When It Makes Sense To Buy An Ugly Duckling

"Move-in ready" homes are desirable -- there's no doubt about it! But sometimes it makes better financial sense to opt for a house with dated decor and a less than trendy kitchen or master bath. You may not get your dream home immediately, but the opportunity to transform a property into your own swan can be rewarding. It can also be easy on the pocketbook. When looking at Ugly Ducklings, however, look first to structural integrity and the condition of major home systems. including plumbing and septic, driveway and drainage. A home inspection is invaluable, even though no inspector can…
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Outdoor Projects That Will Help You Sell Your Home

First impressions matter when you're selling your home. Curb appeal is what draws potential buyers to your home. It can make or break a home sale. Attractive landscaping or an appealing entryway can determine whether or not buyers walk through your front door. If the outside of your house is poorly kept up, they probably won't bother to see the inside. You don't have to have a large budget or tons of time to make your home look appealing from the outside. Here are some easy outdoor projects that will help you sell your home. Get Rid Of Clutter Getting…
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Tips For Selling Your Home In The Fall

Football season has kicked off, temperatures are cooling and pumpkin spice everything is for sale in the stores. Yes, fall is here. While most people associate the spring and summer months as the ideal times of year to buy or sell, fall is still a great time to put your home on the market. Families tend to want to get into their new homes prior to the holiday season, so buyers are typically still very active during the fall months. That said, there are plenty of ways that you can ready your home for a fast fall sale. Here's a…
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Pros and Cons of Downsizing After Retirement

With Baby Boomers already rolling into retirement and Gen X looking forward to shrugging off the stress of the 40-hour work week, downsizing could be a strategic move. For many Americans, homeownership remains their single largest investment and the monthly mortgage payment their highest bill. Lowering or nixing that cost altogether can free up a considerable amount of cash that could be used for retirement security or leisure activities. Keep in mind, your "golden years" should be just that, so enjoy them. That being said, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to downsize to a less…
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Myths About Buying A Vacation Home

Are you thinking about buying a vacation home? Maybe owning two homes is part of your retirement dream. Maybe you'd like to have a second home in your favorite holiday locale. If you are thinking about taking this step, you might have talked to family and friends about it. Unfortunately, many people give well-intentioned, yet poor advice when it comes to buying a vacation home. Here are some myths -- and the truth -- about buying a second home straight from leading real estate experts. You Can Buy A Vacation Home With No Money Down You have probably seen advertisements…
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