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home buying: The Age Factor in Homebuying - 12/19/11 01:00 PM
 
While the age of a home denotes how long the structural members have been in place, the actual number of years means little or nothing.  As with humans, age is relative; and sometimes a fifty-year old home is in better condition than one that is only a couple of years old.  Rather than age, the important aspects are determining whether or not the home meets your needs, confirming its condition and having it in a convenient and desirable location. 
 
There is one area where age may help to point out potential problems and that is in being aware … (53 comments)

home buying: The Changes in Housing Aren’t Just Revolutionary, They’re Evolutionary - 08/24/11 03:43 PM
There’s nothing typical about the current housing market, but the changes in housing aren’t just revolutionary, they’re evolutionary too.  And it’s not limited to housing; the broader economy is being transformed almost daily.  The stock market is volatile.  Home prices are falling.  Foreclosures continue.  Financial markets are struggling.  How will the real estate and construction industries survive?
 
The answer is simple, and has been evolving for several years.  In many ways the era of business as usual has ended.  Techniques and methods that worked five years ago may not cut it today.  We’re experiencing what might be called a … (29 comments)

home buying: Let’s Buy a House Has Become: “Let’s Make a Deal” - 07/29/11 10:54 AM
Homes, like everything else in life, are an ever-changing commodity. Little more than a century ago most had no central heat, no electricity, no plumbing—none of the things we consider necessities today.  And only a few decades ago homes were dramatically smaller with an emphasis on function rather than form. 
 
In the last few years, however, homes exploded in both size and features.  Everyone wanted their own separate bath, media centers and the latest technology.  Kitchens became enclaves for both cooking and entertainment with appliances that rivaled those in the finest restaurants.  Easy credit helped to fund our desires … (8 comments)

home buying: Considering a Condominium? - 05/08/11 09:26 AM
Considering a Condominium?  Thom Abbott, an Atlanta real estate broker and owner of Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties, provides an excellent comparison of the pros and cons of condominium living in "Condo Considerations," this month's "Experts" article on TheHousingGuru.com.  A wealth of information for those looking to buy in intown locations, the article takes an honest look at condominium living.
 
Comparing benefits such as convenience of location, security, maintenance, affordability and amenities the article also points out why some refer to condos as "boxes of air."  Those in the market for a home and who may be considering … (11 comments)

home buying: In Many Cities it’s Cheaper to Buy than Rent - 03/19/11 06:14 PM
 
As home prices continue to decline, in many cities it’s cheaper to buy than rent.  A recent study done by Deutsche Bank shows that for the first time in more than 2 decades, buying a home costs less than renting, especially for those purchasing in large metropolitan areas.  And while it’s unlikely that the news will trigger a surge in homebuying, it confirms one more advantage of owning for those considering a home purchase.
 
Today’s housing market is unlike any we’ve experienced in decades, with many buyers remaining on the sidelines waiting to see if the market would stabilize.  … (38 comments)

home buying: Foreclosure Scandal Demonstrates The Value of Owner’s Title Insurance - 10/11/10 10:10 AM
Many homebuyers, eager to reduce their expenses during the purchase process, question the need for purchasing owner’s title insurance. After all, the bank’s attorney has already researched the title for the bank, how much risk could there be? However, the recent allegations that the country’s major mortgage lenders improperly processed foreclosure documents, and in some cases, actually forged signatures or made false statements, have demonstrated the value of title insurance.
 
The foreclosure issue is just one of many potential scenarios which consumers and attorneys cannot identify in advance, and the problem should serve as an incentive for homebuyers to ALWAYS … (13 comments)

home buying: The Best Of Times Or The Worst Of Times To Buy A Home? - 02/05/10 08:40 AM
All the confusing information about the economy and housing market has left potential home buyers scratching their heads and wondering, if this is the best of times or the worst of times to buy a home? Recent news reports have shown charts that demonstrate how renting may be significantly less expensive than buying. Others may point to the dangers of further declines in home prices. What’s a buyer to do?
 
The answer, may seem complicated as a whole, but is actually quite simple for the individual. If you find the home you need at a attractive price that you can … (26 comments)

home buying: Beginning A Home Search Online - 10/12/09 09:11 PM
Once you are ready to begin a home search, type in the geographic area in which you are interested and you will be deluged with potential sites to visit. A quick check through some of them will help you to eliminate those that either don’t apply or are lacking in the content you need.
 
If this is your first time, you will be amazed at the information available. You can choose from dozens of real estate companies, and immediately begin previewing homes. Many of the sites will even provide a map of the area with each home’s location pin pointed. … (5 comments)

home buying: Will The New Lending Rules Put The Squeeze On Home Sales? - 09/29/09 07:55 AM
While consumers will are sure to benefit from recent changes enacted by The Federal Reserve, will the new lending rules put the squeeze on home sales? The changes amend Regulation Z, Truth in Lending, and are “intended to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive acts and practices in mortgage lending, while keeping credit available to qualified borrowers and supporting home ownership.”
 
The rules will now affect all mortgage lenders, not just state-chartered institutions, as was the case under the old system, and offer protections to those with weak credit. Establishing a new category called “higher-priced mortgage loans,” those first-lien … (31 comments)

home buying: The Missing Keys To Thriving In Any Real Estate Market - 09/12/09 09:10 AM
In his new book, The Missing Keys To Thriving In Any Real Estate Market, Eddie Godshalk answers questions about the collapse of the housing market and describes how investors and consumers can avoid such disasters in the future. Readers will find a detailed analysis and answers to some of the most pressing questions regarding the current housing crisis, such as: What is the crucial bit of missing information that contributed to the collapse of the housing market and the ensuing recession? What did investors, home buyers, lenders, and Realtors® lack that would have allowed them to accurately foresee looming disaster?
 
… (9 comments)

home buying: THE Website for Housing Information - 11/28/08 03:04 PM
A valuable storehouse of information for Home buyers, sellers, remodelers, and Realtors® can be found at TheHousingGuru.com. Providing up-to-date advice and news in the world of real estate, the website is continually growing to meet the demands of a complex housing market.
 
The latest addition, a series of comprehensive “How-To” videos will be added in the coming weeks. Handy men and women will soon find video demonstrations of the most common, and some not-so-common home repairs and upgrades. To learn more, or to suggest future topics, visit: www.TheHousingGuru.com.
… (0 comments)

home buying: Frequently Overlooked Costs of Home Ownership - 11/03/08 04:11 PM
For those considering purchasing a home—many see the housing slump as a buying opportunity—there are several costs of ownership that are sometimes overlooked, especially for first-time buyers. While those considering a home purchase will usually do an analysis of their finances to make certain the purchase won’t decimate their budget, there are some costs that are not so obvious.
 
Moving to the suburbs can, with a longer commute, increase the monthly gasoline and automobile expense, or it may require the purchase a new or additional automobile. There may be an increase in homeowner’s insurance, expenses associated with schools and kids’ … (3 comments)

home buying: Am I Crazy to Think of Buying a Home Today? - 11/01/08 08:22 PM
The economy is in the tank. Recession seems to be upon us. Companies are closing their doors? Why on earth should I consider buying a home today?

While current economic conditions are certainly frightening, there are some bright spots on the horizon; and it is a great time for some to buy a home. Prices in almost all areas of the country have fallen dramatically, values are at historic highs, and interest rates are still low. For those who have a reasonable amount of money for a down payment, and whose employment situation is relatively stable, there will probably not … (0 comments)

 

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