Buying a house is a minefield full of “I didn’t know thats.” From choosing the right home to qualifying for the best mortgage, you want to minimize the things you don’t know. Lower your “didn’t-know” ratio. With a shifting lending landscape, rising interest rates and down payment priorities based on your local market, here’s what you’ll…
Homebuying will remain competitive from July through September, with the edge going to buyers who act fast. And as mortgage rates rise, some homeowners will feel compelled to tap their equity rather than refinance or sell. Here are three housing and mortgage trends to watch for as summer 2018 slides into fall: Home sales will…
Despite its hanging in there through life’s ups and downs, it’s time to replace your garage door. A new garage door can improve the look of your entire home, but what should you expect to pay? Garage door installation — not including an opener — costs about $2,300, on average, according to the National Association of…
Granite countertops, durable, high-fashion and low-maintenance, are stars in kitchen and bathroom remodels nationwide. And you don’t need to buy the most expensive granite to get stunning results in your home. Here’s what to know about granite counters, how much they will set you back, and tips for cutting costs. Granite countertop costs Granite countertops…
A fresh coat of paint makes everything it touches seem brand new. But such new beginnings cost real money. Professional painters charge around $4,000 for labor and materials to paint the exterior of a 2,500-square-foot, two-story home and roughly $5,500 for the interior. Painters’ rates may range from $20 to $60 an hour, but around…
If a dripping faucet wakes you up at night, the thought of paying a plumber may be what keeps you from falling back asleep. Most homeowners have experienced anxiety related to their home, according to a new report, with home repairs and maintenance topping the list of stressors. NerdWallet’s 2018 Pulse on Homeownership reports that nearly two-thirds…
Home shoppers outnumber home sellers in many places. If you’re a home buyer, you need every competitive advantage you can get. That’s why it pays to know how to find motivated sellers and persuade them to choose you. The definition of “motivated seller” has changed since the depths of the economic crisis about a decade…
When responsible first-time home buyers need help buying a home, the family bank can sometimes lend a hand. Younger home buyers face a mountain of obstacles, including rising home prices and interest rates, too few homes for sale and unpaid college debt. Student debt is a major source of trouble. When the National Association of…
A house with a fabulous view can be hard for a home buyer to resist. But seeing the mountains, water or city lights from the comfort of home comes at a price. The hazy part is figuring out what that added cost is — and whether it’s worth it. That’s where real estate appraisers and…
