Prospective home buyers spend a lot of time online these days researching the amenities and features they can’t live without in a new home. They’re savvy and know what they want, and because home ownership is such a costly undertaking, many home buyers aren’t interested...
Changing out your kitchen countertops is one of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a whole new look. There are so many amazing materials that are durable and stylish. Here’s a look at what’s hot in kitchen counter materials right now. Stainless-Steel Countertops: Modern and...
There are many reasons why purchasing a home beats renting and paying someone else’s mortgage, but chief among them is that purchasing a home pays off in just three years on average. Zillow, a real estate website, recently released a new analysis that they call...
There has been a lot of buzz recently concerning a new 3.8% transfer tax that takes effect on January 1, 2013. Many homeowners believe that this new surtax could impact certain real estate transactions next year, but most homeowners will not see the effects next...
The Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) created the Section 203(k) program to help home buyers rehabilitate and repair single-family properties. Many communities and neighborhoods rely on this tool, as it greatly expands home ownership opportunities and gives buyers the chance to consider homes that might otherwise...
Mortgage servicers will soon undergo “Know Your Options Customer Care” training from Fannie Mae. The move comes as a way to establish better relationships between lenders and home owners. The program is geared toward servicer call center employees who spend the most time answering questions...
Many people don’t understand the Debt Relief Act, but this information can be quite powerful when helping you understand your tax liability. Under normal circumstances, when you borrow money from a commercial lender and they later cancel or forgive your debt, you have to include...
A little imagination can go a long way in making smaller living spaces not just habitable but inspirational. Lofts, studios, condominiums and cottage-style single-family homes are excellent options for today’s price-sensitive homebuyers. Since they are traditionally smaller in square footage, challenges like lack of storage, limited...
With travel costs on the rise and a continued attitude of uncertainty regarding the economy, it's not surprising that more vacation home buyers are looking to purchase closer to their primary residences. It's actually a great time to buy, as prices are becoming more attractive...
Home owners interested in a free, independent foreclosure review now have until September 30, 2012 to put in their request. The deadline was recently extended past July 31 to allow more home owners to take advantage of this offer. The Office of the Comptroller of the...
