Real estate agents are the first to tell buyers to draw up lists of their needs and wants when embarking on their home searches. From there, it is a matter of prioritizing and comparing until buyers find properties that best match their requirements. On the other hand, some people "just know" when the fit is right. So, should they rely on their "sixth sense"? Well, there may be more to these supposed snap judgments than most realize. According to some research on the matter, "intuition" was defined as something that happens when the brain draws on past experiences and external cues to make a decision. It all happens so fast that some don't believe in it. Trust your intuition!

HINT: There is a difference between an intuitive sense that a house is right…

1841 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

If you rent, you know that rents have been rising to inordinately high levels. Therefore, if you are paying high rent, you owe it to yourself to compare the costs of owning with the costs of renting. In many areas, it’s now less expensive to own a home than to rent an apartment. The major financial benefits of owning a home come with taking tax deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes. Some homeowners may also take tax deductions for home offices. In addition, each month’s mortgage payment increases your equity in your home while a rent check only increases your landlord’s equity. Lastly, the longer you stay in your home, the more you stand to benefit from appreciation.

This may be the ideal time for you to consider purchasing property. Take…

2205 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

THE GREENING OF AMERICAN HOMES

When marketing their homes, sellers should highlight their efficient use of energy and natural resources. According to a recent study, 51 percent of builders and remodelers assert that it is easier to market eco-friendly “green” homes, and more than two-thirds of builders claim that their customers are willing to pay more for energy-efficient homes. It seems that increasing numbers of buyers are willing to pay any extra upfront costs that will lead to long-term savings. No longer satisfied with merely asking about utility costs, prospective buyers are now more likely to look deeply into the energy efficiency of heating and air-conditioning systems and appliances, as well as insulation values of windows, doors, walls, and…

1867 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post