Working from home is one of the many challenges Americans are facing during the coronavirus outbreak. And while the arrangement may have its perks — like no commuting or office attire — it also has some serious setbacks. The biggest one? That's finding the motivation to stay productive. With kids, pets and that comfortable […]
Whether you’re selling or buying 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 likely expect everything to be perfect so you can move in quickly. But how much do you really know about […]
It’s no secret that springtime can breathe new life into a home. And in many markets, spring is the most popular time to buy or sell. Freshly manicured lawns and immaculate interiors add a certain appeal that may not be there during other seasons. A property that’s in excellent condition is sure to catch the […]
Whether it’s a cramped bedroom or an office nook, many homes have a small room that’s difficult to decorate. Do you wish you could add more charm without forgoing square footage? Well, just because your space is limited, it doesn’t mean your style has to be. Make your tiny area more usable and trendy […]
When you think of the home you’ll retire in, a new house may come to mind. Or maybe you’re contemplating moving to your favorite vacation spot or somewhere closer to friends and family. With so many choices, how will you know what’s best for your lifestyle? Here are three questions to consider before making a […]
When you think of wellness, does your living space come to mind? Today, people are taking wellness beyond diet and exercise and into their homes. So, if you want to improve your quality of life, you might be interested in wellness-focused interior design. This style of design uses natural elements to boost your mood, increase […]
You’ve probably been told you should wait for spring or summer to sell your home. That’s when there’s a bigger pool of buyers, and your landscaping and foliage are at the top of their game, right? Well, wait just a minute. There are actually some compelling reasons to go ahead and sell now. Here’s a […]
Selling your family home is hardly ever about building your financial portfolio. For most of us, it’s usually a matter of necessity. A growing young family or a changing lifestyle usually demands extra space. Maybe your kids are old enough now that they need separate rooms. If you have outgrown your living quarters — for […]
With the wealth of information available online, many of today’s consumers are incredibly knowledgeable about the homebuying and selling process. Add in the desire to save — or make — as much money as possible, and it’s easy to see why you might be tempted to pass on hiring an agent. But before flying solo, […]
You’ve always been told that owning a home is the ultimate American dream. Imagine renovating your master bath into a mini spa or choosing your favorite appliances for your dream kitchen. Or just getting to repaint whatever room you want. Plus, there’s the potential for financial gain when you own. But renting has its own […]
Many homeowners will tell you how emotional it was to buy their first home, but you rarely hear about their experience selling it. It’s only natural to grow attached after creating so many wonderful memories, which can make selling a challenging process. Fortunately, you’re not in it alone. Together, we can simplify the process and […]
One of the many joys of homeownership is incorporating your signature style throughout your home. From furniture and rugs to artwork and paint colors, there are so many ways you can make a space all your own. But there’s one space in the home that’s often left untouched — the ceiling. Though rarely considered, it’s […]
Are you wondering how to avoid getting into a fast and furious bidding war once you find your dream home? Even if you can afford to pay more, it’s not always the best move. Money is one thing that turns sellers’ heads, but it's far from the only incentive when you’re competing with other buyers. […]
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the idea of buying your first home, don’t worry — you’re not in it alone. We’ll discuss each step of the process to make sure that you not only love your new home, but that you also get the best deal possible. Click on the image to download […]
It’s finally happened — after months of searching, you’ve found your dream home. It’s the perfect size for your growing family, the kitchen was just remodeled and there’s a huge deck for entertaining. And best of all, the seller accepted your offer! As we near your closing date, your lender will want to verify the […]
You saw an online ad for low mortgage rates and decided to apply — just to see if you qualify. Now your phone is buzzing nonstop, and lenders are emailing you about “DTIs” and W-2s. The onslaught of financing questions can be baffling when you’re tackling them alone. But it doesn’t have to be that […]
Like many homeowners, you might be hoping to capitalize on the hot summer homebuying season to sell your house for a pretty penny. Who knows, maybe you’ll even make enough for the beach house you’ve been eyeing or for a long summer getaway. But first, you’ll need to get your home ready to sell. […]
You’ve been living with your best friend since freshman year of college, and it’s been a blast. So why not pool your money and go in on a house together? After all, it’s easier to buy when you have two incomes. It’s true that co-buying a home with friends or family can make it […]
How handy would you say you are? Can you fix a leaking faucet or install a new backsplash? Do you own all the drills, power saws and sanders used by the pros? It can be tempting to DIY it all — especially if you’re on a budget. After all, you can have an active […]
You know all those fantastic home features you hear your friends gushing about in their new home? The top-notch school district and Jacuzzi? The spacious third level and even more abundant yard? Well, there’s nothing wrong with any of those things. But they’re not right for everyone. In fact, for some buyers, they might even […]
You’ve decided it’s time to sell your home. Your neighbor just sold for a pretty penny, but they also spent a lot on remodeling and renovations. Does that mean you need to upgrade your home to sell? Is it worth trying to sell as is? Or will your home be passed up and stuck on […]
You wouldn’t pick out shoes before choosing an outfit, right? Or buy car accessories without first deciding if you want a truck or a sedan? Well, house hunting should be treated the same way. You shouldn’t search for a dream home without vetting neighborhoods or experiencing the new area for yourself. If the area doesn’t […]
TV shows make finding a profitable fixer-upper seem easy. But in the real world, there are real challenges and decisions to be made. Whether you’re buying an investment property or a starter home for your family, there are dozens of factors to consider. How much will it cost to renovate? Are home values rising or […]
Want to take the pain out of homebuying? Keep your lifestyle priorities top of mind. If you’re planning to buy a new home, there’s great news: More houses have hit the market in recent months. This means you’ve got more options to choose from. Choice is always good, but it can also be overwhelming. The […]
There’s never been a better time to sell a home. Millennials are ready for homeownership and renters are seeing consistent rent increases. This means more buyers than ever are on the market for a home like yours. Home equity is also at all-time highs, which makes now the perfect time to sell and get more […]
Who doesn’t love getting a tax refund? It’s exciting to know that your bank balance will get a boost. But remember, a refund isn’t a bonus — it’s your hard-earned money, which is why you should make the most of it. If you’re thinking of buying a new home this year — whether it's your […]
We’re approaching spring, which means the housing market is getting ramped up. Experts agree that the market is softening for buyers, but will it be a full-on buyer’s market? Definitely not — at least, not by springtime. This spring, buyers will likely see fewer bidding wars, slower price growth and less competition. But sellers will […]
Smart tech has come a long way for homeowners. With the right tools, you no longer have to get up to turn on lights or change the thermostat. Have a habit of forgetting to lock the front door or turn on your porch light at night? Smart home tech can help with that, too. Are […]
Colors have the ability to evoke emotions and change our attitudes. They can inspire and motivate us to try something new and bold. They can alter our moods and appetites, or even make a room feel small and cramped. If you plan to redecorate a few rooms in the new year, the right color choices […]
Buying a home is a big undertaking. From finding the right property and negotiating to sorting out the legal details and moving in, there are dozens of important steps along the way. And for many first-time buyers, it can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier, […]
When you buy a pre-owned home, do you know what will come with the house? Do you get to keep all the appliances, the art on the walls or the outdoor pizza oven on the patio? Determining what will stay with the home and what will go with the previous owner will vary by seller […]
In today’s hot market, bidding wars have become the norm. With many out-of-state buyers and property investors looking for a great deal, all-cash offers are also becoming common. A cash offer can seem tempting for sellers since it offers the possibility of a faster closing. But despite this perk, cash buyers don’t always win. Many […]
Did you know you can buy your dream home while paying off student loan debt? It’s true and even quite common. While student loans are factored into your debt-to-income ratio, they shouldn’t prevent you from becoming a homeowner. And fortunately, there are many programs and options available to prospective buyers, some you may not be […]
Independent living is often cited as being good for one's well-being, so it's no surprise that aging in place has become so popular. Thankfully, many options in today's housing market make it possible. Preparing for physical safety and financial security are the most immediate concerns that come to mind as we plan for aging in […]
Gone are the days when a three-bedroom, two-bath starter home was the norm for first-time homebuyers. Today, many buyers are skipping that stage altogether and going straight for their dream homes. They're buying bigger, more expensive properties with upgraded features, and they plan to live there for the long haul. Not sure which type […]
Today's homeowners and homebuyers love detached living spaces. These small stand-alone structures located on the property come with all sorts of benefits — from added room for storage and recreation to extra income. They're also easy and affordable to design and install. Starting at around $9,600, this additional square footage can deliver serious bang for […]
Many homebuyers think they don't need to hire an agent when building a new home. After all, you're buying directly from the builder and they already have contractors, lenders and inspectors. Why should someone else be brought into the mix? The truth is, buying any home without an agent can be a costly mistake. It […]
Homes that are for sale by owner — when a seller decides not to hire a listing agent — are more common than you might think. They account for about 8 percent of all home listings currently on the market. If you're on the house hunt, you're likely to come across one in your search. […]
Moving can be hectic. With dozens of to-dos, a tight timeline and a growing pile of boxes, it's easy to get frazzled and let things fall through the cracks. But it doesn't have to be that way. Get organized now by making a checklist to work from. Set deadlines for the most critical tasks like […]
Most buyers and sellers know that a home inspection is an essential part of the purchase process. But in real estate, there's more than just one type of inspection to consider. In fact, there are dozens. Whether you're purchasing a new home or investment property, selling your current home or trying to build equity in […]
Cleaning the gutters and weeding the garden are tasks that come with regular, visible reminders. But how do you keep up with other necessary maintenance that might not be as noticeable? Here are some essential home maintenance tasks that are often overlooked: Appliances: If you want your fridge, dryer and other appliances to last you […]
Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial commitments you'll ever make, and it's understandable to want to protect your investment throughout the purchase process. When you're ready to make an offer on a home, adding a contingency to your contract can give you time to assess the property and feel confident that it […]
It's National Barbecue Month, the time to celebrate flame-grilled foods and the great outdoors. Whether you enjoy backyard burgers with family and friends or you're a vegetarian with a penchant for travel, there are so many ways to celebrate this month that fit your unique culinary style and tastes. Here's some grilling inspiration for your […]
Tired of your home looking off-trend and out of touch? Or investing in an older home and want to update it? You don't need deep pockets to do either. In fact, upgrading your home can be quite affordable with the right projects. Here are five ways to make a big impact without spending a lot: […]
With rising rental costs and the amount of student debt at an all-time high, it's no surprise that many potential buyers are unable to save up for a down payment. If you've found yourself in this boat, don't lose hope. With the help of technology and a little foresight, you can save for that down […]
Remodeling your home can be a great way to increase its value and ensure you get good returns when it comes time to sell. But before you go tearing out your floors or adding another bedroom, take note: Not all projects are created equal. In fact, according to recent data from Remodeling magazine's Cost vs. […]
The colder months are notoriously hard on foliage — and subsequently, curb appeal. Fortunately, spring is just around the corner, and that means now is the perfect time to prep your lawn for its revival. Try these easy fixes, and you'll have lush landscaping in no time. 1. Reseed and fertilize. Have bare or thinning […]
Tiny Homes: What are the pros and cons? What constitutes a tiny house? Generally, tiny homes measure between 100 and 500 square feet. Many are portable, but some city ordinances and housing divisions require homes to be set on a foundation. What are the pros? People are drawn to tiny houses for a number of […]
Have you outgrown your home? Or has your home outgrown you and your household? Fewer and fewer families expect to stay in their first or second home for the long haul. Here are some factors to determine if you're financially and emotionally ready to sell your house: 1. Growing or shrinking household — Are you […]
Color can impact the overall mood of your surroundings as well as what potential buyers feel when they step inside your home. The challenge comes in choosing the right combination for your particular space. See what forecasters are predicting and learn how to implement the hot colors of 2018. Hues to Use Experts from Pantone, […]
Click on the image above and complete the questionnaire, then Holdren & Associates will provide you with an email alert based on your personalized search criteria. We will set up a search with your personalized search information which will be emailed to you daily as changes are added to the Champaign County MLS (Multiple Listing Service) for instant, up to date information. This search function gives you access to new listings, price changes, sale pendings, expired, and withdrawn listings at the same instant that those property updates become available to area REALTORS®. Your favorite properties can be saved to your inbox so you can monitor pertinent changes for example a price reduction. All this information at your fingertips.
Click the image above to begin performing a "QUICK SEARCH" of the Champaign County Association of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This search function gives you access to all properties via MLS number, street address, property type, price, town, and even style of home. All this information is accessible to you at the same instant the properties become available to area REALTORS®.
Curious to know what your home would sell for in today's market? What you see online may be wrong. Click on the above image to get started, Holdren & Associates would be happy to provide you with a professional and detailed analysis. Allow us to help you start the listing process today.
Have you ever asked yourself these questions? How much can I borrow? How much will my payments be? What house can I afford? Which is better: a 15 or 30 year term? Click on the image above for a very thorough group of calculators to help you decide.
Click on the image above and complete the questionnaire. Whether you are moving to or from the Champaign County and surrounding areas, we will work closely with all lenders, attorney's and inspectors to facilitate the timing of your home sale or purchase so that your transaction will be effortless. Even if you are moving out of the area, we can assist by hand selecting your new destination realtor to ensure quality service. Let us help take the angst out of relocation!
You got Questions? We got Answers... Want to know about the real estate process, how to begin your search, closing costs, buyers costs, how to get prequalified, what about lenders, attorneys, inspectors, painters, moving companies etc., etc...We have all the answers to ensure a smooth transition whether you are coming or going in the Champaign County and surrounding areas. Simply click the image above to get started!
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