29 Mar 2019
By noelkelman

3 Ways to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Your Home Renovation Project

Real Estate, ,
The right home renovation strategy can increase property values and improve the comfort and utility of your space. However, your actions could have a harsh impact on our natural resources. Here are several ways you can reduce your renovation's effect on the environment. Use Sustainable Products Choose Earth-friendly materials for a greener build. Try reclaimed flooring. Ask permission at construction sites or search internet exchange boards to find unwanted extras. With a little artistic imagination, you can turn those cast-offs into a unique visual display. Re-purpose existing material. Turn old doors into unique furniture pieces like tables and privacy shades…
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28 Mar 2019
By noelkelman

Case-Shiller Home Price Growth Slower in January

Real Estate, ,
Home price indices issued by S&P Case-Shiller showed further slowing in home price growth in January. The national home price index showed 4.30 percent home price growth for the three months ended in January. Analysts expected home prices to grow 4.20 percent for the same period in cities surveyed by Case-Shiller. More cities reported declines in home prices than those that posted gains in home prices. The top cities posting year-over-year home price gains in the 20-City Home Price Index were Las Vegas, Nevada with 10.50 percent growth; Phoenix, Arizona posted a year-over-year home price gain of 7.50 percent. Three…
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27 Mar 2019
By noelkelman

Are Multi-Unit Properties the Right Move for You?

Real Estate, ,
Real estate isn't a one-size-fits-all pursuit. Buying and renting multi-unit properties is one of the ways investors build residual income while increasing their property portfolios. However, multi-unit rentals come with some unique challenges. Are you ready to manage a multi-unit rental property? Ask yourself these questions to help you decide which path best fits your resources, goals, and interests. Do You Plan To Live On The Property? Living in one of your rental units offers a myriad of benefits. First, you get to keep a close eye on building conditions and the actions of your renters. Next, you'll be able…
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22 Mar 2019
By noelkelman

14 Remodeling Projects That Increase the Value of Your Home

Real Estate, ,
Your home is likely your largest investment. Beyond repairs and regular maintenance to keep it clean, comfortable, and safe, there are a number of projects that can increase the resale value of your property. These renovations top the list of changes you can make that positively impact your home's value. Kitchen With the right strategy, your kitchen remodel could return up to 92.9% of your construction investment. The trick is to not overdo it. You don't need to gut and rebuild the entire room. Instead, make strategic upgrades that increase the comfort and usability of the room. Paint wooden cabinets…
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20 Mar 2019
By noelkelman

NAHB: Housing Market Index Flat in March

Real Estate, ,
Builder sentiment held steady in March as headwinds in housing markets affected homebuilder confidence, but National Association of Home Builders Chairman Greg Ugalde said that builders were looking forward to a "solid spring home-buying season." Builder sentiment mirrored February's index reading of 62; analysts expected an uptick to 63. Any Housing Market Index reading over 50 indicates that more builders than fewer have a positive outlook on housing market conditions. The average reading for 2018 was 67, which indicated that builders were less confident current market conditions for new homes than in 2018. HMI Component Readings Mixed in March Three…
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19 Mar 2019
By noelkelman

3 Questions to Ask Before You Buy Your First Home

Real Estate, ,
Hunting for your new home can be a confusing process. There are countless factors you need to take into account to ensure your new location fits your family's lifestyle and preferences. In their excitement, first-time home buyers can easily overlook some essential points about their potential property. When you're searching for your new residence, ask these questions to get exactly what you're looking for. Am I Financially Ready For A New Home Purchase? It takes more than money to find the right home. Your credit rating is an important factor in your ability to secure enough funding to finance your…
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15 Mar 2019
By noelkelman

5 Financial Terms Every Real Estate Investor Should Know

Real Estate, ,
The success of your real estate ventures depends on your ability to navigate the financial world. Learn these terms to make it easier to understand what's going on with your real estate investments. Cash Flow Contrary to popular belief, cash flow isn't just the amount of liquid assets you have available. Your cash and unused lines of credit are an essential indicator of your ability to complete projects and pay the cost of ongoing operations. However, these factors don't tell the whole financial story. Your actual cash flow is the difference between your gross income and your financial obligations. You…
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07 Mar 2019
By noelkelman

Sound Advice From Successful Home Sellers

Real Estate, ,
The real estate market and all the things involved in selling a home can seem complicated, and it can be very hard to know which tips to trust. While there's plenty of great advice to go around from many knowledgeable sources, here are some of the best tips from home sellers who have made a successful sale. Research Your Local Agents When considering an agent that will meet your home-selling needs, it can be tempting to go with someone familiar or recommended through a friend who seems like a safe bet. However, it's important to do some of your own…
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