For most in real estate, 2011 was yet another rough and tumble year. As we tried our best to deflect the continued slings and arrows of a challenged economy, many adjusted to the market and unearthed new opportunities for growth and expansion. Here, members of RISMedia’s Real Estate Information Network® (RREIN) share their strategies for …
Tag: tips
Dec 27
Housing Forecast: Positive Signs Offset the Negative
The median home price in the U.S. has plunged nearly 40% in a little over five years, but the worst is definitely over, according to a recent report by Kiplinger: The market has finally wrung out the last excess valuations born of the housing bubble. Before you break out the party hats, note that this …
Dec 22
Decorating the Home for Sale for the Holidays
Decorating their home for the holiday season is a time-honored tradition for many families, and also provides the opportunity to make lifelong memories. Sellers with their home on the market during the holiday season may feel the need to give up their holiday traditions. However, quite the opposite is true: Sellers should not forgo decorating …
Dec 21
Real Estate Outlook: Distressed Properties’ Far Reaching Effects
The number of distressed properties across the nation has resulted in a range of effects. Most notably, though, has been the effect on non-distressed homes in neighboring areas and communities. Perhaps no one has been harder hit than builders of new homes. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that one out of three …
Dec 20
Travel Tips for the Holiday Season
Millions of travelers will set out on long road trips to see family and friends this holiday season. Take a moment to read these tips for keeping your self and belongings safe. First, keep your travel plans on a need to know basis. Do not post your excitement about being out of town on social …
Dec 19
Tips from the Top – 3 Must-Knows for Financial Success
What are the best ways to handle taxes? The key with taxes is to stay on top of things and if the weekly routine referred to in the tips on managing money section is being followed, it will make a huge difference. Here are three more recommendations for handling taxes: Use a tax accountant …
Dec 16
5 Things To Do NOW If You Want to Buy A Home In 2012
At this point in December, it can start to feel like the New Year – along with all our hopes, dreams, wishes and expectations for it – are barreling down on us. Personally, I’m a rabid Resolution-setter, and I have a pretty strong track record of making New Year’s changes actually happen – and stick. …
Dec 12
Top defects to look for when buying an older home
Q: Buying a house worries me. I don’t know what I should be looking out for! I know that the older the house, the more likely it is that the wiring, plumbing and roof might be out of date, and the paint could even have lead in it if it’s old enough. I have been …
Dec 02
SELF-EMPLOYED BUYERS: The Best Way To Get A Mortgage!
Self-employed borrowers present one of the most challenging areas of mortgage underwriting. Qualifying self-employed people often requires time, energy, and patience. A fair and honest qualification requires a special set of skills. Most mortgage companies underwrite their loans based on guidelines established by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), …
Dec 02
How to avoid common breakfast mistakes
Many people start their day with diet blunders. Here’s how to correct them, with help from Dr. Wayne Andersen, an obesity specialist in Maryland and medical director for Take Shape for Life, a weight loss program: Skipping breakfast … Dieters often use this strategy, but numerous studies have found breakfast eaters are more likely to …
Dec 01
Pending real estate sales index rises 9.2%
Pending sales of U.S. existing homes jumped 10.4 percent in October, according to an index released today by the National Association of Realtors. The monthly increase in NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index is the largest since an October-to-November jump last year, and continues a recent trend in the index’s gradual rise for the year. October’s …
Dec 01
Research Is important for Home Buying
If you are in the market to buy a home in the next few months, make sure you do preliminary research to determine exactly what your needs and wants are. Use the internet, tour the community and speak to neighbors within the prospective neighborhood. Need help figuring it all out? Call me, I can help. …
