Category Archives: Home Buyers

Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Homeowners

Making Sense of Home Automation in the Real Estate Market

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phone with icons showing home automation

Every year there seems to be a new phone, gadget or product that is a must-have on everyone’s shopping list. But when it comes to shopping for a home, how does the newest home technology influence the buying and selling process? Do homeowners need to add smart home features to sell their homes? Should buyers be on the lookout for automation in their new home? If, like most people, you have questions about home automation and the real estate market, we have a few answers that may help you out.

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Holidays, Home Buyers, Homeowners, Real Estate, Travel

So…You Want to Buy a Cottage!?

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A cottage by the water with a gray dock.
Whether in the mountains or by the water, there are fabulous cottage options available for those looking for a seasonal home!

Seasonal homes are known by many different names, and the names often vary depending upon location. You may hear them called camps, cottages, beach houses, cabins, or chalets. Many are located near the water, but sometimes they are secluded in the woods or in the mountains. No matter what we name them, these properties call to us and remind us of the carefree holidays of our youth. Seasonal homes are the root of fond memories that include days on a beach and in the water, and evenings by a campfire, roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and eating s’mores.

Nonetheless, buying a vacation home is not for the faint of heart. It is important to do your research before deciding to make an investment. Read on for some considerations when searching for the perfect cottage.

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Family Home, Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Real Estate

Buying a Condo vs. Buying a House: Key Differences

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a condo building next to a single family home, representing buying a condo vs. buying a house

Buying your first home is an exciting time. You’ve decided to step out of the comfort of renting or staying somewhere rent-free and step into a place you can truly call your own. But if you’re not interested in a large space, is owning a condo the same thing as owning a house?

Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, but it ultimately comes down to what you value in a home. You must choose which option fits you correctly, or you might find yourself thinking the grass is greener on your neighbor’s lawn.

We’ll walk you through the process and differences of buying a condo vs. buying a house.

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eNews, Home Buyers, Homeowners, Travel

How to Find Your Perfect Vacation Home

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a vacation home on the coast overlooking the ocean

As vaccines continue to roll out and a light appears at the end of the pandemic tunnel, many people are giving themselves permission to imagine their post COVID-19 lives. For some, this means planning wonderful vacations and time away. For others, it’s looking for a new spot to call home, even if only for a few weekends a year. Regardless, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the getaways you have been dreaming about!

There are few better ways to ensure vacations are accessible on your terms than buying a vacation home. Here’s a look at what you need to know to find the perfect property.

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Family Home, Home Buyers, Homeowners

How to Resuscitate Your Bank Account After Buying a Home

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A piggy bank symbolizing the need to boost your bank account after buying a home.

Buying property is a huge investment, and it often comes with additional, unplanned expenses. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself in a less than desirable financial position. Before you realize it, your budget is forgotten, you’ve spent money on all sorts of things you’d never imagined needing, and you’re feeling somewhat out of pocket. For this reason, it’s important to know how to balance homeownership and breathe new life into your bank balance. To help you out, we’ve compiled eight handy tips to boost your bank account.

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Home Buyers, Real Estate

Monitoring the Latest Mortgage Rates

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calculator for determining your monthly payment with the current mortgage rate

Mortgage rates have been at their historic lows since the pandemic started last year and many have taken advantage of this to buy a home. Will the rates keep going down or will they go back up? This is one of the most frequent questions. People want to buy at the moment but in some parts of the country, there is a shortage of homes. As we all know, there are many factors that go into the performance of the real estate market which impacts the supply & demand. 

Whether you’re buying a property now or at a later time, checking the latest mortgage rates can help you to make the best decision for yourself and your family. In addition, you can plan and estimate how rates can impact your budget (when it comes to the monthly payment) with a mortgage calculator. Being prepared and equipped with the correct information can save you time and money when the time comes to buy your home.

Visit Money.com and speak to your local real estate agent and mortgage lender for more information.

Family Home, Home Buyers, Home Sellers

Home Warranty Plans: Reasons You Should Have One

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A red pen ready to sign a home warranty plan.

When buying an old home, it is common to check that all appliances and systems still work as intended. Having one or a few of them broken simply will not do. But what if there is concern that these aging appliances and systems will break down in the near future? You can maintain, repair, and replace, but the costs are not cheap. You should have a home warranty plan.

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Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Real Estate, Real Estate Agents

Signs You Need to Work with an Executive

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two clients who chose to work with an Executive to buy a home.
When it comes to buying a home, play it safe by working with an Executive.

The most critical step when buying property is choosing to work with a professional real estate agent. They know the market, and their insight and knowledge of the legal and technical steps of the transaction are precious. Below we discuss some characteristics and behaviors agents should demonstrate while working with clients. If you encounter any red flags when choosing a real estate agent, it is a sign you need to work with an Executive!

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Family Home, Home Buyers, Homeowners

Common Major Repairs Every Homeowner Should Prepare For

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Multiple tools shaped as a home to symbolize home repairs
As a homeowner, preparing for home repairs is a must.

It is a part of homeownership: unexpected home repairs. Some of them are simple and inexpensive fixes, like repairing a broken drawer handle or replacing a doorknob. However, some of them, such as replacing the roof or removing mold, are laborious tasks that require the services of a professional and can cause financial strain if you are unprepared.

For this reason, it is important to plan for major home repairs. Even though you do not know when to expect such repairs, you can be prepared for when they happen! Read on for some insight into common home fixes that homeowners may encounter.

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Family Home, Home Buyers, Homeowners, Insurance

8 Mistakes to avoid when purchasing a home insurance policy

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a home insurance policy form with a small house symbolizing protection for the home.

Getting a home insurance policy is essential when you are buying your dream home. However, just any homeowner’s insurance policy is not enough; you need to have adequate coverage to financially protect yourself against any unexpected circumstances.

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