Before approaching lenders, draw up a detailed budget for your remodeling or fixer upper plans. To calculate an accurate estimate, first decide what projects you’ll need to hire a contractor for and which ones you’ll do yourself. On contracted work, start with a firm bid and add 10% for “surprises.” On work you’ll do yourself, […]
If you’ve decided to go ahead and sell your house, it’s important to have a sales strategy planned out before you even put your house on the market. It’s also important to have a strategy that both you and your agent agree on, right down to the last detail. With all the details of your […]
If you’re selling a house you’ve already moved out of, you may be wondering how to stage a house. While sparsely-furnished rooms look bigger and help potential buyers imagine how their own possessions will look in the house, completely empty ones feel lifeless. Without the warm and friendly ambiance of a house that’s obviously lived-in. […]
Selling your home? Once you’ve decided to sell your home, you will, of course, want to find a buyer. And close the deal as quickly as possible. And the longer your home is on the market, the harder it becomes to find a buyer. A property that has been on the market for a few […]
Selling a house takes attention to detail. What’s the best way to help your home make a glorious first impression on would-be buyers? Real estate experts agree that “staging” (also called “fluffing”) your home to show it in the most favorable light is well worth your time and effort. Tips for Selling a House Beyond […]
You’ve lived in your home for several years. Suddenly you realize it’s not meeting your needs anymore. Maybe you’ve had children and you want a bigger yard and extra bedrooms, or you want a home office or a second bathroom. You need more space, but you’re not sure what the best way of getting it […]
Renovating your home can be both fun and rewarding, but it can also be stressful. If you’re not aware of the possible pitfalls and problems before you start, a home renovation can quickly turn into a nightmare. Luckily, you can make sure your renovation work is both attractive and valuable. As long as you know […]
Increasing energy efficiency in the home is becoming more important for several reasons. It is, of course, a great way to reduce your monthly utility bills. But it’s also important because the world’s sources of energy are not infinite. More people are recognizing this and looking at ways to make their homes more energy-efficient. Lastly, […]
First-time buyers typically have less money to spend on a home than more experienced property owners. If you’re selling a smaller home, with one or two bedrooms and bathrooms, you may want to consider marketing your property as a starter home. To sell a starter home quickly, you’ll have to balance affordability with attractiveness and […]
When you sell your home, the profit you make can be subject to the capital gains tax. Understanding how the capital gains tax laws operate may help you pocket more of the profits. It’s important to talk to your tax advisor about your specific situation. However, here are a few guidelines to help you get […]