How to Pay for Your Home Improvements

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You’ll probably want to improve your home at some point. It might be out of necessity if you need a new roof or fence — or you might want more space or additional amenities, like an updated kitchen or a swimming pool. Whatever the reason for your projects, you’ll likely need some help paying for […]

Look Out for These Common Home Hazards

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Homes can have safety issues that aren’t always obvious — problems that could endanger you and your family. Fortunately, doing an annual safety audit of your property can help identify some of these hazards and allow you to remedy them before they cause larger problems. It may also help you to avoid using your home […]

5 Ideas to Improve Your Outdoor Space

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We’re finally approaching summer: The days are getting longer, the sun is shining and the weather’s getting warmer — it’s the perfect opportunity to spend more time outdoors. Is your backyard or patio ready for heavier use? If not, there’s still time, and you don’t need to spend a lot to make it happen. Here […]

What To Know About Home Inspections

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You probably know that home inspections are often part of the homebuying process. But do you know why they’re so important — or what they mean for your home purchase or sale? Home inspections can play a big role in whether your homebuying (or selling) efforts are successful. Are you hoping to buy or sell […]

What to do if you can’t find a home

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Finding a home in a hot market can be challenging: Supply is limited, and bidding wars are common with demand so high. You may find yourself up against dozens of buyers, making it hard to snag the home — and at a price you can afford. It’s important not to lose hope, though. Despite the […]

How do you know when it’s time to sell?

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The housing market has stayed competitive for months, and if you’re like many property owners, you’ve probably thought about selling. But is this the right time? Selling your home is a big decision, and pinpointing the perfect time to make your move can be challenging. Here are a few questions to consider if you want […]

Getting Started in Real Estate Investing

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It seems like more and more people are investing in real estate lately. Is this the right time to try it for yourself? If all goes well, investing in property can help you build wealth and generate passive income. But this endeavor requires careful planning, of course, and not everyone is able to achieve the […]

4 Inspiring Kitchen Upgrades Trending Now

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For many households, the kitchen tends to be one of the most-used spaces in the home. It’s where you cook, entertain and have family dinner. And even when it’s not mealtime, the kitchen often becomes a gathering place for snacking, doing homework and spending time together. Does your current kitchen live up to your expectations […]

5 Homebuying Misconceptions to Avoid

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It’s common for both first-time homebuyers and experienced homeowners to feel overwhelmed by the process of purchasing a house. Plus, myths and misconceptions often make the experience even more confusing. Myths like: Renting is cheaper than buying. You need a credit score of 700 to get a loan. You shouldn’t buy in a seller’s market. […]

Tips for Managing a Cross-Country Move

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With remote work so common these days, moving to your dream locale across the state, country or even the world isn’t as difficult as it once was. Still, that doesn’t mean a long-distance move will be easy. The logistics, the travel and the timeline can all be tricky to manage, and preparing for these potential […]

3 Ways to Make the Most of Color at Home

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If you’re thinking of updating, remodeling or repairing your home this year, it’s time to start planning. Want to make the most of your efforts? Don’t overlook color. Color plays a big role in your home’s aesthetic and mood, and it can affect your overall property value, too. If you’re not sure where to start, […]

How to to Prepare for Your Home Search

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Whether you were outbid on every home you liked or you never found the right fit because of limited inventory, you probably encountered a few challenges if you tried to buy a home this year. With a new year around the corner, are you thinking about continuing your search? No matter what the market looks […]

4 Ways to Update Without Renovating

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Renovation projects can be time-consuming and expensive. Fortunately, they’re not your only option if you’re looking to change up the look or feel of your house. Even a few small changes can make a big impact — as long as you pick the right ones. Do you want to update your house without overspending or […]

4 Key Questions About Down Payments

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Down payments can be a challenge to navigate, even for experienced homebuyers. How much do you need to put down? Do current market conditions change anything for you? Even the most basic questions aren’t always easy to answer. Whether you’re thinking of buying soon or planning ahead for a purchase in 2022, now is a […]

Easy Ways to Boost Your Curb Appeal

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Great curb appeal can make a big difference when selling a home. Not only can it make your property stand out from the competition, but it could also bring in higher offers. An attractive house can also be a benefit even if you’re aren’t planning to sell right now. After all, who doesn’t want to […]

5 Home Features Buyers Are Looking For

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The housing market typically slows down in the fall, so if you’re thinking of selling in the near future, it may take a little more effort to stand out from the crowd. Knowing what buyers want and making a few smart updates can help make your home more marketable and improve your selling price. Are […]

Don’t Skip These 5 Fall Maintenance Tasks

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Your home is a huge investment — an investment you’ll want to protect for the long haul. That means proper maintenance is key. Completing a few seasonal chores can help you extend the life span of your home while also cutting down on repair and renovation costs. Want to make sure you’re keeping your home […]

Buying a Fixer-Upper: 5 Things to Know

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Buying a Fixer-Upper: 5 Things to Know In today’s busy market, many homebuyers have found themselves weighing options they would normally pass by. One of the more common compromises is to consider a home that needs some work On the plus side, fixer-uppers often come with lower prices, less competition and a lower-pressure sale on […]

How to Make the Most of Your Home Equity

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Home equity is a powerful thing. As you pay off your mortgage, your equity — or the stake in the home you actually own — increases. And the more equity you build, the more you stand to gain when you sell. But even if you aren’t planning to sell your property, equity can be used […]

How to Prep for a Successful Home Sale

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Are you thinking about selling your home? Supply is low and demand is high right now, which means many sellers are seeing quick turnarounds and healthy profits. Still, despite the hot market, selling a home isn’t easy. If you want the experience to be as smooth as possible, prepping early and enlisting help are key. […]

4 Common Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

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When the market is competitive, many homeowners opt to renovate their properties rather than sell or buy. This can be a smart move for many reasons, but as you know, home projects can often end up being expensive and time-consuming. Don’t want to make a costly mistake or even regret a renovation altogether? Take a […]

Why Working With an Agent Is So Important

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HGTV and home renovation shows may be entertaining, but they’re not always accurate. In particular, most of them skip over the important ways real estate agents can help homeowners. In the real world, agents play a huge role in home purchases, sales and even flips. Are you planning to make a real estate move this […]

5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Bathroom

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Remodeling your bathroom can be a great investment. It immediately makes your home more usable and enjoyable, and in the long term, an upgrade could increase your home’s value by thousands of dollars. And a remodel doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or costly event. There are quite a few small, low-cost projects that can […]

5 Fun (and Useful) Summer Home Trends

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Summer is a great time to improve your home’s exterior. And whether you’re interested in enjoying your space a little more or you want to boost your home’s value, it makes sense to find inspiration by taking a look at what other homeowners are doing. Are you thinking about updating your yard or patio this […]

What to Know About Today’s Busy Market

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You’re probably well aware that the real estate market is more competitive than ever (due to low inventory, among other things). Still, it’s not a bad time to buy a house. Mortgage rates are low, home values are on the rise and, in many cases, buying is still more affordable than renting. Are you considering […]

4 Common Questions About Closing Costs

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If you’re getting ready to buy a home, you’re probably focused on saving as much as you can for the down payment. But don’t forget: You’ll need to cover closing costs, too. To create a realistic homebuying plan, make sure you factor in this additional upfront expense so that you can set yourself up for […]

Don’t Skip These 6 Smart Moving Tips

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No matter how much you prepare and how excited you are about your new home, moving will always be a bit stressful. There are endless to-do’s and tiring tasks, and once you’re finished, there’s still unpacking and organizing to be done. Even so, you can take steps to streamline your relocation and minimize problems. Are […]

3 Big Housing Decisions You May Face

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Housing decisions are rarely small. Where you choose to live impacts your budget, your job prospects and your social life. And in the future, your home plays a major role in what your retirement might look like (financially and logistically). For these reasons, housing decisions require plenty of careful consideration. Want to be prepared to […]

5 Tips for Building a Home Wish List

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Whether you’re thinking of buying a home soon or months down the road, you’ll need a carefully considered wish list when the time comes to start your search. Identifying your needs and wants will help you narrow your options and make your homebuying journey — which we all know can be stressful — as smooth […]

Essential Spring Home Maintenance Tasks

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Your home is an investment — and protecting that investment is probably one of your top priorities. So as the seasons change and you start to spruce up and refresh your space, be sure to make time for maintenance as well as spring cleaning. Keeping up with essential tasks will help ensure your home stays […]

How to Make Your Best Offer on a Home

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Making the right offer is crucial when you have your eye on a home. Offer too little, and you may get passed over for the next buyer. Offer too much, and you may need to reevaluate your budget for furnishings or upgrades. This can be one of the most challenging parts of buying a new […]

4 Projects to Finish Before You Sell

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Are you ready to make the transition to a new home? Or at least take a few steps to get there? If so, you’ll need to think about selling your current property, and you’re probably hoping to get the best price possible. Renovations can be a great value booster. The right changes appeal to buyers […]

How Paint Color Can Enhance Your Mood

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Your paint choices have a significant impact on your home. Not only can color determine your living space’s overall aesthetic, but it can also influence your mood and set the right tone for your guests. Do you want your space to feel comfy and serene or trendy and dramatic? Or maybe your family’s style is […]

5 Ways to Build More Equity in Your Home

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Equity — or the share of your property you actually own — is a benefit to any homeowner. For one, it means more profits when it’s time to sell. On top of that, it can also give you cash when you need it — either through a refinance or home equity loan. Fortunately, building equity […]

Must-Have Amenities for a Healthier Home

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If your New Year’s resolution is to improve your health and wellness, your home can inspire you to do it. In fact, your living space plays a significant role in your overall well-being. A room dedicated to workouts can motivate you to reach your goals. And healthy, clean air and elements inspired by nature can […]

Home Maintenance to Prep for Winter

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Winter is fast approaching, and if you’re a homeowner, that usually means now’s the time to tackle key maintenance tasks — at least if you want to ensure a warm and comfortable season. There are appliances to check, inspections to complete and exterior tasks to do. Are you ready for the incoming colder months? Want […]

5 Myths About Selling a Home Right Now

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Are you curious about the state of the housing market? Like many homeowners, especially potential sellers, you may be hesitant to make a move because there’s a lot of uncertainty and speculation these days. But you don’t want to let false assumptions keep you from reaching your goals, now or in the future. Let’s clear […]

5 Countertops That Are Worth the Upgrade

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Updating your kitchen can be a smart way to increase your home’s worth. In fact, Remodeling Magazine named a minor kitchen renovation one of the best projects to take on this year — and upgrading your countertops is a good place to start. The right countertop can add aesthetic and resale value to your home […]

Essentials to Keep in Your Emergency Kit

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Let’s face it: You can’t predict the future. That’s why having a fully stocked emergency kit is so important. No matter the time of year, it’s always better to play it safe. Would you and your family be prepared, just in case? Putting essential supplies together doesn’t have to be a chore and can even […]

An Easy Guide to Virtual Home Tours

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Virtual home tours have quickly become the new norm. Sellers and agents now rely on digital tools, and many are skipping the traditional open house and opting for tours via video platforms. But for buyers, there’s more uncertainty. Can you really judge a home from a screen? Surprisingly, you can — as long as you […]

Tips for Choosing the Right Neighborhood

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Finding a home that suits you is only part of the journey. Another big part? Choosing the right neighborhood. The number of bedrooms and square footage are certainly important when buying a home — but the community might be even more vital. After all, it’s where you’ll likely exercise and socialize, where your kids will […]

Is the highest bid the best bid?

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An offer on your home moves you one step closer to the finish line in the selling process. And if you’re lucky, you’ll receive multiple offers from a range of bidders. The highest bid is the obvious choice, right? Not necessarily. Here’s what to consider before moving forward on an offer: Focus on your priorities.Take […]

5 Upgrades to Enhance Your Outdoor Space

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How have you been spending your summer? Have you been tending to your garden, grilling dinner on the patio or taking dips in the pool? No matter what your property offers or how you and your family like to spend your free time, there’s almost always something you can do to make your outdoor space […]

What to Know About Home Inspections

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Whether you’re buying or selling a house, getting a home inspection can be nerve-wracking. If you’re selling, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t any hidden issues in the home. And if you’re buying, you’ll want everything to be in great shape so you can move in quickly. But how much do you really know […]

How to Make a Winning Offer on a Home

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The homebuying market continues to heat up — and that means there could be some fierce competition out there. While that may seem intimidating, it doesn’t mean your dream home is out of reach. There are quite a few things you can do to stand out if you find yourself up against other buyers. Want […]

5 Ways to Prepare to Buy or Sell Later

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Summer is usually the perfect time to buy or sell a home. And for some people, it still is. After all, there are few things more welcoming than warm weather and fresh flowers blooming in the front yard. But maybe you’re waiting to enter the market. That’s okay too. There are plenty of ways you […]

7 Ways to Protect Yourself Online

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Working from home offers some serious perks. There’s no morning commute, you get your pets as coworkers and you can even hang around in pajamas all day — as long as you don’t have to be on a video call, of course. But remote work isn’t perfect. It could actually pose a security risk if […]

Curb Appeal Upgrades That Can Add Value

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As a homeowner, you shouldn't ignore curb appeal. Keep it in great condition, and you’ll likely see high property values and serious marketability when it comes time to sell. Let it slide, and the opposite could happen. Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, refreshing your home’s exterior can add value or give […]

4 Steps to Choosing the Right Bid

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An offer on your home moves you one step closer to the finish line in the selling process. And if you’re lucky, you’ll receive multiple offers from a range of bidders. The tough part is deciding which one you should accept, and deciding can be trickier than it seems. The highest bid is the obvious […]

How Tech Helps You Buy or Sell a Home

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With much of the country mostly staying home, it's not your typical spring homebuying season. You might think social distancing has made it difficult to meet with lenders, view properties and sign paperwork, but fortunately that's not the case. In fact, prospective buyers and sellers continue to move forward with their housing needs and doing […]