July 25, 2017
Why Owning a Home is Such a Smart Investment
Posted in Buying by Tara Sharp
The first question you need to ask yourself is, “Am I disciplined enough to invest in stocks?” According to two professors who recently studied 30 years of personal-finance performance, you need to be someone with exceptional financial discipline if you want to earn real money in the stock market. Or, you could simply buy a house.
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July 14, 2017
How an Investment in Green Technology Can Pay off for Today’s Homeowner
Posted in Buying, Selling, and Living by Tara Sharp
Studies continue to show that real estate buyers are willing to pay a substantial premium for homes that feature highly efficient, environmentally friendly “green energy” technology. While the added value depends on the location of the home, its age, and whether it’s certified or not, three separate studies all found that newly constructed, Energy Star- or LEED-certified homes typically sell...
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June 27, 2017
Homeowners Insurance: Protecting Your Home
Posted in Buying by Tara Sharp
In addition to providing shelter and comfort, our home is often our single greatest asset. And it’s important that we protect that precious investment. Most homeowners realize the importance of homeowners insurance in safeguarding the value of a home. However, what they may not know is that about two-thirds of all homeowners are under-insured.
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April 25, 2017
How Neighborhood Affects Home Value
Posted in Buying and Selling by Tara Sharp
A real estate agent’s appraisal will not only consider the selling prices of surrounding properties, as the online services do, but also take into consideration a host of other criteria. For instance, when it comes to assessing the surrounding neighborhood, the following factors can often significantly affect the market price of a home:
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April 17, 2017
How to Avoid the Most Common Buying and Selling Mistakes
Posted in Buying and Selling by Tara Sharp
There’s nothing more exciting, rewarding, and fulfilling than buying a home. However, it’s a complex transaction, and there are a number of steps along the path that can confuse, betwixt, and befuddle even the most seasoned buyers and sellers. How can you avoid those potential pitfalls and common mistakes? Look to your real estate professional for advice and keep these guidelines in mind:
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April 05, 2017
A Quick Guide to Understanding Real Estate Designations
Posted in Buying and Selling by Tara Sharp
What do those letters and acronyms mean at the end of your real estate agent’s name? We’re here to answer that question and explain why it might matter to you. Like other professionals, real estate agents have the ability to specialize in certain areas of the business by earning designations. Those acronyms signify that they have achieved a specific designation through extensive training...
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March 24, 2017
Home Inspection: a Reality Check from a Pro
Posted in Buying and Selling by Tara Sharp
A home is a major investment and, for many people, the greatest financial asset they have. With so much at stake, it makes sense to do what you can to protect your financial interest. Getting an inspection is a smart, simple way to do just that. When you make a written offer on a home, insist that the offer provide that your contract is contingent on a home inspection...
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February 28, 2017
Real Estate Buyer Tip: How to Find a Deal
Posted in Buying and Video Tips by Tara Sharp
If you are ready to buy a home in a seller’s market, don’t despair. Windermere Real Estate agent, Michael Doyle, shares how you can find a good deal on a great home, even in the hottest housing market.
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February 21, 2017
New Features vs. Character
Posted in Buying by Tara Sharp
We are often asked, “Which is the better buy, a newer or older home?” Our answer: It all depends on your needs and personal preferences. We decided to put together a list of the six biggest differences between newer and older homes:
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October 24, 2016
Make Your Move
Posted in Buying, Selling, and Living by Tara Sharp
Moving is stressful, whether it is across town or cross-country. Once you have closed on your house, the reality of packing, moving, and setting up a new home can become overwhelming. While no list can make a move “stress-free”, planning ahead and staying organized can help make your move a little smoother. Here is our list of tips:
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