It takes a homebuyer less than three minutes to form a first impression of your house. This is about the amount of time it takes them to get out of their car, walk across the driveway, open the door, and begin looking around the main living areas. If you want to increase your chances of leaving a positive first impression and getting a full-price offer, you need to pay careful attention to the image you’re conveying…. [Read More]

When you purchase a home and sign the documents at the closing table, you walk away feeling a great sense of relief. The search is over and you finally “own” a home. But want to know a dirty little secret? You don’t really own the home. Sure, your name is on the title, but you don’t actually have possession of the title. And until you pay off the outstanding amount on the loan, you won’t get the title. Miss a couple of payments and the bank – which technically has possession of the house – will take “your” property and liquidate it via foreclosure…. [Read More]

Buying your first home is an exciting step. It’s one of those quintessential adult experiences that makes you feel accomplished. However, just because you’ve signed a bunch of documents at the closing table doesn’t mean you’ve made it. Homeownership is a long-term responsibility that requires time, money, energy, and a hefty amount of tender loving care.

You’ve purchased a house, but you’ll eventually make it your home. As you attend to your home’s needs, you’ll find yourself renovating, replacing, fixing, and even adding on. As you do so, you want to make sure you don’t waste your money on low-returning projects, services, and expenses that don’t matter much in the long run…. [Read More]

When homebuyers and renters tour a residence, they tend to focus on kitchens and bathrooms more than any other areas. Eventually, structural details, flooring, and other items will catch their eye, but if you have great kitchen and bathroom spaces, you’ll win their hearts.

“The kitchen and bathroom sell a house,” says Ken Perrin, president of Artistic Renovations in Cleveland. “And most people buy the most expensive home they can afford. So, they don’t want to buy a house with a kitchen or bathroom that need to be worked on. That emotional tie is with the house where the kitchen and bathroom are in good condition.”… [Read More]