A down payment may not be the toughest hurdle. Certainly, the best time to trade security deposits for a down payment is different for everyone. But if you’re considering ditching the landlord for a mortgage, here are five things you need to know that’ll help you figure out if you’re ready to buy a home or keep renting. #1 […]
Buying Your First Home: 5 Things to Know Before You Do Read More »
You may be able to deduct points you paid on a mortgage — but you’ll have to itemize. The mortgage points deduction may help cut your federal tax bill. With points, sometimes called loan origination points or discount points, you make an upfront payment to get a lower interest rate from the lender when you
Mortgage Points Deduction: How to Claim It Read More »
Don’t rouse the IRS or pay more taxes than necessary — know the score to avoid common tax mistakes. As you prepare your tax returns for 2021, be careful not to commit any of these eight common tax mistakes, especially when it comes to the property tax deduction or the mortgage interest deduction. Tax pros
8 Easy Mistakes Homeowners Make on Their Taxes Read More »
Be the home on the block that bugs run from. A lush spot for outdoor entertaining? Great. Perfect. A constant swarm of insects that invade your patio and home? No, thank you. Here’s how to keep bugs away from your patio and yard, and from getting inside your house. #1 Install Patio Fans Mosquitos may
7 Ways to Make Your Yard & Home a Bug-Free Zone Read More »
Work with professionals who can assess flood risk and help you decide how much you can tolerate. You’ve found the perfect home — a sunny kitchen, the right number of bathrooms, and a big, beautiful yard. And then someone mentions a case of flooding in the area — far from any major body of water.
How to Check for Flood Risk During Home Buying Read More »
Like that annoying squeaky floorboard. Easy as tossing a ball to fix! Accomplishments — even little ones — go a long way toward a sunny outlook. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy, quick home repair chores you can do when you’re mired in the thick of winter. For max efficiency, make a to-do list ahead of time
12 Simple Home Repair Jobs to Lift You Out of Winter’s Funk Read More »
Real estate negotiation tips so you can buy your dream home — and not overpay. You’ve looked at enough houses to fill an entire season of House Hunters and finally picked one to buy. Now you’re ready to make an offer. Your agent can help guide you through this nail-biting phase of negotiating a house price, but ultimately, you
6 Ways to Lose at Negotiating a House Price Read More »
These must-haves will make things a lot easier in the first few weeks. When Lauren Hunter and her husband moved into their first home in Hilliard, Ohio, the previous homeowner had left behind a ladder. “It turned out to be awesome,” Hunter says. “You don’t realize how many situations where ladders make things easier. Hanging pictures is
9 Essential Things You Need For A New House Read More »
When to look for sales on mattresses, appliances, tools, furnishings, and materials. Buying stuff can be stressful. Cheap out, and you could regret it. Overspend, and you’ll cut into your budget. Knowing the best time of year to buy appliances and other household items can lessen the anxiety. Here’s a list of the best time of year for sales — or
The Best Time of Year to Buy Things for Your Home Read More »
An inviting open house can put your home on buyers’ short lists. Editor’s Note: As restrictions related to COVID-19 continue to fluctuate, the National Association of REALTORS® is encouraging virtual home showings, regardless of whether in-person showings are allowed by states or local communities. If you’re considering holding an open house, your agent will have an honest
Open House Timeline: Countdown to a Successful Sale Read More »
One of the biggest misconceptions of home buying? The 20% down payment. Here’s how to buy with a lot less down. Buying your first home conjures up all kinds of warm and fuzzy emotions: pride, joy, contentment. But before you get to the good stuff, you’ve got to cobble together a down payment, a daunting
5 Surprising (and Useful!) Ways to Save for a Down Payment Read More »
It’s not just whether you pay your bills on time that matters. This article was contributed by financial expert and blogger Mary Beth Storjohann, CFP, author, speaker, and founder of Workable Wealth. She provides financial coaching for individuals and couples in their 20s to 40s across the country, helping them make smart, educated choices with
7 Tips for a Perfect Holiday Home for Not-So-Perfect People Read More »
The super-simple (and fun) way to separate needs from nice-to-haves. This article was contributed by Mandi Gubler, a DIYer and home decor blogger, who writes “Vintage Revivals” and believes “your house should look like you and no one else.” When you embark on the home-buying process, your heart is filled with all the dreams in
3 Must vs. Lust Buying Tips to Avoid Overspending Read More »
Here’s how to price your home to sell fast. Your home is more than just a bunch of rooms under a roof. It’s the space where you watched your daughter take her first steps, hosted Super Bowl parties, and celebrated holidays. Those memories are priceless. But when sell your house, the warm and fuzzies can’t factor
4 Bottom-Line Tips to Decide: What Is the Value of My Home? Read More »
A great real estate agent is like an Oprah for living your best real estate life. For every journey, there is a guide. To navigate his magical powers, Harry Potter had Dumbledore. And to channel the Force and save the galaxy, Luke had Yoda. A great real estate agent is like the Force. Your agent
Here’s How You’ll Know You’ve Found the Right Agent Read More »