Monthly Archives: December 2011

Tips for Buying a Rental Property

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Realty Executives

There are plenty of reasons to purchase rental properties. They can provide steady, passive income when the housing market is slow, allowing you to sell only when conditions are right. They can allow first-time buyers to enter the market when … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers, Finance | Tagged contractors, hiring, home maintenance, investment properties, investment property, property management companies, rental property, rentals, renting your home | Comments Off

Priced Out of a Home? Consider an Investment Property.

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Realty Executives

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 72.9 percent of homes sold in the United States during the third quarter were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,200. That’s close to a national record, and if … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers, Finance | Tagged home affordability, home values, investment properties, median income, rental property, rentals | Comments Off

Should You Buy or Rent Your Old Home?

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Realty Executives

You’ve found the perfect new home, and you’re ready to make the move, but do you sell your current home or try to rent it out? Selling now could give you some handy cash up-front, but renting could provide a … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Finance, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged moving, property management companies, rent or sell, rentals, renting your home | Comments Off

Home Financing for the Self-Employed

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Realty Executives

Downsizing, outsourcing, and improvements in telecommuting technology have made self-employment more popular than ever. For some, leaving the 9-to-5 routine is a matter of temporary survival. For others, it’s a choice that provides a lifetime of flexibility and rewards. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers, Finance | Tagged 1099, credit ratng, home finance, homebuying, self-employed | Comments Off

Avoid Estate Taxes by Gifting your Home

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Realty Executives

We’re deep into the season of giving, and tax time is approaching. If you’re still looking for last-minute gifts, you might want to consider your home. Depending on the value of your home, insurance policy, and other assets, estate taxes … Continue reading →

Posted in Finance, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged estate tax, gifting a home, selling a home, tax shelters | Comments Off

Choosing a Contractor

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Realty Executives

Whether you’re planning to sell your house or pass it on to your grandchildren someday, there’s always a reason to improve your home. From refinishing a bathroom to building an additional wing, there are as many kinds of home improvement … Continue reading →

Posted in Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged Better Business Bureau, choosing a contractor, contractor, general contractor, home improvement | Comments Off

10 Moving Tips

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Realty Executives

Buying your new home was exciting. Getting there is going to be a pain. At its best, moving is stressful and chaotic. Here are 10 tips to make sure things go as smoothly as they can, so you can enjoy … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged choosing a mover, moving, moving pets, packing, pets, shipping, shipping cars | Comments Off

The Importance of Good Credit

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Realty Executives

Many homebuyers think of credit as just a barrier to a loan. While that’s certainly a big part of the story, poor credit has a dramatic effect on the amount of house you can afford. Even if you’re approved for … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers, Finance | Tagged 30-year mortgage, bad credit, fico score, finding a mortgage, home finance, loan officer, mortgage | Comments Off

Sell or Renovate?

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Realty Executives

You’re squeezed for room but squeezed for cash. You might have a baby on the way, a new home-based business that needs an office, or maybe you’ve always dreamed of having pool parties in the summer. Life happens, and sometimes … Continue reading →

Posted in Finance, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged build versus buy, closing costs, home improvement, home improvement loans, mortgage, renovation | Comments Off

6 Advantages to Buying New Construction

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Realty Executives

We’ve already discussed the potential pitfalls of buying newly-built homes. What about the up-side? There are plenty of reasons to buy a brand-new home, and newly-built homes are among the best deals you can find on the market. Here are … Continue reading →