Buying a Home

6 Features to Look for in Your Next Master Bath

May 23, 2017

Kitchens are important. Outdoor living spaces top many a wish list. But let’s all take a moment to acknowledge that master bathrooms are where the real pampering takes place. What could be better than retreating to a serene, spa-like space at the end of a long, stressful day—without even having to leave your home? Following are six features to look for in your next master bath. Quartz countertops Enjoy the eye-catching elegance of marble minus the maintenance with sleek, chic and durable quartz countertops. Unlike…

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Buying a Home

Cost Comparison: Rent or Buy

April 10, 2017

There are many benefits to being a homeowner. From a purely financial perspective, there are tools to help determine the cost of renting versus buying a home. Comparing the cost of renting to buying usually depends on key factors, such as budgeted monthly rent, target home price, the length of time you plan to live in the home and what your mortgage rate would be. Estimating these values can help determine if buying is financially advantageous. In addition to the actual buying costs, it is…

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Buying a Home

Design Center Success: How to Go Home Happy

March 22, 2017

The most exciting part of building a new home is the freedom you have to personalize it. But how do you get from bare drywall to home at first sight? A lot will hinge on the options your homebuilder offers and the design assistance they provide. Some builders offer only a handful of stock cabinet, countertop and flooring options. Others, like Richmond American, allow you to select even the smallest details—from the backsplash tile to the knob on your front door—with the help of a…

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Buying a Home, Selling a Home

What is a Seller’s Market in Real Estate?

March 14, 2017

In real estate, a “seller’s market” occurs when the demand for housing exceeds the supply. This often results in multiple buyers competing for a single home. Cue the bidding wars… A seller’s market is obviously an ideal time to sell your home—especially if you have built up a lot of equity. But is it the right time to buy a home? Imagine falling in love with a house and then having to submit a more attractive offer than 10 or even 20 competing buyers (and…

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Buying a Home

The Facts on Closing Costs

February 26, 2017

Closing costs: a generic term tossed around by mortgage originators, real estate agents and even your neighbor. But what are these fees all about? Read on to learn the basics of closing costs and how they will affect your home purchase. What are closing costs? Closing costs, or settlement costs, are one-time expenses charged in connection with the origination of your loan. They cover additional costs like loan origination fees, loan discount points, appraisal fees, title search fees, title insurance premiums, survey fees, transfer taxes,…