Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your life. It's important to take as much time as possible to research and prepare for this process, but no matter how much planning you do, there will always be surprises. One of those could come from finding out that something less than optimal is going on with your soon-to-be new home. Read more to discover what inspections are, what they cover, what questions you should ask your home inspector, and other information to help you prepare for a home inspection. What Does a Home Inspection Entail? An inspection is an evaluation of a ..read more

Whether now or years down the road, deciding to invest in real estate is an exciting prospect. It's never too early to start thinking about saving enough money for a down payment on a new home. Buyers who save more money can bring down the overall cost of interest payments and even potentially eliminate the necessity to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI). Looking to start a savings plan for a down payment? Read on to discover eight hacks to help save enough money for a down payment on a house. For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor bef ..read more

When you sell your home, you may be wondering if you have to pay capital gains tax. This is a common question, and the answer depends on a number of factors. In this post, we'll explain what capital gains tax is, who has to pay it, and how much you may owe. We'll also provide some tips for minimizing capital gains taxes on a home sale and making the most out of any type of real estate investment. If you're looking for a smooth home sale, keep reading to become an expert on capital gains taxes. For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before pr ..read more

The demand for homes built with eco-friendly features is a trend that has steadily gained traction over several years, and this is a trend that's here to stay. According to figures published by the National Association of Home Builders in 2021, 66% of homebuyers prefer sustainable materials in their homes. Buyers are also more inclined to pay over $9,000 upfront to save $1,000 per year on utility costs. Other experts predict that opulent design will become less important than sustainability and energy-efficient home upgrades. To respond to consumer demand, construction companies go the extra m ..read more

For many prospective homebuyers, investing in a new construction home with a fresh interior and custom amenities is a dream come true. However, to streamline the experience and prevent that vision from going off track, buyers need to keep a few essential steps in mind from conception to completion. Keep reading to learn about five strategies that make it easy to buy the ideal new construction home. For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction. Decide on a Pre-Build or Custom Build Pre-build homes are ..read more

Not all home improvement projects are created equal. Some home improvement projects add more value than others, a factor that can contribute to more cash in the pocket when selling the property. Whether you're planning to sell or want to increase your quality of life, it's essential to consider the ROI (return on investment) of the home improvement. From kitchen remodeling to smart tech upgrades, the home improvement projects with some of the highest ROI are a mix of significant and minor upgrades. For the experienced DIYer, several projects can be handled without professional help, while othe ..read more

Property theft has been a recurring concern in the United States, but it appears that this type of crime is on the decline. FBI crime statistics show that home invasions have been declining for the past 16 years. This positive statistic can likely be attributed to the availability and affordability of home security systems. Homeowners can have continued protection and peace of mind by staying vigilant against intrusions and other common home hazards. Keep reading to learn about the top three types of systems that homeowners can choose to keep their property secure. Hard-Wired Residential Secur ..read more

Investing is the best way to grow wealth over time. Investment opportunities are plentiful, but savvy investors also include real estate assets in their portfolios since they can be profitable in the short term with high-yielding returns in the long term. Real estate investments also allow individuals to diversify the money they invest. While all investments carry a level of risk, real estate can be far more stable than other forms of investing. Other benefits it includes are steady cash flows, passive income, and tax advantages, to name a few. Keep reading to learn about the most popular type ..read more

There is sure to be some level of stress experienced when moving into a new home. However, those making a transition can ease their burdens with a well-thought-out and well-timed plan. By establishing a timeline and sticking to it, the gigantic task of moving can be broken down into more manageable pieces. Handling moving one step at a time keeps you from getting overwhelmed and allows you to focus on enjoying your new home. Keep reading to learn how to make the perfect timeline for moving. Two Months Before Moving Day While starting so early with moving plans may seem excessive, two months is ..read more

The home is intended to be a place of respite in which occupants and guests can feel safe at all times. Staying on top of regular maintenance and being aware of common home safety hazards can prevent accidents that cause property damage and injuries. Keep reading to learn about home hazards that may go unnoticed and tips for prevention to keep occupants and the structure protected from the potential repercussions of these risks. Watch Out For Trips and Falls Trips and falling accidents in homes are a top cause of injuries that bring people into emergency rooms each year, with the predominantly ..read more