With many of us spending more time than ever in our homes and less money on travel and eating out, home renovations are all the rage. According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, fully 80% of homeowners engaged in some sort of renovation project in June of 2020. Bathroom renovations rank high on the […]
housing
Common Real Estate Investing Mistakes [+ how to avoid]
Real estate investing can be an excellent way to build wealth. And with low-interest rates, the internet, and reality DIY shows, it’s become more popular than ever. But those things have also fast-tracked people into making some mistakes. When you’re getting started, there’s a lot to learn. It isn’t as easy as it looks on […]
How Do I Get My Real Estate Purchase Offer Accepted?
You found the perfect home, it fits your budget, and you’re ready to put in an offer the seller can’t refuse. But it’s not as simple as offering a fair price. Low-interest rates and high demand for homes in some areas create a seller’s market. And with more competition among buyers, it’s common for sellers […]
Why You Need a Home Inventory [+ how to create one]
Each year, one of every 20 households file insurance claims due to theft, fire, wind, and water damage. In 2019, losses from natural disasters topped $25 billion, and 2020 is shaping up to outpace that number. It’s not something anyone likes to think about, but it can and does happen. And after going through a […]
The Real Estate Trap: Don’t fall for bad advice
If you look around you, it might seem crazy not to be buying a house right now. In parts of the country, people are in bidding wars, homes fly off the market, and house prices are rapidly increasing. But real estate is not always a good investment. It’s important to consider all the angles before […]
Common Home Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Is now the best time to buy a home? How much can you afford to spend on a house? Do you have enough for a down payment? Where do you want to live? If you’re thinking about buying a home, it makes sense to get it right from the beginning. A home is one of […]
How to Buy a Home: From viewings to closing
Whether you’re buying your first home or your third, it’s an exciting time. After all, it’s one of the most significant purchases you’ll ever make, and it’s a place where you’ll make lasting memories. It’s also quite a process to get from home viewings to closing. Buying a home takes time, money, and a lot […]
Selling a Home to Someone You Know [Good Idea?]
You’ve decided to sell your home and a friend or family member has expressed an interest in buying it. Even though it seems like a much simpler way to sell your house – remember that easier isn’t always better. There are plenty of advantages to both parties when someone you know buys your home. But […]
Live In House Flipping: A Good RE Investing Strategy?
Live in house flipping is a real estate investing strategy that can certainly pay off – if you’re up for the challenge. It’s a slower approach than traditional house flipping. But live-in flips have some unique advantages that can make them profitable. With a live-in flip, you live in your investment – while you fix […]
Can You Make Money Investing in a Duplex and Renting Half Out?
Investing in real estate is a popular way for people to build wealth over time. Commercial real estate may interest more seasoned investors. But those who are just starting usually invest in single-family rentals or smaller multi-family properties. House ‘hacking’ has also grown in popularity for those who are new to real estate investing. Making […]
Should You Move Back Home to Save Money?
Deciding where you’ll live is never an easy decision to make. Whether you’re graduating into an uncertain job market or feeling buried by debt, one choice more and more young people are considering is moving back home to their parents. While multigenerational living certainly isn’t the norm in the United States, it is on the […]
How Will My Expenses Change in a High Cost of Living Area?
If you’re moving to a higher cost-of-living (HCOL) area from a lower cost-of-living area (LCOL), you’re probably anticipating higher prices for housing and food. Have you also thought about other expenses likely to increase, like childcare, transportation, and utilities? Moving to a more expensive city or state can drastically increase your expenses so you need […]
Buying a House: What do you need to consider and what are the best first steps?
From the down payment to financing to finding the right home – there are many things to consider when buying a home. It’s all much easier – and less stressful – when you understand the process and prepare. Though it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, buying a house is one of the […]
Should I Rent Out Extra Rooms to Make Money?
You know plenty of people who have side hustles or work seasonal jobs to supplement their income. And you want to boost your bank account balance too. Whether you want more money to pay down debt, build an emergency fund, or invest more for your future, you’re considering renting out a spare room in your […]
In What Ways Can I Cut Monthly Expenses and Reduce Spending?
You’re ready to tackle your debt. You need to save more. You want extra money to invest. Or you need to create an emergency budget. Whatever your money goal, you want to find the best ways to cut expenses so you can reduce spending today. Deciding on the optimal place to start can be a […]
Important Financial Rules of Thumb: What to know [and ignore]?
From a financial perspective, living today and planning for the future are difficult tasks. It takes work to figure out how to allocate our earnings both for our current needs and for investing in our futures, including retirement. Luckily, we can learn a lot from all those who’ve already done it. If we follow some […]
What Is a Cash Out Refinance Mortgage and Why Do One?
While some people think renting is the best decision, others of us dream of owning our own home. Most of us home buyers have a goal of paying off our mortgages before retiring (or earlier if possible). So, when interest rates drop, it’s smart to consider refinancing your mortgage to reduce payments or the term […]
How Do I Get Rid of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?
If you pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI) you’re not alone. The average down payment on a home purchase is only 6% requiring most homeowners to pay for PMI each month. If you had less than a 20 percent down payment when you bought your house, your lender probably required you to have private mortgage […]
Starter House or Forever Home? Considerations when buying your first place
Buying a home is exciting. It’s also one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. So you want to get it right – and you want to get it right the first time. If you’re purchasing your first home, you may wonder if you should buy a “starter” home or a “forever” home. […]
How to Best Help Aging Parents Financially?
Whether you’re just starting to take control of your finances or already working toward financial independence, you might also be thinking about a common financial fear – your aging parents and their money. Are they financially prepared for retirement? Is their retirement plan to just keep working? Will they need your financial help? The answers […]
Sharing Living and Relationship Expenses: How do we make it fair?
You’ve decided it’s time to move in together. It’s a big step in your relationship, and you’re excited about the future. You’ll have to each decide which of your belongings you can share in your new place. Another thing you’ll have to figure out? How to share expenses when living together. The best way to […]
Is Buying a Short Sale, Foreclosure or REO Home Too Risky?
Whether you’re looking for a bargain on your first home, hoping to score a great deal on a bigger house, looking for a house to flip, or investing in another rental property – your attention is focused on foreclosures. But is it a good idea or way too risky to buy a home in foreclosure? […]
Is the Savings from Living with Roommates Worth It?
You remember talking as a teenager about how great it would be to move out of your parents’ house. Getting an apartment with friends or heading off to a college dorm – any place where you’d have some freedom and ability to make your own decisions. Leaving the “nest” usually means moving in with others […]
What Happens When You Cannot Pay Your Mortgage?
Perhaps you lost your job after going through a divorce. Or you’re suffering from a severe illness or injury and unable to work. Whatever the cause, you’re now struggling to make ends meet and worry you can’t pay your mortgage. On top of it being a rough emotional time, your finances are a wreck. You […]
How Can Smart Technology Save Me Money on Insurance?
In the past decade, technology solutions helping consumers save money have expanded into numerous industries, including cars, homes, and health insurance. Many Americans now demand tech-based ways to reduce costs, and they’re willing to switch companies to get them. As a response, insurance companies are offering more ways for customers to use technology and save […]
