose a real estate agent, what should you look for and why?

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How to Make a Good Counteroffer on a Home

Back and forth, back and forth--that is how offers on a home go sometimes. A house sale is not as straightforward as going into a store and buying a product. It is a negotiation, and the factors that influence that negotiation can be quite complex. If you are in the middle of a house sale and your buyer has made an offer that does not work for you, how do you make a counteroffer that is more to your liking and likely to be accepted by a buyer?

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Is It Easier to Sell an Empty House?

Would you be able to sell your home more quickly if you removed everything from it, leaving a blank slate for new buyers? When you are trying to sell a house, you sometimes have a choice: to live in it as you try to sell or to buy or rent a new home as you try to sell your old one. What choice is the best one?

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What is a California or Florida Room?

Does your dream home come with a California or Florida room? These rooms are named California or Florida rooms because of the way that they easily integrate the indoors and the outdoors in a single space. If you plan to buy a house with a California room, what are you buying?

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What is a Brownstone?

Today, brownstones are generally multi-family row houses. Are you thinking of moving into a brownstone? Whether you are buying a house or renting an apartment, the traditional brownstone has a lot going for it. This style of home is one of the oldest styles in the United States.

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Understanding Contingent Offers for a House Sale

Is your offer contingent on a home sale or a home inspection? When you are in the middle of a house sale, you may find that you expand your vocabulary. Suddenly, offers and inspections and closing costs become part of your everyday language. When you are buying a house, what is a contingent offer, and what are its implications for both buyers and sellers?

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How Real Estate Agents Earn Their Commission

A realtor can help you in your ongoing search for a home, but are a realtor's services worth the commission? A realtor just shows up, shows the house, and walks off with a commission, right? Wrong. While it looks like a realtor has a very simple job, if you are working with a realtor, that person is doing a lot for you. When it comes to negotiating a deal on your house, a realtor really earns that commission. Here is what a realtor does to earn a commission.

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What to Expect at an Open House

Be ready to turn a critical eye on each house you visit. It is the weekend; that means it is time to visit more homes for sale if you are buying a house. At an open house, you visit a home with an eye to purchasing it. How can you prepare well for your weekend of visiting homes?

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5 Home Staging Tips for Sellers

A well-staged home looks clean, light, and airy. Is your home a showplace? When selling your home, you need to ensure that it is staged properly. What does staging mean, and how can you stage your home in a way that will increase its chances of selling for the price you want?

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Pros and Cons of House Flipping

If you love making improvements to homes, house flipping could be a good choice for you. You want to buy a house. Then you want to buy another house and another one. If this sounds like you, you might enjoy the world of house flipping. This area of real estate can be exciting, especially if you enjoy the challenge of renovating homes. However, it comes with its pros and cons. What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of choosing to flip homes?

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Tips for Hiring a Property Manager for Your Rental Homes

You need new tenants, but you do not have time to find them. It may be time to consider a property manager. When you have many rental homes or a rental property in another area, it can be difficult to manage that property. However, those who rent the property expect good management. What can you do to make your life easier and to make sure that your property is in top shape?

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Who Pays the Closing Costs in a Home Sale?

You are selling your home, but who pays for the costs of the sale? As you plan to buy or sell a home, you prepare. If you are the seller, you complete renovations, and you stage your home for buyers. If you are the buyer, you start to compile lists of neighborhoods, housing styles, and even specific homes that intrigue you. Some of these activities involve costs, but as you move closer to the home sale, there are other costs involved in the sale as well. What are these costs, and do you need to pay them?

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Pros and Cons of Listing Your Rental Property on MLS

Many people look online for rental properties. Do they look on the MLS? Why would you use the MLS to list your rental property? While many people think about the Multiple Listing Service as the place where you list your home for sale, MLS rentals have helped many people rent their homes. What are the pros and cons of listing your rental property on MLS?

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How to Research the Safety of a Neighborhood Before You Buy a Home

Is your prospective neighborhood going to be safe enough for your family? You want to buy a home, but you are a little nervous. What if you choose the wrong neighborhood? The amenities that surround you and the feel of the neighborhood are just as important as the actual home that you buy. How can you tell whether you should buy a home in a specific neighborhood or not? Research your potential neighborhood with online tools.

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For Sale by Owner Homes: 4 Things Buyers Should Know

What is different about a For Sale By Owner negotiation? You are wandering down a country lane when you see a sign: real estate for sale by owner. You start to get ideas and make plans for your future living on this rural property. However, before you slip too far down the road of imagination, consider whether you want to embark on the journey of negotiating directly with home owners to purchase a home.

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Buying Commercial Real Estate? 5 Things to Consider

What business opportunities does your commercial real estate provide to your tenants? Are you on a commercial real estate search? Whether you are looking for a warehouse or a salon, finding and buying the right commercial real estate can be a challenge. To hit the real estate jackpot now and continue to be satisfied with the property in the future, you need to consider a number of different factors. Here is what you should know before you go on a search for the perfect commercial property for investment purposes.

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Top Home Improvements to Increase Resale Value

Landscaping and hardscaping changes can add to your home's resale value. Some people do it for fun, and other people do it for the resale value. Whatever the reason, you have decided to take on a home renovation project. You want to come home to a house that is pleasing in appearance and easy to maintain. You want everything inside your home to work properly. If you are planning to sell your home in the future, you would also like to get some return on your investment. What home improvements actually increase resale value?

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5 Ways to Tell It Is Time to Buy a Bigger House

Is your house too small for your family? Are you beginning to get the feeling your house is bursting at the seams? If you are considering a larger home, here is how you can tell if it is time to buy a bigger house.

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5 Tips for Buying a Luxury Home

Know what you really want before you go home shopping. The dream has come true. You have decided to buy a luxury home. Whether you are moving to a more rural area where your dollar can stretch further or you are at a time in your life when you are better able to afford the luxury home you have always wanted, upgrading your home comes with questions. What do you need to know before you purchase a luxury home?

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4 Things You Should Consider Before Buying a Big House

Does a larger home have the amenities that you want? You need space to spread out, and a big house is part of your plan. In some ways, buying a large home is similar to buying a smaller one, but there are new considerations as well. As you look at big houses for sale, what should you take into account?

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Fixer-Upper Issues that Might Affect Home Loan Approval

A fixer-upper can bring you delight through its transformation, but can you get a loan to buy it? Have you ever felt the joy of finding the perfect home, only to discover that there is a lot of work to be done? If you are considering a fixer-upper because you have fallen in love with a home or if you are thinking of fixing an older house because it could allow you into the neighborhood where you want to live, what are the hidden costs of fixer-upper homes for sale? You could not only be on the hook for your renovation costs, but choosing a fixer-upper could also affect your home loan approval.

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How to Get Your Home Ready to Rent

Know your target market, and know what attracts them to your house. If you have acquired a new property or you have decided to move out of your existing home, how do you transition that property into a rental property? Preparing your home as a rental property does not happen with the touch of a magic wand, but with some simple tasks that can turn a lived-in home into an appealing rental.

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Should Renters Sign a Month-to-Month Lease for an Apartment?

Are you thinking of getting an apartment with a month-to-month lease? What are the pros and cons? When an apartment is leased, it is leased, right? Actually, there are different ways to enter into a leasing contract. What is the best way to lease an apartment? Month-to-month leases could work for you, if you also understand some of the potential pitfalls of this type of lease.

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Does Buying a Townhome Make Sense?

When you imagine the future, do you see yourself owning your own home? For many people, home ownership is ideal, but local housing prices make buying a home for a single family unaffordable. Others enjoy the community nature of apartment living, but they need a bit more space. Luckily, there is an intermediate solution, and it is one that many people enjoy: the townhouse. When you are buying a home, does a townhouse make sense for you?

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Should a Home Buyer Use the Same Realtor as the Seller?

Should you and the seller use the same real estate agent? Buying a house? Selling a house? They are all part of the same life transition. When you are moving along, your family and another family are going through that transition at the same time. You are buying a home, and someone else is selling. Should you use the same realtor to provide you with assistance during this time of transition, or does it make more sense for the buyer and the seller to use different realtors?

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Factors to Consider Before Moving to a Smaller Home

Choosing a smaller home can mean downsizing some of your possessions. Housing needs change as life circumstances change. People with growing families often choose to move to larger homes, while empty nesters may opt for smaller homes. A growing number of people want to move to a smaller house, but is that the right house buying choice for your family?

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6 Tips for House Buying in Rural America

Rural life comes in many flavors, from wilderness sites to farms. Are you dreaming of a house in the country? Whether your dreams involve a wilderness acreage or fields where you can roam with your horse, many people have navigated the transition to your dream rural life before you. If you are buying rural property, what do you need to consider before you embark on a rural house buying expedition?

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Pros and Cons of Buying a Duplex

If you want a single family home, a duplex can be an inexpensive alternative. Do you love the homeowner lifestyle but dislike the price of owning a single family home? Would you like to have just one close neighbor? If so, you might be a candidate for duplex living. Living in a duplex has its ups and downs. What should you know before committing to living in a duplex?

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5 Things to Know about Buying Vacant Land

Does the vacant land you want live up to your dreams for its future? Have you been dreaming of a property of your own? Sometimes, finding the perfect house is not possible, and you need to build it yourself. Developing a piece of vacant land could be the solution for you, but do you know everything that you need to know before you purchase land for your dream home?

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5 Factors to Consider Before You Buy a Beach House

Are you thinking about this view? Consider whether a beach house is right for you. If you have been dreaming about turning your beach vacation into a more permanent living arrangement, buying a home at the beach might seem to be an excellent decision. Before you invest, look at all of the factors that can help you decide whether a beach house is the right choice for your family.

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How to Budget to Buy Your First House

Have you done the math behind your first home purchase? You are buying a house. Congratulations! Before the party begins, you will need to consider how you can actually afford that house. Do you have a down payment? How much can you afford to pay on a mortgage every month? Consider your budget carefully, and you will set yourself up for successful home ownership.

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4 Factors to Consider Before Renting Out Your Home

Renting your house-is it worth the time and money? Have you been considering renting out your whole house, a suite, or a smaller home on your property? Before you make that leap, there are a host of pros and cons to consider. Becoming a landlord is like taking on a new job, and you need to prepare yourself for all of the complexities that job entails. What factors should you consider before renting out your home?

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Should You Rent an Apartment with Utilities Included?

When you rent an apartment, do you want utilities like lighting, heat, and garbage collection to be included? When you are renting an apartment, you have a checklist in your hand or in your head. You want a certain number of bedrooms, specific amenities, and perhaps you have a neighborhood in mind. As you prepare to rent, you need to decide among these and many other options. One of your options might be to choose an apartment where the utilities are included. Is this a good financial and logistical choice?

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5 Things to Know Before You Buy a Manufactured Home

Buying a mobile home can allow you to easily purchase a home for vacant land. Do you want to buy a home? Becoming a homeowner is a huge financial goal, and that dream can be hard to achieve. Home ownership can be easier if you buy a manufactured home, since these homes are often less expensive than buying a permanent, larger structure on a piece of land. What are the pros and cons of the decision to purchase a manufactured home?

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Understanding What You Read in an MLS Listing

What can you learn about a home by reading the MLS listing? Do you really want that house in the MLS listing? While the photos might look promising, there's a lot more to reading a listing than drooling over those photos. Get to know the specifications of the home before you really start to dream about it. This list of MLS abbreviations and specifications will help you understand the listings for homes that you see online.

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Does Buying a Starter Home Still Make Sense?

Does it make sense to buy a smaller home and move up? Do you want to move up in the world? Buying a starter home was once the first step in a series of moves that would culminate in a larger permanent home. Does that element of the American Dream still ring true today? Buying a starter home has its pros and cons; you need to decide whether it's the best choice for your family.

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Should You Use a Realtor to Find an Apartment?

How can you find an apartment rental that you love? Finding apartment rentals is easy in some cities, but in others, it is a hassle. That is why many people turn to realtors to help them find an apartment for rent. What is it like working with a realtor when you are looking to rent rather than buy?

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Are Realtors' Commission Fees Negotiable?

How do you negotiate fees with your realtor? Selling a family home and buying a family home are probably the largest financial decisions that you will make, and all of the fees surrounding home ownership can be very intimidating. Which fees and costs are mandatory, and which ones are negotiable? Is it possible to negotiate with your realtor to get a lower commission fee?

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What You Should Know about Buying Estate Homes for Sale

Are you considering a home purchase? An estate sale could be the right choice for you. Estate homes for sale: the sign is tempting and the ad is enticing, but should you really jump at the chance to buy an estate home? What do you need to know before you buy through an estate? There are differences between both the homes and the sales process that you will experience when you purchase an estate home.

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Should You Rent a House or an Apartment? 5 Ways to Decide

Where do you fit - in a house or in an apartment? What is the better choice for you, a big house with a yard, or a low-maintenance, convenient apartment? If you are stuck in the middle, how do you decide? If you are thinking that you would like to rent a house or rent an apartment and you are feeling indecisive, here's how to make the choice that is best for you and your family.

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Handy Checklist for New Home Hunting

Evaluating a new home? What is on your checklist? Are you looking for a new home? House-hunting is a journey, and you have a lot to consider as you begin. What factors are the most important when you weigh whether a new home is right for you? As you set out on the house-hunting path, take a checklist along with you to guide your way.

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Condo Living: Understanding Associations and their Fees

Are you planning to rent a condo? Know your rules and your fees before you rent. As you consider whether you want to rent or buy a condo, you need to think about all of the aspects of condo living, and this includes your condo association. It is wise to understand the association's rules, regulations, and fees before you make a commitment.

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6 Things You Should Know about Townhomes

Townhomes can be a community-oriented and affordable home choice.
Is townhome living the right choice for your family? If you have been looking at townhomes for rent or you are considering purchasing a townhome, you might be surprised at what you find both inside and out. Whether you are inspired by townhomes or you are a little uncertain, you need to know what is involved in purchasing these properties so that you can make the best decision for your family. 

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What are MLS Listings and How Can You Use Them?

How do you find the right home for your family? Use the MLS listings to guide you. 
When you are looking for a new home, you need help. That is why there are websites and individuals dedicated to teaching you how to determine your needs for a home and find the right home for your family. 

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Furnished or Unfurnished? How to Decide Which Choice is Right for Your Apartment Search

Furnished apartments can be beautiful and tasteful. Do they match your preferences? 
To buy furnished or unfurnished: that is one of your key questions when looking for a new apartment. How can you make the right choice for your needs? Are furnished apartments really a sound choice for your lifestyle? There are many benefits to choosing a furnished apartment, and there are also some questions to consider. 

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What Is the Best Way to Rent My House?

Get ready to take on the responsibility of screening tenants when you decide to rent your home.
Should I rent my house? When you've purchased a home and you've decided to move, it's decision time. You might be considering your first rental property purchase or turning a beloved home into an investment when you move to a new house or a new city. What do you need to do and what should you know before you rent out your home? 

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The Quick and Easy House Rental Checklist

What do you need to look for in a home? 
You know you want to rent a house, but what should you look for within those four walls? A house is much more than a space surrounded by walls. It is your future home, and by looking closely at the house before you rent, you can ensure that you find a house that is the perfect fit for you and your family.

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Should You Invest in a Single-Family Home or a Multi-Family Home?

Should you invest in a multi-family or single-family home?
Are you perusing single-family homes for sale, or are you considering multi-family homes as well? Both single- and multi-family homes are solid investment options, but which one should you choose? There are pros and cons to each type of rental housing purchase.

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Should You Buy a Home in a Gated Community?

Should you purchase a home in a gated community or look elsewhere for the perfect house for your family? 
Home-buying is full of choices. Should you buy a home or rent an apartment? Is that rancher the best choice, or would it be better to buy a duplex with friends? Buying a home in a gated community is one of your many options when you're considering a home purchase. What are the pros and cons of this decision? 

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How to Find a Secure Apartment

Find an apartment that has the amenities you need and that's safe and secure as well. 
You're moving to a new city, or you need a new place to call home. You need to find an apartment that's within your budget and has all of the amenities that you need. Ideally, it will be close to recreation and close to work as well. If you're lucky enough to find an apartment with everything you want, it needs to pass another test: the safety test. Is that ideal apartment secure?

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How Buying a Foreclosed Home is Different from a Typical Home Purchase

Should you purchase a home in foreclosure? 
When you find homes for sale, foreclosure is one of the many reasons that those homes could be on the market. Is foreclosure a golden opportunity for you as a home buyer, or is it a situation that you should avoid? Buying a foreclosure is different than a typical home purchase. Here's why.

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Are You Financially Ready to Rent an Apartment?

Want to feel more relaxed about your first apartment? Get financially ready to rent an apartment. 
Whether you are downsizing and choosing the rental lifestyle or you are moving into your very first home, the first time you rent an apartment can be both exciting and financially intimidating. What kinds of costs should you expect from your rental? Can you actually afford to live in an apartment? 

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5 Factors to Consider Before Renting a Basement Apartment

Look at light and humidity levels when you choose a basement apartment. 
"Basement apartments for rent" signs might be alluring, but are you ready to live in a basement suite? Like apartment living, basement suites come with their own specific challenges and opportunities. Consider these factors before you rent a basement apartment.

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Why Ranch Homes Never Go Completely Out of Style

Ranchers focus on simple, one-level living with an indoor-outdoor connection. 
Do you look through the listings of ranch homes for sale, wistfully imagining yourself inside? If you adore ranch homes, you are not living in the past. There are many ranch-style buildings for sale even today, and they will never go out of style. Here's why.

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Should You Buy a House in the Suburbs?

Are you dreaming of a suburban lifestyle? 
It's a dream for many, and while it doesn't always involve a white picket fence, buying a house in the suburbs often involves a lot more space, both inside and outside your home. Sometimes a move to the suburbs is the best idea for your family, while other times what seems like an excellent plan is actually disasterous. If you're thinking about moving to the suburbs, what should you consider before you leap into this new lifestyle?

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How to Rent a New York Apartment

How do you find an apartment in New York City?
New York City has drawn the masses to its buzzing, urban shores for many years. When you are looking at New York, New York, what do you need to know about apartment rentals? Renting in New York City is different than renting in other cities across the country. Therefore, you may need to use different strategies such as a rental broker to find the perfect apartment.

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House Buying Tip of the Day: 6 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Lender

House shopping can be confusing; be sure to ask your mortgage lender questions to clarify.
House buying can be a stressful time. You need to decide whether the home you are considering is the right one, in the right neighborhood, at the right price. You also need to negotiate a mortgage for that home. When you are looking into financing for your future home, what questions must you ask your mortgage lender?

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Dreaming of Owning a Farm House? 5 Things to Know Before You Buy

Historic country homes are beautiful, but you need to know about the history of the land and the home to make an informed choice.
Before you move to the country, what do you need to know? When you buy a farmhouse, you are not only buying the house, you are buying the land and the lifestyle that goes with it. If you are dreaming of owning a farmhouse, this is what you need to know before you buy.

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4 Things You Should Know about Buying a Newly-Built Home

Should you buy a home that has just been built?
Buying a new home is a dream come true. Buying one that is completely new and potentially customized for your needs is even more compelling. Are there any downsides to purchasing a home that has never had someone living in it before? Before you buy a newly-built home, here is what you should know. 

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Should You Buy a House in the Suburbs?

Are you dreaming of a suburban lifestyle?
It's a dream for many, and while it doesn't always involve a white picket fence, buying a house in the suburbs often involves a lot more space, both inside and outside your home. Sometimes a move to the suburbs is the best idea for your family, while other times what seems like an excellent plan is actually disasterous. If you're thinking about moving to the suburbs, what should you consider before you leap into this new lifestyle?

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When Should You Opt for an Adjustable Rate Mortgage?

Is an adjustable rate mortgage the right choice for you?
If you never likes the teeter-totter on the playground as a child, will you be comfortable with the uncertainty of an adjustable rate mortgage? It goes up and down, and you need to be comfortable with that.
That said, if you're buying a house, an adjustable rate mortgage could be a sensible choice. Here's why.

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Should You Purchase Renter's Insurance?

You love your home. Protect it with renter's insurance.
Are you afraid of the big bad disaster? Even if you don't think that a disaster could take your house down, it's prudent to have renter's insurance. From fires to hurricanes to leaks, both homeowners and renters need insurance to protect themselves and their apartment rentals. Why should you purchase renter's insurance?

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Should You Pay for Home Staging Before You Sell?

A well-staged home is attractive to potential buyers.
If all the world's a stage, you should stage your home, right? Staging your home means that you prepare it for sale by turning it into a home that will appeal to a large number of prospective purchasers. Should you pay to stage your home, and if so, what is the true value of staging your property for sale?

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How to Keep Your Moving Costs Low

Buying a house can be expensive, but it's the cost of the move that often surprises homeowners. You may be juggling multiple changes in your life such as the addition of a new family member or a new job. How can you reduce your moving expenses amidst the chaos of finding a new home?

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How to Find the Perfect Fixer-Upper Home

An older or damaged home can look like a deal in the making, but is it right for you?
It's a little run down, but it's just right. Are you on the lookout for the perfect fixer-upper home? When you're buying a house, here's how to tell if a fixer-upper is the right project for you.

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How to Find the Best Neighborhood for Your Family

When you're buying a house, you can fall into the trap of thinking that you're buying a house. You're not. You're buying a house in a neighborhood, and once you move in, the neighborhood will matter just as much as the house. How can you choose the right neighborhood for your family?

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A Basic Guide to Home Price Negotiation

Are you falling for a home? When you're buying a house, be sure to do your negotiation homework.
You're buying a house. How do you get the best possible deal? If you're no expert negotiator, you need to train yourself for the day that you'll step into that negotiating role. These tips will help you secure your dream home and negotiate the best deal when you're making an offer.

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4 Home Repairs that Cost Top Dollar

Home for sale! That sign may make your heart skip a beat, but are the homes you're looking at worth the investment? As a prospective homeowner, you need to be aware of the true value of each home that you see.

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Thinking of Listing Your Home as For Sale By Owner? Here's What You Need to Know

Selling your home without help from a real estate agent or broker, known as for sale by owner (FSBO), could save you some money. On the other hand, if you don't know anything about home sales, this decision might be a costly mistake. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of listing your home on real estate websites as for sale by owner as well as some useful tips if you decide this is the right choice for you.

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The Dos and Don'ts of Selling Your Home

Selling a home isn't for the faint of heart. Not only is it a time-consuming process, but you'll also need to deal with strangers poking through your belongings, potential criticism, and negotiation woes. While buyers have a lot of options, you're stuck waiting for that one right offer to come along so that you can move on to the next phase of your life.

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Home Buyer Tip: Focus on the Future

What are your plans for your future home? Thinking practically can help you find a home that will fit for many years to come. What do you love about that house? When you're shopping for a home, you can get caught up in the details that don't really matter: the color of the front door or the landscaping as you walk up the front path. Instead of focusing on what strikes you in the moment, your home shopping must be more analytical. Consider your future and think about how this space will fit into your upcoming plans, and once you've made the analytical leap, you can start to think again about how you'll turn this house into the home you've always wanted.

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4 Things You Need to Know about Closing Costs

You're just about to close on your home purchase: what extra costs are coming your way? Buying a home isn't cheap, and the costs aren't just in the purchase price. From required renovations to moving expenses, you know that you're going to need to invest a lot to make a move to your new home. Getting clarity about your projected expenses can help you know whether that house is within your budget. When it comes to closing costs, what can you expect to add when you're buying a house?

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Should You Buy a Home with an In-Law Apartment?

Are you considering purchasing a home with a suite? Consider these pros and cons before you buy. The in-law suite isn't just for your extended family. It can be a way to own your first home. If you're considering a home with a suite, you need to determine whether it's financially and logistically feasible. Think about these pros and cons before you buy.

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What Home Buyers Need to Know about Termite Damage

Take a close look: termite damage may not be visible at first glance. Property for sale: the property looks beautiful, but does the house have a secret? Termite damaged homes can hurt your bottom line. Before you buy a house that has termite damage, you need to know whether you're signing up for an expensive, long term project or a short term repair.

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Could New Construction Be Right For You?

Buying a house? If a pre-owned house is not for you, it may be time to look into new home construction.
You've looked and looked, and for a while you thought that your perfect home was just around the corner. However, you've looked around many corners, and you've reached a dead end. When you're buying a house, sometimes you're willing to compromise, but you also know what you need. If you can't find the house that you want, could new construction be the right choice for you?

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Taking the Stress Out of Your Apartment Search

When you start looking at apartment rentals, the choices can be overwhelming. Depending on your particular city or town, searching for a new place to live can turn stressful without a plan. Here are six tips for your next apartment search that can help you find the right place to live, with the least amount of anxiety.

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What to Expect During a Home Inspection

When you're buying a house, most of what happens is unfamiliar territory. Not everyone knows the ins and outs of mortgages, negotiating deals, and title searches. One thing that is often a mystery are the potential money pits that could be hiding behind your walls if not discovered early in the game. This is why you hire a knowledgeable professional to help you, who will complete a thorough home inspection.

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A Guide to the Home Buying Process

Buying a house can be stressful if you don't know what to expect. There are many obstacles and moving parts involved in the home buying process, and just one wrong move can either be expensive or set you back on your desired schedule. Here is a short roadmap to buying a house, so that you can get it right the first time.

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Should You Consider an FHA Home Loan?

Searching for apartment rentals can be exciting. Many cities and towns offer a variety of choices, some showcasing a collection of pretty fancy features. Yet, most apartments require a commitment and an initial investment for move-in, so you'll want to take some caution when apartment shopping. Here are five things to help you prioritize your next search of apartment rentals.

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5 Reasons it Pays to Buy a Home in the Winter

Have you been browsing the MLS listings and hoping for a quick return of warm weather so that you can shop for a home? Many home buyers believe that the winter months are a bad time for real estate when the truth is quite the opposite. If you're thinking of making a move, the winter months could be the perfect opportunity for you to find the right home. Here are just five reasons why it pays to buy a home in the winter.

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What Is a Buyers Agent and Do You Need One?

Buying a house could be one of the biggest purchases you'll ever make. A home purchase isn't a simple matter either, which is why most people understandably ask for help. According to the National Association of Realtors, almost 9 out 10 home buyers use an agent when they purchase their home, and 88% would repeat the process or recommend it to others. If you're wondering whether or not you need a buyer's agent, here is what an agent can accomplish for you and several other common questions about these experts.

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5 Things to Prioritize when Apartment Shopping

Searching for apartment rentals can be exciting. Many cities and towns offer a variety of choices, some showcasing a collection of pretty fancy features. Yet, most apartments require a commitment and an initial investment for move-in, so you'll want to take some caution when apartment shopping. Here are five things to help you prioritize your next search of apartment rentals.

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The Top Benefits of Renting

We've all heard that the "American Dream" is to own a home, but too many people fail to seriously understand the true costs associated with home ownership today. In fact, in 2015 alone over a third of U.S. households made the other choice and opted to rent their homes instead of buy. This is the largest rate of rentals since the 1960s. If you're thinking about renting, here are the seven top benefits of choosing homes for rent versus a home for sale.

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Do You Need a Mortgage Pre-Approval?

If you're considering buying a house, you've probably heard the term "mortgage pre-approval" in your research. If you're wondering whether this is a smart move, the answer is a resounding "yes." Here is what it means to get pre-approved for a mortgage, how it can help your home buying process, and a few steps to mortgage pre-approval success.

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The Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Short Sale Property

If you've decided to become a real estate investor and have spent time browsing real estate websites, you probably know that there are many different types of properties on the market. One of the first choices that you will need to make is whether you want to invest in a multi-family property or single-family homes. Here is some information about the benefits of buying multi-family properties, some potential downsides, and tips for making the right investment choice.

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What You Need to Know about Buying a House in Foreclosure

While there aren't as many foreclosures on the market today as there were at the height of the recession, these homes in crisis are still out there and waiting for a buyer. According to the latest figures from RealtyTrac, there are now more than 900,000 homes in some state of foreclosure in the U.S., with an average foreclosure rate of 1 in every 1,592 homes sold.

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Should You Buy a Multi-Family Property?

If you've decided to become a real estate investor and have spent time browsing real estate websites, you probably know that there are many different types of properties on the market. One of the first choices that you will need to make is whether you want to invest in a multi-family property or single-family homes. Here is some information about the benefits of buying multi-family properties, some potential downsides, and tips for making the right investment choice.

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Is Condo Living Right For You?

When you've decided that it's finally the right time to buy a home, you may realize that you're faced with a ton of choices. Having to choose between a house and a condo can cause some confusion among homebuyers. As a percentage, about half as many multifamily homes are sold in the U.S. as single-family homes, but the affordability and features of condos make them a popular choice. There are benefits to both and often your choice will come down to personal preference. Here is some important information about condo living so that you can determine if this is the right choice for you.

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Can Your Credit Score Affect Your Apartment Search?

Landlords don't know you or any other applicants they are considering for apartment rentals. A study done showed that about 50% of landlords use a credit check as one of the deciding factors for renting to a tenant.

With credit checks becoming easier to complete, the rental market has become far more competitive. Managing multiple apartment rentals becomes much easier with the ability to run online credit checks. Potential renters have to make their applications look great and the credit score is a big part of it.

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7 Simple Tricks that Will Help You Sell Your Home

Whether it's a buyer's or seller's market, your home probably isn't the only choice for homebuyers searching on real estate websites. When you've decided it's time to make a change, a speedy sale is often preferable to a long drawn out scenario. If you're looking to sell your home in any real estate market, here are seven tips that will help you generate interest and get the best price possible.

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The Essential Apartment Search Checklist

If you're looking for your next apartment, you probably already know that there is much to consider. Not only do you need to find an apartment within your budget, but it also has to be in the right location and have a list of your desired features. Even if you think you've found the perfect place, your work isn't complete. There are many more questions that you should ask and details that you need to examine to make sure that your apartment renting experience is a positive one. Here are just seven items to put on your next apartment search checklist.

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8 Hidden Costs to Consider When Buying a House

You've decided that these near aren't going to last and it's time to make that home ownership dream a reality. One thing that most first-time home buyers don't realize is that buying a house involves much more than just a down payment and a mortgage approval. In fact, there are some undisclosed costs that are either upfront or deferred that could affect your buying decision. Here are just eight hidden costs associated with buying a house that you need to add to your list and in your budget.

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How to Find Your Dream Home on Real Estate Websites

Searching for a home may become very stressful as soon as you realize how many real estate websites are out there. Online searching seems like a convenient solution, but it can be difficult. With the right strategy, you can find your dream home on the web. Here are a few tips to make searching online much easier.

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What All First-Time Home Buyers Need to Know

Interest rates remain at or near record low levels, and you just can't shake the feeling that this is the right time to think about buying a house. The home buying process, even for experienced homeowners, is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. You're making a long-term financial commitment that, if done wrong, could have some dire consequences. On the other hand, home ownership is rewarding and one of the best investments you can make -- if you think things through first.

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5 Tips for Standing Out as a Buyer in a Seller's Market

Hunting for a new house during a seller's market means you'll likely run into a ton of competition. When inventory remains tight and home prices are on the rise, the seller's market is in full swing.

Buyers need to enter this type of market with a game plan. Here are five tips to help you stand out as a buyer in a seller's market.

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