Choosing a realtor or broker
Finding a Home
Working With an Agent
Select a real estate professional, as you would any professional such as an accountant, attorney or doctor. Basic considerations should be a minimum of three years full-time housing-market experience and a minimum of 10 to 12 residential real estate transactions in each of last three years. Good communication, negotiation and computer skills are a must. Ask for client references and check them, and also ask your family and friends if they can recommend someone.
January 2, 2009
Let the tour of homes begin
Homes. Homes. Homes. Many neighborhoods are now packed with properties for sale. Obviously, many homeowners are facing foreclosure or must sell due to a job loss. But other wannabe sellers—anxious to move on with their lives—are simply tired of waiting for an economic rebound before liquidating their largest asset.
December 26, 2008
Market ripe for young buyer
You're still single, in your 20s and fresh out of school. You have a solid job in your chosen field. Despite the nation's financial crisis—which has your parents' nerves on edge—you and your friends feel carefree. You all live in apartments, and spend your discretionary cash on entertainment, eating out and clubbing.
January 9, 2009
BUYING TIPS
Keeping the upper hand in housing deal
In some ways, it's both the best of times and the most challenging of times for home buyers. Many properties are on the market for amazingly low prices, like the clearance merchandise now overloading the shelves of retail chains. Moreover, mortgage rates are exceptionally low.
January 16, 2009
GREEN LIVING
Home, green home
With all the talk about going green, it pays to understand the anatomy of an eco-friendly home when you're building a new-construction house.
December 26, 2008
Taking curb appeal to the next level
When selecting an elevation for a new home, think beyond the color of siding, brick and trim to how the elevation can boost the home's appeal in the neighborhood.
January 2, 2009
CHOICES
Picking right floor plan
Selecting a floor plan might seem like an easy process –– until you move in and find that the foyer is too narrow or the kitchen island is too close to the refrigerator door.
December 19, 2008
BUYING TIPS
Is now the time to buy suburban dream castle?
They're spread across suburbia in every state of the union. They're whopper-sized houses—typically with 4,500 to 6,000 square feet of living space –– built in the last 10 years. Many in the real estate field call them "dream castles."
October 31, 2008
BUYING TIPS
Finding an area with appreciation potential
Real estate specialists who view the economy on a large screen are confident that those with the nerve to buy a home in the current market will one day be glad they did—particularly if they're now able to capture a quality property in a desirable neighborhood at a bargain price.
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