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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Big Second Quarter GDP Numbers Impact Housing Market

Positive economic growth numbers are always cause for celebration and the second quarter GDP just went vertical. After nearly four years of sub-par growth, the real GDP hit 4.1 percent in the second quarter. While that economic news has everyday Americans excited that we may be entering a new age of prosperity, drawing a concrete link to the real estate market may be difficult. But by looking long and hard at this uptick and its potential impact on housing, you may get a better idea about buying, selling or standing pat on residential and commercial property. GDP Report Points To…
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4 Top Sustainable Home Trends

The emergence of sustainable energy and products have solidified the go-green movement. Solar energy and electric cars are just the tip of the iceberg. The impact of products on the environment has become a significant measure about their value. Those same principles are also being applied to homes. Smart homes and energy efficiency have a direct correlation to home values and listing prices. That's why homeowners and home builders alike have an eye toward sustainable trends. These are some of the top-ranked home trends. 1: Durability Matters After the catastrophic weather that damaged and destroyed homes in Florida and the…
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4 Tips For Downsizing To A Smaller Home

You can make the most of a small home with smart design strategies and careful planning. Maybe your youngest has finally gone away to college, and you have much more space than you really need. Or perhaps you want to minimize your lifestyle and shrink your carbon footprint. Whatever your reason for downsizing, you can rest assured that moving into a smaller home will not cramp your style. Making a more modest space work doesn't have to be difficult. These tips can help you make the transition with ease. Identify Your Needs Before you start organizing things for the move,…
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