Millions of Americans could be looking to sell their homes in the next year. But will the ongoing trade war between the United States and China get in their way? According to a new survey of 1,400 homeowners from personal finance website NerdWallet, as many as 12.1 million homeowners plan to sell their primary residence […]
It’s a question staring many homeowners in the face. Here is how to tell if there is more value for you in fixing up, or moving on. First, estimate your costs to buy a new home. Add up the realtor and home selling costs (packing, moving and the new loan financing). Don’t forget hidden […]
Want a fresh perspective on the value of your home? Walk across the street, turn around and ask yourself, “Does my house have curb appeal?” Does your home look attractive, welcoming and structurally sound at first glance? Make a list of ways to enhance the positive and eliminate the negative. If you have a nice […]
Are you torn between improving your home’s decor, versus making upgrades you know will increase your home’s resale value? Many homeowners are surprised to hear that doing a little bit of both will actually pay off. Start by making two lists — upgrades for your home value and upgrades just for you. Upgrades for your […]
You go to the doctor for physical exams and take your car in for checkups. Why not do the same for your house? A home inspection can be a valuable thing, whether you are selling or not. If you are selling, get your own inspector before you put your home on the market. The last […]
In recent years, more and more properties listed for sale require visitors to take off their shoes before entering the premises. Homebuyers and agents either benefit from wearing shoes that slip off easily, or will be offered surgical booties to put over their shoes and keep the floors clean. As annoying as it might be […]
Any major home renovation likely includes the kitchen. According to the Houzz & Home study of renovation trends for 2018 and 2019, the kitchen remains the most popular room to renovate. Of the more than 140,000 people surveyed, 28% renovated their kitchen last year. However, the kitchen is also the most expensive room to renovate. […]
No matter the politics, there is no denying that environmental issues are making front page news more than ever before. Articles and TV news segments examine climate, pollution and depleting natural resources. There is also much attention paid to how our lives are affected by each of these, and how our behavior, in turn, affects […]
Spending on home improvement has grown more than 50 percent in the U.S. since 2010, when it hit a low during the last recession. And homeowners who are 55 and over are the major force behind that spending, according to a recent report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, based on data from […]
Now is a great time to tackle all of the outdoor and indoor home improvements by sealing up all of those cracks and gaps that will cost you valuable energy dollars. If left to be drafty those small spaces add up to a 4′ x 4′ hole in the side of your house, so spend […]