Deciding Between Turnkey and Fixer-Upper Homes Can Be Difficult

As a homebuyer, many factors are involved when deciding between turnkey and fixer-upper purchases. It is never a good idea to buy a home without truly understanding how each type affects the owner. What are the best ways to tell if you should buy a home with makeover potential? When do you know that a completely finished house is your best choice? Here are a few considerations that could help you make the best decision.

A Fix Doesn’t Have to Be Done Right Now

Most people who buy fixer-upper homes do it for the turnaround investment potential. If they can make enough improvements in a short amount of time, they can resell the home for a premium because of increased equity in a vibrant…

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Is Buying a Historic Home Charming or a Headache?

You may have instantly fallen in love with a historic home. These homes are either listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or they are recognized by a local historical commission as being significant for some reason. You may even qualify for tax abatements when you buy some of these homes, depending on their location. While many of these homes are incredibly charming and there is something instantly alluring about owning a one-of-a-kind home, there are some things you need to think through before putting your money on the line. 

Asbestos

Some historical homes may contain asbestos. You will have to pay to have it removed professionally. It may be tucked inside walls where it was used as…

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Tips for Choosing a Qualified Home Inspector

Whether you're buying or selling a home, it's important to protect your investment. A home inspection provides you with pertinent information about the foundation, exterior and interior walls, roof, masonry, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems. All of these systems are critical to your health and safety, and problems can be costly to fix. Hiring the best home inspector helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when buying a home. Here are five tips on how to choose a qualified home inspector. 

1. Consider a Civil Engineer

Some people call themselves inspectors, but they might not have any education or credentials to back their claims. Consider choosing a certified and licensed civil engineer who…

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How to Make Sense of Your Home Inspection Report

When you're considering the purchase of a home, your contract should include a stipulation on getting the home inspected. It should also include a way out if the inspection results in you learning information that would impact your use or enjoyment of the home or property. Here are some tips on how to interpret your home inspection report and how to know whether or not a home is worth fixing.

Understand the Scope of the Issue

If you didn't accompany the inspector during the inspection, you'll need to have a conversation about the scope of the issue. An area of localized mold by a leaky laundry tub could be a simple, moderate cost and fast problem for a plumber to fix. On the other hand, mold behind…

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How to Determine If a House Has Building Code Violations

As a homeowner or a prospective homeowner, you're probably aware of building code violations. Unless a house is brand-new, chances are it has some building code violations, including the one you currently live in. Here is what you can do to determine if a house is up to code.

Get a Copy of State and Local Building Codes

Obtain copies of local and state requirements because, in some instances, the codes may differ. Check your municipality's building inspection office or the zoning and building department. Local builders and remodelers are also good sources as reputable ones have to be up to date on the latest codes to make sure that their work passes muster.

At the same time, make sure…

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What to Consider Before Renting Out a Home

Using your home as a rental property may help you achieve greater financial security or flexibility. However, there are many items that you need to keep in mind before deciding to allow someone else to live in your home as a tenant. 

You'll Have to Follow Fair Housing Rules

It is illegal to refuse to rent to someone because of that person's gender, national origin or sexual orientation. It is also illegal to refuse to rent to someone who is pregnant, has a child or who has a disability. In some cases, you may be required to modify your home to make it easier for a disabled person to use. 

Tenants Have Legal Rights After Signing a Lease

While you can enter your home after renting it to a tenant, you…

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What You Can Learn From the Neighborhood Civic Association

When you are thinking about buying a house, it is a good idea to get to know the neighborhood and your prospective neighbors. The community in which the house is located is as important or even more so than the actual house itself. One of the best ways to learn about the neighborhood is through the neighborhood civic association. Here are some of the things that you can learn by attending meetings or joining the group.

Planned Changes to the Neighborhood

The neighborhood association is often the first place to find out about planned changes to the community. For example, the association meetings might include statements from the public works or transportation department of the community.…

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What You Should Know About Buying a Condo

Purchasing a house is one of life’s most difficult and expensive tasks. From looking for the perfect area to reside in to including utilities into the budget, buying a home isn’t easy. As such, some people may be turned off from all the responsibilities and extra expenses.

If that’s the case, you can always consider the possibility of buying a condo instead. Here’s what you should know about buying a condo. 

What Are Condos?

Condos, also referred to as condominiums, are one or multiple buildings that allow people to purchase a living space within it. Condos are commonly seen in highly populated areas such as Los Angeles and New York, but there are some residential neighborhoods that offer townhouses. 

…

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Why Using Drone Photography Is a Growing Trend for Realtors

Back in the day, people had to answer ads in the newspaper or in their penny saver to find somewhere to live. 

Well, those days are long gone, and the world of real estate has evolved significantly. As a result, home buyers have a much easier time looking for the perfect place.

Despite the progress that the real estate market has made, it's still growing as we speak. Recently, realtors have been using drones to showcase homes to clients. 

Here’s why using drone photography is a growing trend for realtors. 

They Give Buyers a Bird’s Eye View

Whenever someone talks about using a drone, they think that only the government can use them. However, this is not the case. Realtors are…

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In a seller's market, a buyer has to be ready to take action at a moment's notice. Some houses get offers within minutes of the listing going live. Your realtor has to be accessible and working with your best interests in mind in order for the transaction to go as smoothly as possible. If your realtor will not respond to your calls, it might be time to fire them and work with someone else. Here are some tips on what to do when you have a non-responsive realtor.

 

Consider the Issue From Their Perspective

 

Before you take a hasty action, think about the issue from the realtor's perspective. They might be closing a deal with another client at the moment of your call. If you are calling them after 10:00 p.m. on a weeknight or at 6:00 a.m. on a…

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