You’re buying your first house! No more fighting over parking spaces, unexpected rent increases or putting up with noisy neighbors. If you’re planning to make a move this year, here are five tips that can set you on a path that leads to your very own front door.
Buying a home that needs some love can be overwhelming. It can also be a smart investment. If you're thinking about buying a fixer-upper, you already know that it's going to take a little elbow grease to make it livable. You probably also know that these types of homes can often be snatched up at bargain prices and in neighborhoods where you want to live. And once it's yours, you can paint, remodel and refresh the property to make it your own. Gourmet kitchen, movie room, home office, party deck - the possibilities are endless.
If your mailbox could talk, what would it say? “Hey Susan, here’s more coupons for your favorite Moose Tracks ice cream you can't get enough of, an overdue bill for your monthly $50 gym membership, and two new pre-approved loan offers from financial institutions you never requested.”
The future is here! From automating your interior shades in your sunroom, to warming up your pool, to adjusting the lights and music before your friends arrive, you can now enjoy the convenience, safety and economic benefits of smart home technology. Open sesame!
If living with mom and dad is starting to lose its appeal and you’re having trouble knowing if it’s day or night from your basement bedroom, you may be thinking about buying your own place. Scraping together the funds needed for a down payment, closing costs and other new homeowner costs, however, can be daunting. Fortunately, there’s a loan program available that is especially appealing to first-time homebuyers that lets you buy a home immediately with absolutely no money down.
If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ll also be looking at the neighborhood. In fact, the character and amenities of the neighborhood may be as important to the property value as the house itself. Whether you’re looking for a neighborhood with large houses and expansive lawns, or a modern condo in a thriving downtown area, there are characteristics that make up a great living area. Wondering what to look for? We suggest the following:
