Providing an allowance when selling a home
Real estate agents often present sellers with a long list of suggested upgrades to make their property more appealing to buyers. Rather than spend a lot of money completing all this work, a seller may consider crediting the buyer with an allowance.
Report: Scope of kitchen renovations shrinks even as spending increases
In its 2020 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, analysts found that the national median cost for a major kitchen remodel completed in mid-2019 was $35,000, a 17 percent increase over comparable remodels completed in mid-2018. Median spending on minor...
How to avoid real estate cyber scams
Phishing, hacking, wire fraud – these are all ways people attempt to steal from others online. As real estate searches and transactions move more and more online, the chances of being caught up in a cyber scam have become even greater.
Fannie Mae: Housing sentiment remains strong at end of year
Consumer attitudes toward the housing market and economy remained favorable at the end of 2019, according to Fannie Mae.
Locking in a mortgage rate can result in long-term savings
Locking in a mortgage rate helps protect you against these unexpected increases. While getting a lock comes at a cost, it can be preferable to paying more in interest over the life of the loan.
Freddie Mac: Child care costs put a squeeze on housing affordability
Plenty of attention has been given to the impact of student loans on the housing market, with many young prospective buyers saying this burden is forcing them to delay a home purchase or limit the amount of money they can spend. However, a new...
"Ghosting" stains point to air leaks in the home
If you notice dark stains on the ceiling or walls of a room, you might fear that it is black mold. However, this might simply be due to a phenomenon known as thermal bridging, or ghosting. While the issue presents more of a nuisance than a serious...
Converting your home to single floor living
Turning a multistory home into a residence that supports single floor living offers several benefits. This type of layout provides better accessibility overall, and is particularly helpful for aging residents or those with disabilities.
Tips for mounting a TV on the wall
By securing a TV to a wall, you can open up more space, reduce clutter, and establish a more streamlined look in a room. It's essential that you take time to properly complete this process, though.
Pending home sales grow 1.2 percent in November
A boost in pending home sales in November helped erase a similar decline in the previous month, according to the National Association of Realtors' most recent update to their Pending Home Sales Index.
Does your wiring need to be replaced?
Most of the wiring is hidden within the walls, making it difficult to access. You'll need to keep an eye out for telltale signs of trouble when determining if an electrical update is necessary.
Homesource
Southeastern Connecticut's guide to homes and home ownership. Buying, selling, landscaping, renovating, organizing, and more! Published: Every Friday