A Fannie Mae survey recently revealed some of the most highly-rated benefits of homeownership, which continue to be key drivers in today’s power-packed housing market. Here are the top four financial benefits of owning a home according to consumer respondents:
88% - a better chance of saving for retirement
87% - the best investment plan
85% - the chance to be better off financially
85% - the chance to build up wealth
Additional financial advantages of homeownership included in the survey are having the best overall tax situation and being able to live within your budget.
Does homeownership actually give you a better chance to build wealth?
No one can question a person’s unique feelings about the importance of homeownership. However, it’s fair to ask if the numbers justify homeownership as a financial asset.
Last fall, the Federal Reserve released the Survey of Consumer Finances, a report done every three years, with ...

For the past several years, it seems every design magazine or home décor center featured barn doors. These doors offered a warm, rustic charm to the space and offered a focal point for the home. As time went by, however, many designers and homeowners realized that these doors also had a downside: they did not muffle sounds.
Barn doors hang on an upper track and slide to the left or right as needed. As many people raced to be a part of this classic farmhouse décor trend, they were dismayed to find that they lost privacy, soundproofing, and the functionality of a closed door.
So, is the trend over? The initial trend may have passed, but the use of barn doors has been reimagined. Barn doors now come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
• Clear or frosted glass doors can separate a home office
• Sleek metal might camouflage appliances in a modern kitchen
• A simple panel design could provide access to a formal dining room
• Barn doors are al; ...

New homebuyers often tell their agents that they are looking for their “starter home.” Several factors go into this approach. These are typically younger buyers, often without children. They may be looking for a maintenance-free home, like a condo, or they might assume that starter homes are more budget-friendly. There are plenty of good reasons to buy a home with the assumption that it’s only for a few years, but it’s usually wise to consider the fact that it might be for much longer.
As 2020 demonstrated so clearly, things can change without warning. Homebuyers choosing a small condo with the intention of living in it for only a few years might later find themselves trying to carve out space for children due to employment challenges or market changes. The good news is that many times— once you add in association fees, taxes, and other costs—an older home that needs updating could be just as economical as a brand-new condo with all the latest desi; ...

A 23-Point Checklist For Your New Construction Walkthrough







You’ve picked out all your fixtures and finishes. You’ve selected your flooring and paint colors. Now the new house you’ve been waiting for is ready! Finally, you can sign your closing paperwork and move in. Sure, there’s a final walkthrough, but with a brand new home, that’s just a formality — right?
Hold on! Even though it might be tempting to rush through the final walkthrough in your newly-built home, there are actually some really important things that you need to investigate. Don’t assume that just because everything is clean and shiny that all is well. Finalizing the purchase of any home — even a brand-new home — requires keen attention to detail.
Take your time to examine the following items carefully during your new construction walkthrough. We as your agent will also be there to point out anything we believe needs to be addressed. ...

Family is important, and your decision to sell your home may be difficult for those closest to you. Moving can create mixed emotions, and it’s important to help your family understand how and why you made your decision. Including family members in the process can prevent strong emotions from potentially sabotaging the sale.
As soon as you decide to sell your home, set aside time to have a serious conversation with the rest of your family. If you have children living at home, they may be fearful of leaving their home, their school, and possibly their friends. Listen to them and reassure them of the safety of the family unit.
You can’t promise that nothing will change, but share the good things you expect to get from the move; a bigger home, a better job, advantages of the new area, etc. Help your children see that you’ve considered them from the very beginning and explain why it will be a good move for them as well.
Adult children might be difficult as well. Even; ...