Most homeowners hope for a substantial increase in their home value – and these days many are achieving it when they sell their primary home. But that appreciation can come with a thorny issue: capital gains tax owed when they file their tax returns after selling. If you’re in that situation or anticipating it, you […]
When you buy a house, you really don’t know who else has keys to your home, so its a good idea to change the locks. That ensures you’re the only person who has access. Install new deadbolts yourself for as little as $11 per lock or call a locksmith. If you supply the new locks, locksmiths […]
Selling is essentially a transfer of feelings. This transfer may be new to you if you’re a first-time home seller, especially given what’s involved. Most people love and cherish their home. You want the next owner to fall in love with it, too — through photos, through words, and through the experience of walking through […]
Ignoring your front yard — or doing something that’s out of character with the neighborhood — can jeopardize the assessed value of your home. Determining the value of mature trees is particularly difficult. Healthy, mature trees add an average of 10% to a property’s value, according to the USDA Forest Service. In addition, by planting […]
A real estate agent can help you apply the findings in the home inspection report, and they will guide you so you can avoid reacting emotionally. NAR research shows buyers appreciate a real estate professional’s experienced eye in pointing out unnoticed features and faults of a property, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. An agent […]
How to Stay Calm Through the Home Inspection It’s important to stay calm through the home inspection. Your real estate agent will help you manage your expectations and understand your options as you read the home inspection report. Some tips are: Expect some imperfections: No home, not even a new build, is flawless. Understand what’s really […]
It’s important to keep your home’s HVAC in tip-top shape. Heating and cooling problems can cause discomfort and sky-high utility bills on top of inconvenience. Weather extremes are putting more pressure on homeowners’ heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in keeping homes cool during the summer and warm in the winter. That’s one reason it’s […]
In the fall, sellers may be more willing to lower prices, cover repairs, or offer incentives like credits to buy down interest rates. We’re seeing a lot more sellers willing to negotiate repairs than in the past. That gives you more negotiating power. When you’re making an offer on a home, you want your offer to […]
Now is the time to act quickly on homes that match your priorities. While the fall may feel slower, move-in ready homes and those in high-demand neighborhoods can still sell fast. The average home still receives 2.5 offers, according to the National Association of REALTORS® REALTORS® Confidence Index report. Still, buyer demand is down about 31% […]
Mortgage rates have subtly shifted this fall, which could be improving affordability. National listing prices historically dip between early October and mid-month, averaging about 3.4% below their seasonal peak, according to realtor.com®. That could mean savings of about $15,000 on a median-priced home this fall. Meet with a lender to review your income, credit score, […]
