"Move-in ready" homes are desirable -- there's no doubt about it! But sometimes it makes better financial sense to opt for a house with dated decor and a less than trendy kitchen or master bath. You may not get your dream home immediately, but the opportunity to transform a property into your own swan can be rewarding. It can also be easy on the pocketbook. When looking at Ugly Ducklings, however, look first to structural integrity and the condition of major home systems. including plumbing and septic, driveway and drainage. A home inspection is invaluable, even though no inspector can … [Read more...]
Should You Buy A Fixer Upper?
Popular TV shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers have brought the charms of owning a fixer upper to light. A fixer-upper can be a great option if you are prepared for the experience of owning a house that needs work and time. A house that needs work can be a great investment if you are ready to invest the time and money into it. On the other hand, buying a fixer upper might be a problem if you are not aware of what you are getting into. Not sure if owning a fixer upper is worth it? Here are some considerations to think about. Start With This Easy Equation Start with the likely market … [Read more...]
Looking to Renovate?: 4 Renovations That Are Cheaper in the Summertime
It's often necessary to make a few small renovations before putting your home on the market, but it can be surprising to learn that summer can be a less expensive time for many common fix-ups. If you're wondering what you should renovate in the summer months, you may want to consider a few of the following for the sake of economy. Take On The Lawn In many cases, often-difficult weather conditions that the winter months can provide make a lot of things difficult, and tackling the state of your lawn is certainly among these. Since curb appeal is very important when it comes to the overall impact … [Read more...]
Peak Season Is Near: 4 Tasks to Get Your Home Ready for Sale Season
The spring is the most popular time of the year when it comes to real estate, and it's a good time for a few fix ups if you're putting your home on the market. While you may have a lot of different things to do before you're ready for your first showing, here are the four things to keep at the top of the list. Complete The Forgotten-About Fixes If you've lived in your home for a while, it's entirely possible that there's a damaged baseboard or broken door latch that you haven't gotten around to fixing; however, these are the things that a potential buyer will quickly notice. Instead of leaving … [Read more...]
Thinking about Renovations?: 5 Considerations Before Hiring a Home Improvements Contractor
With the pre-summer enthusiasm and the milder weather, springtime can be one of the best times of the year to take on home renovations that aren't as easy in other months. If you happen to have some projects in mind and are considering taking the work on yourself, here are a few questions you'll need to ask. What Can You Take On? If you have specific renovations in mind for the coming months, it's very important to decide what you can reasonably take on and what you could pass on to a contractor. While some projects and fix-ups may be easier to complete on your own, some will require a greater … [Read more...]
