Mark Ross's Blog Posts

You do your best to be a good neighbor, but there’s always room for improvement. Here's an idea: This year, take some extra steps and make a bit more effort to be an even better neighbor. It'll

Whether you have one kid or eight, the odds are good their tiny rooms are filled to the brim with stuff, especially after the holiday season. And it's easy to let that slide, as long as the kids are

This is the tale of two basements in otherwise comparable houses. One is a finished basement with a den, bedroom, and full bathroom. The other basement has some Sheetrock, an exposed toilet, and a

Home maintenance in the winter? You heard us right, snow dogs. Just because the flurries may be drifting all over the yard and temps are dipping perilously close to the freezing mark, it doesn't

Investors need a plan to properly manage an inheritance.(GETTY IMAGES)RECEIVING AN inheritance can be a double-edged sword.On the one hand, it's overwhelming, thanks to the intense emotions

When you find you can't make your mortgage payments, contact your lender to discuss options that may help you get back on your feet without losing your house.Even the most careful planners and

The new decade has kicked off with a fairly stable interest-rate environment for home loans.The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.72% during the week ending Jan. 2, down two basis points from

The home-buying season used to kick off sometime in spring, as the snow began to melt and people tried to plan for a summer move-in. But in recent years, the limited supply of homes for sale has

Plenty of online resources exist to help you calculate your mortgage accurately. (GETTY IMAGES)WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR monthly mortgage payment, you're not just paying off the sticker price of the.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will let mortgage borrowers nationwide take out home loans over $500,000 in 2020.The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced Tuesday that it will increase the limit on

Taking care the basic things will create a path toward financial wellness and help position an investor for retirement.(GETTY IMAGES)WHEN MOST PEOPLE THINK of wealth management, they often conflate

If you're hoping to secure a new address in 2020, you've picked an excellent time to enter, or re-enter, the real estate market. Interest rates are still near record lows, and in many areas across

Mortgage REITs are one way to invest in real estate bonds.(GETTY IMAGES)WITH THE EXCITING performance of the stock market in 2019, it's easy to overlook the real estate bond market. But real estate

The laundry room is perhaps the least visible room in your home, but it serves a vital purpose—and we spend a lot of time there. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time

Buying a house is one of the most exciting things you'll ever do in your life — and signing the mortgage for that house will probably be one of the most terrifying.Since navigating the home loan

Your search for the perfect house involves more than just the home itself. Beyond seeking out the perfect number of bedrooms and an entertainment-ready backyard, you also need to find the right

Letting strangers in your house while you're not there can be a difficult part of the home selling process. Protect your belongings and identity by removing valuables and any paperwork that has your

Drastic changes, such as a sudden drop in interest rates, may make it expedient to refinance a mortgage early.(GETTY IMAGES)IF YOU'VE HAD YOUR mortgage for a while or have built equity in your home,

While the idea of avoiding mortgage payments may be tempting, you'll miss out on some tax breaks and reduce your ability to invest elsewhere. (Piotr Powietrzynski/Getty Images)In today’s low

Clean up the clutter in your home and be willing to negotiate with buyers.Selling your home may seem like a mystifying process, but it doesn't require any hidden knowledge that the real estate

For many of us, the decision to rent or buy is dictated by our income. If the monthly costs of homeownership take up no more than 30% of your income and you can afford a down payment, then buying a

Part of the thrill of a renovation is dreaming up a brand-new look for your home. The best part of the process is, of course, walking through the finished rooms and settling into your new space.But

We’ve all heard about spring-cleaning, but what about pre-holiday cleaning? That should be a thing, too! After all, with the holiday season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to

Although mortgage rates now stand higher than they did just a couple months ago, more people are applying for loans to buy homes.The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.75% during the week ending

If you own a home, there's a pretty good chance you've wielded a paintbrush a time or two. And even if you haven't, chances are that you will eventually.It might seem like picking up a paintbrush

Shopping for title insurance may not be the most thrilling step in buying a house, but it is one of the most important.Before you can own a home, or "take title" to a property, most lenders will

CLOSING COSTS ARE EASY to overlook when you're buying your first home, as you're probably most concerned about the house purchase price, your down payment and the mortgage interest rate. But it's a

What you should know about working with clients who choose this unusual avenue to homeownership.A small but growing share of home buyers is forging an alternative path to homeownership that is ripe

Use humidity, a car product, and more wow ideas to save cleaning time.When cleaning your home, why not do it in such a way that'll keep your home cleaner with less effort?Here are 7 ways to keep

Homes don’t clean themselves. But these easy-peasy rules (wake and make!) will make you feel like they do.Here's the thing you may have noticed about houses: They don't clean themselves.Which is

Brrr! With temperatures tumbling, there’s nothing better than nestling in some cozy blankets in front of a wood-burning fireplace. The sound of crackling wood and the heat radiating on your

Extreme winter weather can leave neighborhoods and communities without power or other public services for long periods of time, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warns.It's a smart idea to

After you make an offer on a house and it's accepted by the seller, you'll be asked to put down an earnest money deposit to show your commitment to this purchase. But while you might be gung-ho to

Moisture keeps your skin fresh and plump, but, sadly, it’s not doing your home any favors. In fact, according to Steve Worsley, owner of CNC Contractor Services, a mold consultation and mitigation

A bank will likely deem a 15-Year mortgage plan less risky than a 30-year plan, but that plan gives you less flexibility. (GETTY IMAGES)MORTGAGES COME WITH many options, and one of them is your loan

No matter how many episodes of “House Hunters” or “Love It or List It” you've watched, buying a home inevitably comes with surprises. Though a sharp real estate agent will help you navigate

winyuu/iStockThe cooling temperatures of autumn offer a long-awaited break from summer's scorching heat, but you won't relax for long—the beautiful colors of the leaves also signal that yardwork

Cooler weather is coming — prep your home for its arrival while it's still nice outside.The days are getting shorter, and the nights are getting cooler. The kids are trudging off to school again

Tempura/iStockTo the inexperienced, painting a wall may seem like a larger-scale version of coloring inside the lines. But painting should never be considered an elementary task. Painting

BanksPhotos/iStockWhen it comes to selling a house, you want to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. For years, that meant targeting baby boomers and Gen Xers; but today, millennials are

Taking on a home improvement project can increase your property’s value, address small issues before they become large problems, and make your house more livable. But while small projects may

If it’s been a while since you gave much thought to the literal roof over your head, now’s the time to make sure all is well. Determining whether your roof needs to be repaired or replaced is a

Hopeful buyers are willing to go to great lengths to save enough for a down payment. (Getty Images)There comes a point for many prospective first-time homebuyers when nearly everything you do is

LTV measures for lenders the risk of a loan defaulting. (GETTY IMAGES)WHETHER YOU'RE borrowing to buy a home, car, recreational vehicle or a similar asset, you can expect to use the asset you're

Lighting, inside and outside your home, is key to deterring would-be burglars. Lights inside indicate someone is home, and timed lighting when you're not there helps give the illusion you are.-

Home buyers are always looking for a bargain. But if you're really looking to save some dough, consider a sheriff's sale. As the name suggests, it's a real estate sale that involves your local

Oh, the things you could do with your home if only you had the money. Remodel the kitchen, overhaul that ugly bathroom, or just fix the roof. But who has thousands of dollars just lying around to be

Spring just on the horizon means your heater is about to go dormant for a while. Hooray! But be forewarned: You're likely to notice a burning smell once you turn it back on at the start of the next

Prepping your home for the holidays isn't just about putting up decorations. Prepare your house so visitors who either stay for the evening or for a few nights feel welcome and safe. Maybe it's

Although the nation’s trade war is projected to weaken future economic growth, Freddie Mac’s September Forecast indicates the housing market is likely to maintain its strength well into the.�

Young first-time homebuyers are often attracted to spaces with plenty of room for entertaining friends and family. Stage your home so it showcases those spots and help potential buyers envision

It's one of those home-buying riddles that many think is all but unsolvable: How can a home buyer get a mortgage with bad credit? After all, if your credit score is abysmal, you may as well kiss

Part of making your home healthier is keeping unwelcome bacteria, dirt and toxins from getting inside. Have your family and friends take shoes off at the door to avoid tracking in dirt and keep your

Many homeowners with mortgages have considered refinancing at some point or another. Refinancing a mortgage essentially replaces your current mortgage with a new loan. It's an especially enticing

Living in a community managed by a homeowners association (HOA) means that you're obligated to follow certain rules and regulations. Depending upon your HOA, these rules can be very particular—so

Thinking about buying a fixer-upper? Join the club. Blame it on the popularity of renovation reality TV or just the fact that people are searching for deals, but many home buyers are willing to

Millennial home buyers are going to some troubling lengths to foot the bill for their first homes, according to a new survey.Millennials are more likely than their older counterparts to fund their

Many homes across the United States are part of an HOA, or homeowners association. So what does that mean?In a nutshell, an HOA helps ensure that your community looks its best and functions.

Ever spend the night at a friend’s or relative’s house where they reveal some quirky shortcoming in their home? Say, the light switch in the guest room works the opposite way you'd expect (down

To embrace the fall season at home while your property is on the market, consider subtle details that keep your decor from going overboard.As you consider the best way to sell a house, one thing to

Decorating any part of a home, especially outdoor space, lets you tap into the creative side of your brain.But when the space is a small terrace or patio, too much creativity can be a bad thing.

Owning a home means you can build equity, take advantage of tax deductions, and partake in a little something called the American dream. For the past couple of years, the U.S. homeownership rate has

WASHINGTON—A type of unconventional mortgage that focuses on a borrower’s assets to vet repayment ability has drawn a warning from regulators for banks to maintain tight underwriting standards

Owning a home is likely your biggest asset, but also your biggest expense. Between the mortgage, insurance, unexpected repairs like roof damage, property taxes, and possibly homeowners association

Buyers put a lot of their focus on the kitchen. After all, it can be one of the most expensive rooms to remodel and its features and conditions can make or break a sale.Designers recently shared a

Congratulations: You're moving out, and on to your next home! Now all you have to do is pack up your things and skedaddle, right?Not so fast. If you're still trying to sell your current home, you'll

WASHINGTON—Sales of previously owned U.S. homes picked up in July, suggesting that lower mortgage rates are beginning to drive sales after a weak spring selling season.Existing-home sales rose 2%

They don't call it a forever home for nothing. Most of us buy with the intent of staying a long time—sometimes indefinitely. But here's the rub: Things change. Life takes us in a different

Wondering how to buy land? There's something thrilling about the idea of buying your own piece of vacant land—raw, untouched real estate on which you can build your dream home from the ground up.

What makes a home really special? Whether it is a grand mansion or a two-bedroom apartment, what are the attributes that the trained eye of a real estate expert are zeroing in on when she views a

Whether you're buying or selling a home, one question that's always front and center is the price: How much is a home worth? That's a tricky question to answer, but probably the best starting point

Should you prepay

Even if you’re new to this whole selling-a-house thing, chances are good you’ve heard of a home appraisal. And if you know just a little about the process, you know that the appraisal—a value

Pending home sales rose in June, with activity particularly brisk in the western part of the U.S., a trade group said Tuesday.The National Association of Realtors® said pending home sales climbed 2

Need a crash course on real estate terms? This glossary will get you started.DTI, PMI, LTV … TBH, it can be hard to keep all this stuff straight. This lexicon of real estate terms and acronyms

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is set to eliminate a regulatory loophole that made getting a mortgage more feasible for thousands of Americans.The consumer watchdog agency announced this

Once you make an offer on a home and it's accepted, there's a process lasting a few weeks before you close the transaction. During this window of time, buyers are often told to "do their due

Bumble's relationship pros explain how to get over the house that stole your heart.You had such big dreams for the two of you. You were ready to make the big commitment. You thought you’d grow old

The idea of moving can sound like a great adventure, but for most people, the actual process of moving is a giant headache, or much worse. In fact, a lot of people equate it to some of life's

Buying a foreclosure home, also known as a distressed property, might seem like a less expensive way to get into your next place. These homes usually sell for about 15% below the home's actual.

Some would argue that there are few household chores worse than laundry—the tedious rinse-and-repeat cycle that sprawls over our domestic calendars. After all, there's a reason it's called

When you’re in the middle of selling a home and buying a new one, the question inevitably comes up: Can’t I just use the same agent for both transactions—wouldn’t that make things easier?

Installing smoke alarms is a task that most homeowners can tackle on their own. But proper installation and maintenance are vital to ensuring that your alarm actually works in an emergency. However,

You’ve lived in your home for years and haven't exactly been on top of regular maintenance tasks. Now, your windows are covered in plastic wrap to cut down on the cold drafts, your ceiling seems

Quite a bit has changed since the housing bubble burst and the world plunged into a bleak recession. Rampant layoffs have been replaced by a booming economy and hiring sprees. A housing market

Whether it’s a luxurious $45 million estate in California or a modest $250,000 two-bedroom house in Ohio, marketing a home’s stress-relieving qualities is a growing trend. Today, developers,

A retaining wall is a practical outdoor feature that can help keep your yard in top form, but it's often overlooked—or misunderstood. In its most basic form, it's a structure that holds soil in

The right level of curb appeal can make neighbors do a double take—for the right reasons. Plus, it can up your property's resale value. Improving your curb appeal often includes manicured

On a recent Sunday night my husband came out to the garden, where I had been working since dawn. He looked concerned.“What are you doing?” he asked in the sort of gentle tone a staff

With soaring prices, hordes of competition, and a dearth of properties for sale, snagging the right home for the right price is no easy task. And it's even worse for first-time buyers.Of the buyers

Other survey insights underscore frustration with the home buying processYou’ve listed your home for sale, and no one is taking the bait. One month passes, then two. How long do you wait before

What is a water hammer? When something goes bump in the night, it could be water moving through your valves and pipes. But when you hear loud banging coming from your plumbing or valves, it's a

Selling your house is not as simple as just putting it on the market and waiting for offers from eager buyers to roll in. (Ah, if only...) If you have any hope that your sale will go smoothly, you

The much discussed—and, in some quarters, much feared—housing slowdown may be coming to an end.The real estate softening that began last summer, marked by a surge in homes hitting the market and

What is a tankless water heater? Also called “demand-type” or “instantaneous water heaters,” these devices deliver warm water only when you want it. Conventional water heaters, on the other

Mulch, a layer of organic material laid over your soil, is a gardener's secret weapon. When done correctly, mulching can conserve the soil’s moisture, slow the erosion process, and help to

Many homeowners who purchase a fixer-upper say it was because they believed they’d save money. But they actually end up spending about the same or more than if they had opted for a move-in-ready

Dogs have such a negative reaction to some of the activities associated with the Fourth of July – fireworks, parades, parties, alcohol consumption – you’d think they’re unpatriotic.Of,

While many homeowners reach a point where they decide to sell their place, here's an alternative I'm considering for my own home: Rather than sell, I may rent it out instead.When I bought my condo

These days, house flipping is a popular concept. There are entire TV shows devoted to it. It may even be something you’ve thought about doing yourself.The premise is simple: You buy a home that

Imagine attending an open house and stepping into a newly remodeled master bathroom complete with brand-new Carrara marble tiling and a luxurious free-standing tub. Home improvements like this are

What is a hard money lender? The real estate term may conjure up visions of crooked-nosed guys who'll cut off a borrower's pinkie finger for flaking on a hard money loan. But you can rest assured

Do you get your earnest money back at closing? If you're buying a house and planning to finance the purchase with the help of a mortgage, the question is bound to come up. The short answer is: You

Ellie Mae report shows borrowers are in better shape financiallyA strong labor market coupled with lower borrowing costs has put Americans in better shape to get a mortgage, based on average FICO

Taking on a home renovation can improve your property's value, remedy any nagging structural or cosmetic flaws, and generally make your place way more comfortable to live in. All good!But hold on:

Planning to remodel your bathroom into the oasis of your dreams? Then you'd better get a handle on your plumbing. Even if you don't see the pipes connected to your sink or shower, understanding how

Looking to make your outdoor area more livable? Consider adding a hardscape feature to complement your plants and flowers. A decked-out backyard can give a big boost to your property's value, and

Rates for home loans mostly held steady, and even declined slightly, as investor jitters about a slowing economy and geopolitics continued to keep bonds attractive.The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage

In the real estate game, many buyers understand that knowing a home's days on market (DOM) is absolutely critical intel. Why? Because the number of days a home spends on the market directly affects

Eco-friendly living is all about choosing materials and practices that are beneficial to the environment. But did you know this can also include your renovation process and the materials you use?�

Is it time to turn your en suite bathroom into a personal oasis? Before you start poring over which tiles or slipper tub to install, know that the far more crucial choice is to find the right

Homeowners are increasingly living out their HGTV fantasies by remodeling their homes, with a particular focus on taking their kitchens and bathrooms from drab to fab.Homeowners spent the most on

Home sellers are often told to make upgrades to their house before they sell ... but when is the best time to get those home improvements underway, in terms of scoring the best ROI?It's a tough

Buying a home is a complicated process that involves sharing sensitive information with multiple people. And the latest major data leak highlights the risk consumers take on when they share that

Selling a home can be a long, time-consuming process, especially if the seller and potential buyers butt heads. Sometimes, the issues behind a deal-making deadlock are legitimately big. Other times,

In a perfect world, you'd have a sprawling backyard with enough room to plant everything from tulips to turnips. But in reality? Many of us have a very small outdoor space.And no, we're not talking

If you're lucky enough to own more than one property, or have an in-law unit just sitting empty behind your house, the thought has surely occurred to you: Why not just make back some cash by renting

IF YOU ARE BUYING OR selling a house, odds are you're hyper-focused on the layout, the closet space and the yard – all aspects that a homeowner can't easily change. But another important

Let's face it: Housecleaning isn't how most of us would ideally spend our free time. We put it off and off and off, until we can't ignore the mess any longer. And when we do finally get around to

Moving is the worst. But for those who can be flexible in scheduling their move, choosing the right season to relocate can make the whole experience smoother. So which time of the year is most

If you're looking for a better way to get a feel for a new neighborhood, consider a tactic some recent homebuyers in New York have put to use: Because they are seriously considering moving to a

Applying for

When is the best time to sell your house? Timing can make a big difference in terms of selling your home quickly and for the most cash. But here's the thing: The rules on pinpointing that best time

If you’re like most homeowners, your house is a host of tiny irritations you keep meaning to fix but never do. Maybe it’s a light fixture you constantly bang your head on, or wallpaper you’ve

How much does a backyard renovation cost? It's a question that many homeowners ponder if they're on the verge of upgrading their yard from an overgrown thicket to a beautifully landscaped oasis. But

What's the most common home-buying mistake? If you're reading this from a cramped living room, or while lying in your itty-bitty "master" bedroom, you probably know the answer: buying a too-small

What's the best flooring to boost your home's resale value? Whether you're selling your place or are just thinking about replacing what's under your feet with something shiny and new, you'll want to

An overhyped stereotype about millennials is that they’re entitled narcissists who can’t be bothered to do homework, legwork or even stash a few dollars in the bank (see avocado toast). That

Ginnie Mae is taking steps to curb repeated mortgage refinancings that it says are hurting both borrowers and investors.The government-backed firm, which promotes homeownership by guaranteeing

Wondering how to get a real estate listing removed from the internet? Whether you're a seller who's withdrawn your house from the market, or a buyer who's just closed on a new place, fielding

Conventional wisdom dictates that one of the more successful tactics out there to convince a home seller to accept your offer is get personal: Include some sweet and heartfelt information to them in

You’ve spent months—perhaps years—searching for the perfect house, and you've finally found it. But you're not alone; there's a very strong chance that other home shoppers are vying for it,.

In the best-case scenario, your bathroom is your own blissful retreat—a little slice of spa heaven where you can unwind without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.In reality, your bathroom

Home sellers often hear that if they ever hope to find a buyer, they must whip their house into perfect shape—fix this, paint that, overhaul your horribly outdated kitchen. But just looking at the

Despite a real estate slowdown gripping the nation, this year's housing market is expected to be busier than realtor.com® economists originally predicted late last year. That means more home—

You've heard it before: Conserving water is important. With all the water that Americans use each day—an estimated 322 billion gallons—every action you take, no matter how small, can contribute

While many people turn out for Earth Day events that ironically generate tons of trash, this eco-holiday offers an opportunity to create lasting change in your habits that can lessen your impact on

Spring is in the air and homebuyers are coming out of hibernation. With the holidays over and the weather warming up, it’s the time of year that's typically considered a hot period for the housing

After hitting a low point last month, mortgage interest rates are continuing to tick back up along with activity in the home-buying market for spring.Rates rose to an average 4.17% on a 30-year-

Get ready for Gen Z. People between the ages of 18 and 23 are eager to become homeowners, and many are already setting aside money for a down payment.More than half of Gen Zers surveyed said they

If you hire a real estate agent to help you buy, sell, or rent a house, this professional gets paid through a real estate commission. So how much do you pay, and what for? Is there any wiggle room

Rates for home loans edged up after reports showed the economy was shrugging off its winter sluggishness.The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.12% during the April 11 week, mortgage guarantor

Mortgage interest rates are a mystery to many of us—whether you're a home buyer in need of a home loan for your first house or your fifth.After all, what does “interest rate” even mean? Why do

Although housing prices are finally beginning to cool, there's no denying that much of the nation is still in a seller's market.Case in point: The rat-infested Orange County, CA, "hoarder home" that

As mortgage interest rates dropped to their lowest levels in over a year last week, home owners and buyers raced to submit their refinance and other loan applications before rates start going up

The unused square footage in your attic can be renovated to increase the livable space in your home. However, if the project isn’t done correctly, you can have a major problem on your hands.

My husband and I recently purchased our first rental property. Over the past few months, we’ve repaired and renovated the 1930s-era home, and are starting to look for tenants.And it turns out our

What is a reverse mortgage? Most home buyers applying for a loan know what a mortgage is, but a reverse mortgage may seem far less familiar. Maybe you've heard this mortgage term bandied about, and

Many thrifty homeowners would rather save a few bucks by taking on upgrades themselves (after a few hours binge-watching HGTV and YouTube tutorials, of course) than by calling in the professionals

A good basement renovation can provide extra living space and increase the value of your home, so for most homeowners, fixing it up is a no-brainer if they have the cash. But a botched remodel can

Have you ever wondered, "How much home insurance do I need?" Well, you might, especially when you're faced with a lengthy list of policy options from your insurance agent. Do you really need all

Welcome to your home tax deduction checklist! For homeowners, this kind of guidance is essential in the wake of all the (confusing) changes ushered in by the new tax plan, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

For the past few years, home sellers have been in the driver's seat. With hordes of buyers fighting over a very limited supply of properties, many homes sold in days—and landed their sellers a

Knowing how to clean a refrigerator is an essential part of home maintenance. Most people open their fridge multiple times a day, but you'd be surprised by how infrequently fridges actually get

The cost of owning a house includes more than just your monthly mortgage payment. Home improvements and repairs also take up a large amount of your budget, but they're essential to maintaining—and

Home sellers have a lot to worry about: Will anyone want to buy their property for its full asking price? How long will it take to find a buyer? Is it really worth the expense and trouble of staging

Mortgage rates skidded last week to the lowest level in a year.Freddie Mac said the 30-year benchmark mortgage rate fell 10 basis points to 4.31% in the week ending March 14.The 15-year fixed rate

There are a lot of steps to buying a house, and that takes time: It takes 50 days on average to just close on a home.How long does it take to buy a house? A lot depends on how much time you spend

Buy Your First Home in One Year: A Step-by-Step GuideThe ultimate timeline ensures the smoothest of transitions.A real yard. Closets bigger than your average microwave. The freedom to decorate

A bathroom remodel can add value to a home, but it also has the potential to be a huge headache. Why? There are many opportunities for missteps.“Bathrooms are often the hardest spaces to remodel

You may be wondering if there are tax deductions when selling a home. And the answer is: You bet!But there's also a new tax code—aka the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—causing quite a bit of confusion

A mortgage is probably the largest debt you’ll ever have, and paying it off is a significant achievement. But credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion might not be as thrilled.�

Chances are good you know all about  your credit score. Also called a FICO score, this magical number is a major factor in many financial transactions,

What is the difference between a foreclosure and a short sale? Foreclosures and short sales are both options for homeowners who fall behind on mortgage payments, but it's important to understand the

What is a short sale? Let's break it down. Say you're selling your home; however, the offer you get is so low, it won't cover the total amount you owe on your mortgage. But you need to unload it, so

What are the tax benefits of owning a home? Homeowners might be wondering this right around now as they prepare to file their taxes. Especially since the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—the most

Remember when you first moved in to your house? Ah, what a feeling.You felt like your home was made just for you: It fit your budget, your goals, and even your personality. In short, you fell in.

Here's what every first-time home buyer needs to know to dive into house hunting with confidence—and with as few curveballs as possible. Whether it's getting a mortgage, choosing a real estate

Few home sales fall through once they reach pending status, but that doesn't mean all parties don't have plenty of work to complete before closing day. Few moments are as exciting for both a home

Home buyers love to get the most space for their money. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 66% of millennials cite more living space as the No. 1 reason for buying a house. So if you’re

Of all the scary hazards that could exist in your home, electrocution is one that should not be taken lightly. There's always a risk of being shocked by some of those handy products you use in your

Those essential but utilitarian home items, such as electrical cords, radiators, and AC units, aren't exactly the prettiest room features. But you can't really rip them out—especially if you're a

One of the most confusing and misleading metrics in real estate is area — the "size" of a house.Like most aspects of owning or purchasing a house, measuring the square footage of a home is

In this day in age, working from home has become both increasingly popular and feasible. If you are looking to buy a new home with plans to have a home office, keep in mind some of these factors so

Not all home improvements are created equal. These will reward you the most when it comes time to sell.Your home is in the perfect location, came at the perfect price, with the perfect lot. (Yay

Every seller wants their home to stand out from the crowd, and that often means beefing it up with shiny new improvements before putting it on the market. But sometimes owners go overboard, and the

It's that time of year when truly scary stuff is happening outside our doors. Flu season is in full swing, a mystery polio-like illness has affected people in more than two dozen states, and we're

The blustery winter months are already here for some regions of the country, and for others the coldest part of the year is coming fast.Whether you expect to cross-country ski to work in the first

The best way to get potential buyers through the door and interested in your home is with a stellar online listing. Photos of the house and a description of the property are standard fare, but not

You've finally found your dream home, and it's actually in your budget. You can swing it—with cash to spare—but with competition fierce, why not go all in and offer way above asking? The seller

Why go out and blow a ton of money when you can stay in—and invite people over to your beautifully landscaped backyard? And why would you want to sign up for a crowded yoga class when you can get

Does your home's paint look dated and faded? Don't despair—there's another way to give your house a makeover without the drudgery of taping and rolling: Make your friends do it!A paint party is an

Mold is unsightly in appearance, unpleasant to smell, and sometimes unhealthy to humans.“While some types of home mold just look and smell bad, other types, such as black mold, can be very,�

Whether you’re self-employed or applying for an FHA or USDA loan, here’s the pre-approval paperwork you need.If you’re serious about buying a home, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a

There’s no such thing as a convenient time for something to break in your home. But winter is particularly risky because the loss of heat in your home or water damage can quickly escalate, which

Overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering your home? Then it's time to start small by tackling the smallest organizing project in your home: your bathroom.Bathrooms are clutter magnets. It makes

Rates for home loans slid again, even as the ongoing government shutdown poses a fresh threat for a wobbly housing market.The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.45% in the January 10 week,

We’ve all been there—barely surviving the morning rush hour of making lunches, signing permission slips, and searching for matching socks. Then after a busy day at work and school comes the

Consider these options before making a decision that could leave you financially or legally strapped.Dividing your assets in a divorce settlement is tough, and there's no way to split a co-owned

Neighborhoods just aren't the same as they used to be.Gone are the days when everyone on your street knows you and waves when you pass one another by. One recent study by the City Observatory found

With winter roaring in at full speed, it's time to brush up on your furnace maintenance skills. After all, you wouldn't expect your car to run at top efficiency if you never change the oil, right

We won't sugarcoat it: The thought of doing home maintenance right now is pretty blah—especially with the holidays looming and weeks of gloomy winter days on the horizon. Who wants to do housework

'Tis the season for binge cleaning. We've got your step-by-step guide to preparing your house for holiday guests.When it comes to the holidays, it can be overwhelming to prepare your house for all

According to a 2016 study from the Wine Institute, the average American drinks nearly three gallons of wine each year, making the U.S. the largest wine-consuming nation per capita. With stats like

After children grow up and leave the nest, their parents may enjoy their newfound freedom for a while. But as those parents grow older, they and their adult kids may think about living close

There comes a time in many people’s lives—usually when the words “baby” or “school district” become a regular part of the vocabulary—when people flee the glamorous city to the charming

When you buy a product or service for your home, you want peace of mind that you're getting your hard-earned money's worth. If things happen (and they do happen), you want to know the company will

Want to learn how to buy a house for your grown child? Being able to help your grown kids become homeowners can really give them a leg up—particularly in this pricey housing market.“Between

You should never buy a new house before selling your old home ... at least, that’s the conventional wisdom. Because if you buy before you sell, you run the risk of owning two homes at once—and

If you own a home but are ready to move onto a bigger and better abode, one of the most important questions to ponder before you embark on this transition is this: Should you sell before you buy, or

Most potential home buyers wait to talk to

Every seller wants their home to stand out from the crowd, and that often means beefing it up with shiny new improvements before putting it on the market. But sometimes owners go overboard, and the

For those of us who live in cold-weather climates, the winter months are synonymous with hibernation mode. Who wants to go outside when you have to shovel 2 feet of snow just to see the sidewalk?But

How long does it take to improve your credit score? If you're hoping to buy a home, having a good credit score is key, since it helps you qualify for

If you're a homeowner, you've probably heard and read plenty of home improvement advice. It just kind of comes with the territory, right? In fact, the second you sign the mortgage, your fellow

We're entering the home stretch of 2018, when you can actually say, "See you next year!" to someone you'll see in just a few weeks. It's a time to look ahead, to make new plans, to achieve new.

Spring is generally the most popular time of year to sell a house, with hordes of buyers looking to move into a new place before the school year begins. But if you decide to sell your home during

Gone are the days when all you needed to get buyers to come take a look at your home was a "For Sale" sign out front and a bit of curb appeal. Long gone, actually. Ancient history!These days,

Cleaning the house is a must before guests arrive. Yet while we'll bet your countertops sparkle and your floors gleam, there are a few cleaning tasks that probably fell off your to-do list ... and

Old house smell: Those three dreaded words evoke something rather frightening and repellent to most homeowners. You know what we're talking about, right? It's that musty odor that creeps up and

The affluent Chicago suburb of Lake Forest seemingly has it all: sprawling estates, major corporate employers, country clubs, beaches on Lake Michigan, and two symphony orchestras. A few years ago,

Actuarial report reveals insurance fund is in good health, but Montgomery says premiums will standThe Federal Housing Administration released details on the health of its flagship Mutual Mortgage

“Why are you selling your house?” might seem like a perfectly innocent question from home buyers, but watch out—if you're the home seller they're asking, this is one of the diciest questions

When you host a party, there can be a disproportionate amount of stress over the condition of your bathroom. It's the place your guests will likely spend the least amount of time, but also the place

Nothing can put a damper on your holiday hosting schedule quite like a living room you're embarrassed to share with your guests. After all, it's hard to send out party invites when you cringe at the

Gray skies don’t have to mean a drab indoor life.As fall continues and the days become shorter, it’s too tempting to just hibernate until spring. But there is, indeed, joy to be found in the

So, the last box has finally been unpacked, or at least tucked away in the garage. The shelf paper has been laid, and the hardwood floors are gleaming.Now it’s time to throw open the doors, pour a

How long does it take to build credit history? If you ever plan to buy a house, establishing a track record of past payments is essential, because it proves

Insulating your attic might not be the sexiest home renovation project around, but it's probably one of the most practical home improvements you can make. Think about it: Every ounce of insulation

The DIY gurus make it look so easy. Home bloggers and HGTV hosts would have us believe that no kitchen project is out of reach for the average homeowner. But take heed: Even the most ambitious among

Need to know how to sell a home fast, even though the holidays are speedily approaching? If you're thinking of throwing up your hands and giving up hope until the new year, we're here to offer hope:

Need to know how to buy a home fast since you're hoping to be settled in before the holidays? Then the pressure's definitely on at this point! If you have any hope to host your Thanksgiving feast

More Americans became homeowners in the summer months, fresh evidence of a housing market that’s finding some stability after several rocky years.The national homeownership rate was 64.4% in the

Here are your options for starting from scratch, finding a builder and customizing your home.Sometimes, buying an existing home just won’t work. You may be a homebuyer who’s tired of competing

The composition of American households is evolving. In 2018, there are more single female homeowners than ever before in our history.Patricia Ramos, a single 63-year-old medical clerk in St.

Nevermind the heartfelt personal letters. For aspiring home buyers in today's cutthroat housing market, the secret to success is no secret at all: money, and lots of it.Buyers who successfully close

Your negotiating power and freedom to shop for a home may hinge on the information you provide to your mortgage lender.Preapproved vs. Prequalified: Which Is Best When You're House Hunting?Before

Home Buyers Need 7.2 Years to Save Down Payments – 1.5 Years More Than in 1988Buyers these days need 7.2 years to save a 20 percent down payment on the median valued home. That’s up from 5.7

How to keep your online orders from falling into thieves' hands.Few things can match the excitement and ease of receiving a package delivered to your front step.That is, until a stranger snags the

Newsflash: Moving stinks—and it can be even worse when you don't know how to get a moving estimate you can trust. This can lead to massive misunderstandings, when movers quote you one price before

What are some questions to ask a home inspector after he's finished the inspection? Because, let's face it, just staring at that hefty report highlighting every flaw in your future dream home can

Rates for home loans fell in tandem with the bond market, a welcome respite for the housing market after a recent run-up in home financing costs.The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.85% in the

If you're house hunting, you're probably getting snowed with advice from well-meaning friends and family members on which neighborhoods are hot, how so-and-so is selling a place you have to see ...

Finding your dream home is an exciting adventure that, at times, can also feel all-consuming. On a good day, it's fun to swipe through listings and whiz through every open house in your area, but

What is a recast mortgage? While it sounds more like a fishing trip than a financing tool, it's actually where you pay off a lump sum of your principal (that's the money you owe), then have your

It’s easy and fun to plan home improvements, but not all projects have the same impact on your home’s value, so you must plan carefully. Here’s a summary of how to get the most bang for your

Have a short time horizon, do your homework and know your market.INVESTORS LOOKING FOR creative ways to maximize returns in a competitive, hot-selling real estate market may be interested in buying

Curious about how to buy a house in your 20s? If you're dubious it can be done, we get it. Between entry-level salaries, college loans, and the desire to just be young and have fun, 20-somethings

Where do home renovation myths start? Maybe in the aisles of your local hardware store or parking lot of the lumber yard. They get traded back and forth and whispered to people who may actually

How long does it take to refinance a mortgage? Refinancing should take anywhere from 30 to 45 days on average, although that can stretch to 60 days if you hit any snags along the way. In other:

What are some questions to ask a home inspector? If you're buying a house, you know that your home inspector will check it out and make sure it's in decent shape. So if you want to get to know your

A newly built house still needs maintenance to keep things from breaking down over time.Buying a new home from a builder means you won’t have to spend time getting used to any loose floorboards,

WASHINGTON—The number of U.S. existing homes going under contract declined in August for the fourth time in five months, reflecting what appears to be a broader slowdown in the housing market.The

Rates for home loans jumped along with yields in the broader bond market, taking financing costs to a recent high and raising fresh questions about the effect of another headwind on a housing market

You love your home, but spacewise, you’re bursting at the seams. Building an extension seems daunting, but moving out of your fabulous neighborhood is off the table. Hmm ... you do have that two

The science behind calculating the value of your home and what it means for your home's sale price.Getting ready to sell your house, looking to refinance or buying a new homeowners insurance�

You may need to adjust your mindset before walking into a house advertised as move-in ready.If you’re like many homebuyers in today’s market, you’re looking for a house that’s ready for you

Spring is overrated for planting perennials, shrubs and trees. Starting plants in autumn has advantages for both garden and gardenerFall is the best time to garden, and it’s about time we realized

Improve your soil and yard the organic way with a valuable garden booster that grows on treesIn fall my town holds leaf collection days, when homeowners (or their landscape services) blow or rake

Mistakes in the homebuying process are common, whether it's the first home you're buying or the fifth. One of the best ways to avoid taking a misstep when purchasing real estate is to understand the

You’ve found the perfect house, located right near that cool new shopping area and the best schools. It even has the right number of bathrooms! Swoon. It's time to sign the paperwork and move...

Study sheds light on factors influencing older homeownersFewer older homeowners are paying off their mortgages in retirement, and some are worried the trend may have a lasting impact on the

Although cost causes concern, demand is persistentAlthough homebuilders still fear increasing material costs, homebuilder confidence remained unchanged at 67 in September, according to the National

Rates for home loans rose to a six-week high as upbeat economic data and a bulging deficit spurred a yield-lifting bond sell-off and big questions gripped the housing market.The 30-year fixed-rate

Tight inventory is making house flipping more of a gamble, but that's not stopping ambitious investors from giving it a shot.Back in 2012, house flipping seemed like the perfect opportunity for a

What is debt-to-income ratio? This equation, comparing how much money you owe to the money you make, affects whether you can qualify for a mortgage—but let’s unpack this important term into

Price Cuts Becoming More Common, Especially at the High End About 14 percent of all listings across the U.S. had a price cut in June 2018, up from a recent low of 11.7 percent near the end of.

But there are reasons Boomers aren't moving out of their family homes.Baby Boomers are not ready to let go. The approximately 70 million Americans between 54 and 73 years old are not downsizing into

Help ensure your home's growth in value by making improvements that keep it on par with the best houses in the neighborhood.U.S. homeowners with mortgages have seen their home equity increase nearly

Recent sales of nearby homes can be a significant factor when determining the value of your house.Understanding your home’s value is an important part of knowing your net worth, what you’ll

The U.S. Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce announced that construction spending during July 2018 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.32 billion, 0.1% above the revised

To get your home sold, you have to tackle a rather long to-do list. Some of these tasks are well-known, and some are just good ol' common sense—like finding a real estate agent and spreading the

It should come as no surprise that before you sell your home, you've got to make it sparkle—after all, prospective buyers will be peeking in every cabinet, corner, and closet they can get into.But

The housing market has made little progress over the past year or so, and this summer, the wind officially seems to have gone out of its sails. One after another, the economic data reports have

How to price a home in a seller's market may be a question that's top of mind if you're listing your home. Much of the United States right now is a seller's market—which spells potential for major

If you're a first-time mortgage borrower, you might be asking yourself, "What is MIP?" Home buyers considering getting a loan from the Federal Housing Administration will find MIP, or mortgage

What is a mortgage note? Also known as a promissory note or deed of trust note, it's the basic loan contract given to you by your lender—the document you signed on the dotted line to make your

When buying a house is high on your priority list and you spot The One—the house that has everything you've ever dreamed of and more—it can be tempting to put pedal to the metal and close the

Fewer U.S. workers are moving around the country to seek new job opportunities, as changing family ties and more openings near home make people less willing to uproot their lives for work.About 3.5

Getting a mortgage is easy, right? You’ve seen the TV commercials and the billboard ads touting promises like, “Get approved for a mortgage today!” Well, sorry to break the news, but the

Transporting philodendrons and fiddle-leaf figs during a move can be tricky, so knowing how to ship plants is very useful.Few moving companies are willing to throw plants on the truck, especially

Mortgage delinquencies and foreclosure rates in the U.S. dropped to their lowest level for may in the past 12 years, according to the latest Loan Performance Insights report from CoreLogic, a

Interest rates for home loans ticked down as simmering trade tensions kept investors flocking to the safety of bonds, even as evidence mounts that more would-be home buyers may be giving up.The 30

Renovating a fixer-upper is not for the faint of heart. It takes money, hard work, and patience. But if you're able to pull off a successful transformation, you'll reap the benefits.“Fixing up a

The kitchen might be the heart of the home, but it can also unwittingly be the cause of your household stress. No, we're not talking about when you burn Monday night's dinner, or come home to a pile

For two years, Kelly Heskett searched real estate listings for a home big enough for her noisy, rambunctious family. She found an ideal one last month in nearby Norristown, PA: a three-bedroom, 2.5

If you want good neighbors, you’ll first have to become one yourself. Master these seven techniques, and even you (yes, you!) can win the approval of your entire neighborhood.1. Good neighbors

Picture this nightmare: You apply for a mortgage, but your application gets rejected. Suddenly, you’re hit with an overwhelming wave of embarrassment, shock, and horror. It’s like having your

More Americans became homeowners in the spring, and the number of renters decreased, adding to evidence that consumers still aspire to ownership despite ongoing housing market headwinds.The national

Rates for home loans jumped along with the broader bond market, setting up what one economist is calling a key test of the health of the housing market.The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.54%

You’ve heard of buyer’s remorse; but without your market expertise and sales skills to back them up, sellers who choose to sell their home on their own just may experience “seller’s”

If you're wondering how to finance a house flip, you're not alone. Buying, renovating, then quickly reselling houses for profit can be a highly lucrative endeavor, yet finding a loan to fund such a

When Alyssa Sadler and her husband started thinking about buying a home on Long Island, NY, they focused on diverse communities in good school districts. As newlyweds, they planned on having

The phrase "single-family home" is something you'll often see when browsing through real estate listings. A single-family home might seem easy to define: It's a home for a single family, right? Eh,

With skyrocketing home prices and rising mortgage rates, many home buyers are frantically looking for ways to cut down on costs wherever they can. But in one area, it makes sense to ramp up,

The right of rescission is a little-known—but very valuable—part of the home loan process. This federally protected right can come into play when you are refinancing or taking out a home equity

Rates for home loans ticked down as the bond market moved sideways and the housing market made little headway.The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.52% during the July 19 week, down one basis

With the number of rainy, mild months this region has, it’s unsurprising how many book lovers are drawn to Portland. After all, what’s better than curling up on a rainy Sunday morning with a cup

You did it. After years of saving, you mustered up a down payment, your credit was strong enough to secure a mortgage, and you were able to fight off the hordes of other buyers to close on a home of

No one knows how to move like professional movers. That's their job, after all. And that got us wondering: Once the day arrives where they have to pack up their own stuff and get from point A to

So you’re buying a newly constructed home, and it comes with a builder warranty. Awesome! That means that the builder will assume financial responsibility for anything that breaks, right? Well,

True or false: All real estate advice is good advice. (Hint: Well ... it depends.)Everyone has advice about the real estate market, but not all of that unsolicited information is true. So when it

Home shoppers usually want to see a property at its best. This means that sellers truck in staged furniture, slap on fresh paint, and repair potential problems for buyers.“When you walk into a

Do citronella candles work? With summer in full swing and mosquitoes flitting about you, you may have heard that citronella—an herbal oil found in lemongrass—can banish bugs naturally without

For first-time home buyers and seasoned homeowners alike, moving day is a major drag. Sure, it's exciting to start the next chapter of your life in a brand-new place, but the process of moving is

You'd be hard-pressed these days to find any homeowners who haven't considered renting out their home on Airbnb or a similar site—it's certainly tempting to make extra cash on a room that's just

Where does dust come from? You may be wondering that after wiping a fine layer off the coffee table you swear you just cleaned the day before. It doesn't matter if you live in the city or the burbs,

“Renovating my house was a piece of cake," said no one ever. Indeed, even seemingly simple projects, like installing a screen door, staining hardwood floors, or refacing kitchen cabinets, can

Do you need one? Do they pocket the whole commission? Let’s set the facts straight.Buyers and sellers often enter the market with misconceptions about real estate agents — how we work, how the

Have you ever wondered how to find a handyman? The trick is finding someone trustworthy with a proven track record of success. There are plenty of websites and apps that make it a snap to recruit

With the 4th of July next week and summer in full swing, it’s time we talk about one of summer’s most controversial topics: Where to get the best ice cream. Portland is anything but shy when it

"Is there a lien on my property?" If this is something you're wondering about, then you'll definitely want to find out, pronto. You might think you already know about any liens on a property you

Happy "housiversary"! Um, say what? Yep, #Housiversary is a thing on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and beyond.The reason: Much like a marriage, the day you close the deal and officially "own" your

Painting is one of the cheapest and easiest home makeovers out there—no knocking down walls, no pricy appliances. Just you and a brush stand between you and a whole new look!And yet: While

Want to create wealth through homeownership? Build equity.Home equity is the percentage of your home’s value that you own, and it’s key to building wealth through homeownership. Let’s take a

You’ve found the perfect new home and finally unpacked and settled in. But now it’s summer, which means you have trips planned that will take you out of town for a few days. If you are still new

As baby boomers age, many are planning to downsize into smaller homes. But preparing to live in a smaller space brings up a challenge: how to get rid of all the stuff you’ve accumulated through

Moving for work? Make sure you know exactly how much help you can expect from your employer.If your company has asked you to move to a new city or state for work, you’re not alone. Each year,

Pondering how to paint brick, or even if you can paint brick? Well, for the most part it's entirely doable—and can give your old fireplace or brick house an easy face-lift. But you'll want to plan

The hottest remodeling jobs of the year aren't all about installing new kitchen cabinets or countertops, putting an eye-catching backsplash above the stove, or adding a sleek yet functional kitchen

I know, one more thing to add to your to-do list when you’re moving into a new house. That’s the last thing you need. Unfortunately disaster tends to strike at inconvenient times, so why not

A lot can happen between an initial offer and closing day. Meet the counteroffer ...Buying a home is rarely as simple as making an offer and paying that offer out. Negotiations can go back and forth

Get those rainy day funds in order — you're going to need them.You’re excited because you just found the perfect home. The neighborhood is great, the house is charming and the price is right.But

When all is said and done, buying a home is exciting—and a milestone to be celebrated. But if you expect each step of the process to be a thrill ride, we're here to tell you you're sorely.

 Now that you have your neighborhood priority list sorted, it’s time to start exploring! Here are some tips as you do your research on neighborhoods.  Get online Google won’t hold

Continues fight against predatory lendingGinnie Mae recently announced new requirements for its Department of Veterans Affairsre finance loans in order to protect service members from predatory

Green building techniques can save homeowners money and make the environment a cleaner place. But agents must learn how to translate confusing industry terms into listing descriptions that sell

If you’re moving to an entirely new area, trying to figure out which neighborhood to search for a home in can feel a bit overwhelming. Not to worry, we’re here to help you find the perfect one.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed legislation rolling back some of the lending restrictions enacted in response to the housing boom and bust. While the new law doesn’t entirely do away

Which real estate documents should you keep after buying a home? After all, you don't want to have to file all of it if you don't have to; but you also don't want to chuck something crucial.Your

What is a "due on sale" clause in a mortgage contract? This common phrase, found in most conventional home loan paperwork, means that when a property is sold, the entire balance of the loan comes.

Many house hunters are under the mistaken impression that new construction is flawless, a perception that may be challenging to wrestle with if your seller’s home is surrounded by brand-new

If you have to move with a little one, the mere thought of it might seem preposterously overwhelming. Well we’re here to tell you- you will survive! But here’s a few tips to make sure you keep

Homes are expensive, and getting even more so every day. (Also, water is wet and the sky is blue!) Making an offer over asking price—sometimes by absurd amounts—has become a harrowing norm for

Rule No. 1 of the best week off at home: Plan ahead.You don’t need to stay in a hotel and play tourist to have a proper staycation. Look no further than your own home for a staycay dreams are made

A beautiful, well-manicured lawn is a source of great pride for many homeowners. Maintaining a healthy lawn takes work and hours of TLC, including regular watering, cutting, and laying down

When it comes to do-it-yourself renovation jobs, hardwood installation can seem deceptively easy. All you need are a nail gun, kneepads, a steady hand, and a whole lot of wood.Right?But laying

Take care of your home's hot-weather needs now, and you'll have more time for fun in the sun.Summer will be here before you know it, and you know what that means: Heat, hornets and yard work.If’

Want more house for your money? Flexibility is in this season.The sun is high and hot—and so is the competition for buying a home.Thinking about buying a home this summer? The sunniest time of

If you need a break from the Portland brunch craze but aren’t sure what to do for Mother's’ Day this year, don’t you worry. Here are a few ideas that will hopefully allow you to avoid the

Old house versus new house: If you're shopping for a place to live, this may be one of your primary decisions. Is it better to buy brand-new? Or do homes, like wine, get better with time? It turns

When standup comedian Nathan Brannon moved into his newly purchased home in rural Washington state, it seemed the joke was on him: The previous owner had left the pegboard on the garage wall, but

baloon111/iStockOnce home buyers and sellers have negotiated their way to an offer and have a closing date on the books, you'd think they're totally in the clear, right? Well ... not necessarily

In the ideal home-buying scenario, attending open houses and pinpointing the perfect place is a breeze. But in a seller's market, finding a home is no small feat, which is why it's important to make

If you’ve reached the homeowners stage, you most likely have a general idea of your finances. Making the transition from budgeting as a renter and budgeting to save for a home to being a full

asiseeit/iStockHow much below asking price should you offer on a house? Or is it something you shouldn't try at all? The not-so-simple answer: It all depends on the market you're in and other

You love your pets. They are part of the family, after all. However, when moving to a new home it can be easy to forget that uprooting pets from their usual space can be a disorienting and upsetting

iStockIs a mortgage transfer possible—where you hand off a home loan from one person to another? The answer is usually no. When you sell your home, the buyers have to get their own mortgage and

Hero Images/Getty ImagesWant to know the secret of how to meet your neighbors after you've moved into a new home? It's this: Stop waiting for people to swing by with an apple pie. These days you

Moving is typically a time of stress and insanity, so who has time to cook? I mean, your pans are packed, your cookbooks are who knows where, and none of your kitchen staples have been restocked.

iStockAh, the all-cash offer. If you're a home buyer with this ace up your sleeve, you probably have a swagger in your step as you tour homes, looking for the perfect property. Home sellers swoon

iStockSelling your home? Then you've likely had that rude awakening where a real estate agent tours your home and breaks some tough news: Your house needs work before it goes on the market.For

iStockChances are good you've probably imagined—at some time or another—what it would be like to give up your daily grind, uproot, and move to the country. Buying a home in the country would

Design Pics/Getty ImagesHow long does a furnace last and what exactly does it do for your home? The furnace is one of the most important appliances in your home, as it keeps you and your loved ones

As we settle into the spring season, gardening is on the mind. If you are new to the rainy and mild Portland climate, or maybe you just have a yard for the first time, here are some beginner’s

iStockEverybody loves a bargain. But getting one handed to you, gift-wrapped, in this housing market? Fat chance.Limited inventory has boosted prices, and in many cities, sellers have the big end of

iStockWhat is a closing disclosure form? Put simply, it's a form outlining the terms and costs of your mortgage—and one of the most important pieces of paperwork to check before you close on a.

iStockBuying a home is stressful. Buying a home out of state? That's downright scary.We probably don't have to tell you why: You won't typically have the luxury of being able to spend hours touring

Welcome to Portland. Grab a mimosa and get ready to brunch. It’s what we do here- holidays included. Check out this list of brunch spots to help you do Easter the Portland way. Portland

iStockIn my yearlong house hunt, I've toured countless homes, and that first visit is a lot like a first date. It can be going great, right up until you spot your personal deal killer—like a pack

Photo by Garage Guru Enlightened Storage/HouzzNeed some home staging ideas for you garage? Yup, this grease-covered dumping ground that serves as a "home" for your car (at least

iStockWhat is a seller’s market? Simply put, it's a market where there are more home buyers than sellers. Based on basic laws of supply and demand, this means sellers have the upper hand: They

iStockDriven by frustrated buyers who rolled over from last year and record-breaking lows in housing inventory, the 2018 spring buying season is expected to be one of the most competitive in years�

If your 2018 resolution was to start the buying/selling process this year, consider this your friendly starting point for reaching your goal and take spring cleaning to a whole new level. Whether

With spring selling season arriving, take the time now to polish your home to perfection.1. Let the sun in. Make any room look brighter with clean blinds and windows. Mix a solution of one part

Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesSpring is here — and with it comes the most popular time of year to shop for a home. But if prospective home buyers don’t prepare properly, they could be in for an

Largest generation isn’t fueling home buying marketMillennials are the largest living generation, however, according to Freddie Mac’s March Insight report, they are falling short of dominating

iStockWelcome to the ultimate moving checklist—a list of all the things you should do before moving into your new home.Let's face it: With all the excitement of new digs, it's easy to forget some

You have one chance at a great first impression — knock their socks off with listing photos that shine.Your bags are packed, you’re ready to move and the last thing you want to do is follow your

iStockHave a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC), or thinking of getting one? Homeowners often tap their home equity for some quick cash, using their property as collateral, but

Peopleimages/iStockIf you’re like us, just the thought of moving is enough to make you cringe. Heck, between sorting through all your stuff, purging items, researching moving companies, and

A growing number of reports are pointing out the concerns surrounding diminishing affordability, however a new report from Trulia says housing is actually more affordable now than it was 40 years.

Want to do something special for St. Patrick’s Day but new to the area and not sure where to start? Here are our top suggestions based on what you might be looking for.Culture: In the mood for

Renovating your house is an adventure, one that can easily go off the rails. There are a mind-boggling number of wrong turns homeowners can take, from going over budget, to hiring a shady,

gerenme/iStockHome buyers have heard it all before: There aren't enough homes on the market, prices are rising rapidly, and builders aren't putting up enough new abodes. Sorry, buyers. It's not

Dean Mitchell/iStockWorking at home has multiple perks—not the least of which is that short commute to your home office in your PJs. (Yes, it’s a cliché, and yes, it happens.) But while you

The numbers: Pending-home sales fell 4.7% to 104.6 in January, the National Association of Realtors said Wednesday. That’s the lowest reading since October 2014, and the biggest monthly decline

Maya23K/iStockIf you sold your home at a good price, you’d be thrilled, right? But what if, a year or two later, you check in on your old home by idly punching your former address into realtor.

These landscape solutions prevent puddling and flooding-and manage to look good, tooRiver of RocksPhoto By Karen BussoliniYou can turn landscaping for water drainage solutions into features that

This week you may have noticed the white stuff falling from the sky. While not overly common in the Portland area, snow does happen once or twice a year. When schools get canceled and you can’t

Buyers who aren't paying cash for a house aren't necessarily out of luck. Here's how you can gain an edge over cash buyers.Buyers making a cash offer on a house are active in many markets, and they

It’s mid February and we’re starting to get a little stir crazy. We are dreaming of the warm sunshine and outdoor adventures waiting for us a few months away. To assist in dreaming up those

Owning a home is more than just a commitment—it's a full-blooded relationship. And, much like the relationship you have with your spouse, kids, or others you choose to surround yourself with, this

Real estate investor Maureen Wiener usually goes it alone when buying, renovating, and reselling homes in northern New Jersey.“It’s about control,"  says Wiener, of Franklin Lakes, NJ, who

Everyone has a different idea of what makes a perfect Valentine's Day. Luckily the Portland metro area has something for everyone.For the couple that wants a dose of romance:For an evening of,

Kenishirotie/iStockHome sellers had it good at the end of last year, racking up profits they hadn't seen in more than a decade, a new report finds.In the last quarter of 2017, sellers pocketed an

If you’re new to the PDX region, it might be nice to have a frame of reference for certain locations in the great PNW. That way you can keep up with your co-workers stories about their weekend

Alice S. Hall/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty ImagesBlanche Devereaux was ahead of her time.A growing number of adults are living with other adults with whom they are not romantically involved,

IMAGE: LEO ZAROSINKSIMother-in-law studio. Man shack. Rentable pied-à-terre. Granny flat. Whatever one calls the accessory dwelling unit, the twee bungalettes are blooming across town—wedged

Ugly paint colors? Treadmill in the kitchen? Creepy family portraits in every room? Don't let it bug you.In 15 years of real estate, I can honestly say that I’ve seen it all. Toilet seats up in

Renovate your concept of flipping a home by teaming up with a real estate agent.Flipping houses isn’t just about visualizing how to change a home; it’s also about being able to actually sell the

Sharing your plans with neighbors in person is an effective way to address any concerns head on.Phase one of any major construction project? Get the neighbors on your side. Here’s how.If you’re

After living in the same home for a while, it's amazing what you can get used to. A creaky floorboard, for instance. A chipped tile that you've been meaning to replace but haven't gotten around to.

If you want to know how to sell a house in 2018, face the facts: It's a new year, and that brings a new breed of home buyers to your front door. Knowing who these buyers are—as well as what they

Nearly 30% of Americans don’t know their neighbor’s first name, according to a 2017 survey by home security company Safe Home. That’s a shame! Especially since being friendly with those on

Home maintenance and ownership go hand in hand, so you're no doubt aware that there's plenty you should be doing (hello, gutter cleaning!). Sorry to lengthen your to-do list, but we thought you

It is no longer just millennials propelling interest in walkable communities. According to a new report from the National Association of Realtors®, members of the silent or greatest generation,

Figuring out when to plunge into the real estate market can be quite intimidating—especially when prices are high, choices are limited, and history urges restraint."We’ve seen two or three years

What is "house poor"? This phrase describes home buyers who've purchased property they can't easily afford—and are now paying the price, as it were.“If you can’t spend your income the way you

Ah, January. The time of new beginnings, new resolutions, and, in most of the country, a seemingly endless stretch of cold and gloom. We get it: You just want to hibernate, catch up on;

The procuring cause helps real estate agents and buyers figure out who will receive the commission on a house sale. It typically comes into play when a buyer purchases a house he saw with two

Moving is hard, moving cross-country even harder. Moving cross-country during the dead of winter? That, friends, is a feat I hope you never have to endure. Because I did, and I barely survived.OK,

After all these years of paying down your mortgage, spending thousands on maintenance, and pouring buckets of blood, sweat, and cash into your home, you’re finally ready to move on and sell.

The winter season brings more foot traffic, which can be risky on a home—holiday parties, family gatherings and even open houses in the winter can bring tears and marks on the floors. How do you

First time homebuyer demand surged to its highest level in 17 years during the third quarter of 2017, according to the First-Time Homebuyer Market Report from Genworth Mortgage Insurance, an

If you are new to Portland this holiday season, you may not know all that we have to offer in the way of events and holiday cheer. Here are a few of our traditions you should definitely know about

If you sell your house and make a profit, you must pay capital gains tax—so does the same rule apply when you inherit a house from a deceased relative? The truth is that inheriting property can be

Portland Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (PMAR) This Advisory summarizes the recently implemented rules for Portland’s Home Energy Score program (hereinafter, “the Program”). This

If you're wondering how to sell a house to a family member, first, a bit of congratulations are in order. You've found a buyer! The most strenuous part of the home-selling process is already over.

How long does it take to build a house? It's a question often posed by people looking to buy an idyllic piece of land so they can construct their dream home from the ground up. If this describes

Holiday decorating can be as simple as dusting off your flower vases, unrolling a spool of burlap and polishing your silver.Hold your holiday decor horses! Before you purchase gobs of tinsel and

So you live in the Portland metro area and the season of holiday shopping is upon us. If you don’t feel like braving the crowded big name stores and chaos of shopping center parking lots, here are

So you've finished the last of those turkey leftovers and just about thrown in the towel on your workout regimen until some undefined time after the first of the year. (We get it— the holiday

We’re almost there: the long-awaited home stretch of 2017. And quite a year it's been! Already, we can’t help imagining what developments next year might bring to the wild world of U.S. real

Once you’ve decided it’s time to buy your own home, saving for that 20% down payment is step one toward doing it. Instead of waiting years, here are six ways to help you save up for that down

The holidays are officially here—and while  merrymaking and gift shopping are likely top of mind, you may have to keep some of those celebratory urges in check if you're planning to sell your

"What happens if I have a lien on my house?" is a question you might face when it comes time to sell your place. Basically, it means that before this transaction can go through, you'll have to deal

But increase could be temporaryThe construction of new homes increased in October to meet the rising homebuyer demand, according to the latest report from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S.

How do the holidays sneak up on us every year? Whether you are simply too busy to cook, can’t get away to see family, or just need a year off from preparing food, here a few favorite local places

Ever wonder how much some people paid for a house, but were too shy to ask them outright? Then it might be tempting to delve into real estate stalking—the simple and fun practice where you type in

Planning on buying in the off-season? Arm yourself with strategies from the pros.Rainy open houses and icy walkways make shopping for a home in winter less of a thrill than in the busy spring and

If you've tapped the lender well twice and hold two mortgages on one house, you might think selling that house will be a challenge. After all, having two mortgages doesn't mean you owe more on the

Fresh trends spotted at High Point Market Fall 2017: florals, dramatic colors and textures, too!Twice a year, true interior design magic happens when the industry gathers in North Carolina for High

If you’re a first-time home buyer, you might think you’re not ready to purchase a house. Perhaps you’re concerned about your job situation, your previous credit history, or your high monthly