Pros and Cons of Smart Home Technology By Lisa Fant Many new homebuyers, or long-time homeowners, have opted for tech solutions in their homes for added convenience and security. With busy lives and full to-do lists, many of these smart tools can optimize our time, work for our benefit and have become more comprehensive than ever before. Despite the seemingly simplistic use of modernistic devices…
Don't Nix Neutrals It’s common to picture white or beige when talking neutral colors, but no one says they have to be the de facto choice. Rich almond tones or muted greens can work well in the background of a room without being boring or plain. A subdued brown or moss-colored wall can bring warmth into a space without making it feel claustrophobic. Using neutrals…
Not Ready to Buy? Realtors® Rent It’s easy to pigeonhole Realtors® as strictly for those lucky clients who are in the position to buy or sell, but their expertise doesn’t end there. Renting is a large part of business for many Realtors®, and it’s not just seasonal rentals, either. Homeownership has a lot of benefits, but sometimes it’s not the right time for you to…
Selling a home takes work. Experts say decluttering is one of the most important and useful steps to getting your house buyer-ready. It not only prepares you for moving day, but ensures your living space is ready for walkthroughs. Start at the beginning Organization expert Melissa Michaels suggests in her book “Make Room for What You Love” to start at the first place people enter your…
Before you get the keys and start bringing your boxes into your new rental space, carefully examining a potential lease is an important first step. Yes, a lease is likely multiple pages peppered with legalese, but it is a legally binding document. Know what you’re agreeing to before you sign. Even the most basic lease should include: Lease term. When your lease begins and ends, and…
Homeownership brings with it a greater sense of responsibility, but it also provides stability, equity, tax benefits, and long-term wealth — and you can say goodbye to landlords and rental restrictions. Before you submit an offer on the home of your dreams, make sure you’re prepared. This list will help make the process a little easier and hopefully instill some more confidence. The Mortgage Qualifying for…
Renting is a great way to acquire space for yourself without the obligations of homeownership. Even as a renter though, you’re not completely free from responsibility. 1. Not reading your lease: The end of the lease could include an automatic renewal clause, leaving you stuck paying early termination fees if you want to move out. Didn’t read the security deposit section? You might have just agreed to nonrefundable…