24 Aug 2018
By Aadil Nathoo

4 Things To Know About Homestead Exemptions

Real Estate
Homeowners are well aware that peripheral costs swell over time and can put a strain on incomes. Utility bills increase, home insurance creeps up annually and taxes rise with the cost of schools and road repair. That's why many communities have enacted homestead exemptions that can help stabilize and even lower tax bills in some cases. Although these exemptions are not well publicized, knowing how they work and how to apply could save you a good deal of money. Understanding The Homestead Exemption A homestead exemption helps homeowners lower and/or fix the amount you pay in local taxes. Qualifying property…
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23 Aug 2018
By Aadil Nathoo

4 Reasons Millennials Should Buy A Retirement Home First

Real Estate, ,
There’s an idea running through marketing and business circles that anything that is popular, the opposite will likely be popular as well. Consider that sugar and caffeinated beverages such as Coca-Cola have seemingly opposite products like Coke Zero. That product, in turn, is offset in the marketplace by high-sugar, high-caffeine energy drinks such as Monster and Red Bull. In the housing industry, reverse living homes enjoy popularity. Basically, the bedrooms are downstairs while the kitchen, living room and other gathering spaces are upstairs. This concept of doing the opposite brings us to the idea about buying a first home. The…
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22 Aug 2018
By Aadil Nathoo

Easy Decor Tricks That Make Any Home A Standout

Real Estate, ,
If your home's style currently wouldn't win any awards, there's no reason to put off a redo indefinitely. With a little ingenuity and a few hours of time, it's possible to transform a "Plain Jane" into a trendsetter. Here's how: Paint and Pattern Almost any designer will tell you that color is the best way to alter the character of a room. It doesn't have to be dramatic; even a subtle change of tone, texture or pattern on a single wall can be a distinctive focal point. If your home lacks architectural detail, you might consider adding wood paneling to…
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21 Aug 2018
By Aadil Nathoo

When It Makes Sense To Buy An Ugly Duckling

Real Estate, ,
"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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20 Aug 2018
By Aadil Nathoo

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 20th, 2018

Financial Reports, ,
Last week's economic reports included readings from the National Association of Home Builders and Commerce Department releases on Housing Starts and Building Permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were released, along with a monthly report on consumer sentiment. NAHB: Home Builder Housing Market Index Drops 1 Point August's reading for the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index dropped one point to 67. This was the lowest reading for home builder confidence in housing market conditions in 11 months. Analysts said that trade wars are causing concern among builders due to higher costs for…
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