23 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

Guide to Quartz, Granite and Laminate Countertops

Real Estate, ,
It can be confusing choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen. Here is a list of some common countertop materials along with their pros and cons. Knowing the differences will help you choose the right material to serve your needs.  Quartz Countertops Quartz is available in different colors and can have a luxurious appearance because it is a manufactured product. It is durable, which means it will not chip or crack as easily as natural stones. Quartz countertops have a non-porous surface which makes it easy to maintain by being stain resistant and it not harboring bacteria or viruses.…
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21 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

3 Critical Tips for Buying a Home in a Short Sale

Real Estate, ,
You just found your perfect home, and you feel like everything is right including the price. But, what could be wrong with your ideal home? Maybe, it is being sold as a short sale, and that could present a major challenge if you want to become be the eventual homeowner. Short sales are different from other conventional real estate transactions since the property in question is usually listed at a price that is much lower than the amount of the outstanding mortgage debt. Unlike a regular sale, the homeowner must obtain permission from the lender before proceeding with the transaction.…
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20 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

5 Real Estate Professionals Who Assist You When You Buy Your First Home

Real Estate, ,
So you're set to buy your first house. But where do you begin? Buying a house for the first time can be nerve-racking. Most advice articles often concentrate on the steps involved in buying a house. To streamline things, let's focus on the people who will likely be involved in your purchase transaction. Concentrating on the finding the right professionals can help you navigate the entire buying process easier and more comfortably. Most people start with their home loan financing or locating a property with a real estate agent. Many of the other people involved in the transaction will be…
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16 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

5 Home-Buying Pitfalls To Avoid

Real Estate, ,
Buying your home can be nerve-racking, especially if it's the first time. The buying process is exciting and often complex. The chances of making a mistake are relatively high.  In today's real estate market where demand surpasses supply, you can't afford to make mistakes. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you are in the market to buy a house, here are five pitfalls avoid.  Not Doing Your Homework Well  Fortune favors the prepared in real estate. And preparedness begins with understanding your finances. A wise buyer examines assets, analyzes debts and gets finances pre-approved before jumping…
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15 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

5 Creative Ways To Buy A Foreclosure

Real Estate, ,
Buying a foreclosed home is easy, right? After all, they sell for pennies on the dollar, right? Well, that could be a false assumption. Buying a foreclosed property appears easy on TV, but in reality, it can be overwhelming.  Foreclosure sales continue to decline in the market from 38.6 percent in 2011 to 14 percent in 2017 but ticking up a bit in 2018 according to Attom Data Solutions, a national property data company. As foreclosure sales drop, competition for these properties become stiffer and more complex. And as home prices increase in most cities, buyers often turn to foreclosures as…
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14 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

3 Things You Should Know About Land Surveys

Real Estate, ,
One thing to think about when purchasing a home or parcel of land is to have an updated land survey conducted. While property deeds generally include detailed information, many are outdated for a variety of reasons that include nature, weather conditions, and adjustments in floodplain maps among others. Even when the information about the property is spot-on at the closing, human perception of where your property begins and ends can lead to some unenviable outcomes. Given that buying real estate ranks among the largest personal investments for most people, these are three things you may want consider about land surveys.…
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09 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

5 Trends Shaping Green Homes

Real Estate, ,
Think green home design is a fad? Well, think again. Sustainable home designs are gaining popularity at a breakneck speed. In 2017, green homes accounted for more than 60 percent of family home builder's portfolios, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders.  But what is really driving green home designs? In this post, we explore five trends shaping sustainable homes.  1. Energy Efficiency  Home designs that cater to consumers' need to reduce utility bills continue taking center stage. From net-zero energy homes to energy conserving products, home buyers want to save money. Moving forward, industry…
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07 Nov 2018
By noelkelman

3 Millennial Home-Buying Trends Sellers Should Know

Real Estate, ,
After five consecutive years of Millennials outpacing all other home-buying demographics, sellers would be wise to wrap their thinking around what makes this generation tick. According to a 2018 Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends research study, Millennials purchased more than one-third of all homes in 2017. With home purchases totaling approximately 36 percent of the market in 2018, this class of buyer has increased its market share from 34 percent in 2017. Taken as a whole, the previously formidable Baby Boomers ranging from 52-70 years old enjoyed only a 32-percent market share. GenXers declined from 28 percent in 2017…
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