You’ve been saving for a while, and you’re finally ready to move out of your apartment and take the leap to home ownership. Becoming a first-time homeowner is both an exciting and a stressful process, but the payoff is well worth it once all the papers are signed and...
The Real Estate Book Blog
How to Choose the Best Desk and Chair for Your Home Office
With increases in technology making it easier than ever to work from home and “telecommute”, more and more employees and companies are taking advantage of the practice. There are many benefits of being able to work from home, such as increased flexibility and saving...
Four Ways to Go Solar Without Solar Panels
Take a drive around your neighborhood and chances are those solar panels that once seemed so futuristic are becoming a pretty common site. But, even if you’re not ready to make the plunge to full-out solar power (and pay the price that panels cost), here are four ways...
Home Inspections: Are These Deal Breakers?
After making an offer on a home, you'll enter a contract, part of which should always include getting a home inspection from a licensed professional. It is recommended that any homebuyer make an offer to purchase contingent upon a home inspection that allows you to...
Open the Possibilities With a New Door
Looking for a new, and relatively easy way to spruce up your home and add curb appeal? Consider updating your doors inside and out. Upgrade from that tired old entryway while adding energy efficiency and value to your home. The front door is the first thing people...
Tips for Finding a Perfect Energy-Efficient Home
Finding a home designed with energy efficiency in mind has long-term benefits for both your wallet and the environment. To help, the U.S. Department of Energy developed the Home Energy Score, a national 1-10 rating system that assesses your home's energy efficiency...
What Should You Be Including in Your Listing Price?
So, you’ve decided to list your home on the market. You've probably enlisted the help of a realtor, or at least researched what other comparable homes in your area are going for. You probably have a good idea of what your home is worth, but are you considering all the...
Things to Pay Close Attention To on a Walk-Through
You’ve done your research online and narrowed down the neighborhoods and homes you’re most interested in. The next step? Visiting your top picks in person. But once you’re at the open house or walk-through, what should you look for? What real estate information will...
How to Find the Best Deck Contractor
Depending on the status of your deck, you might not be ready for all the grilling, chilling and relaxing this summer. If your deck is beyond what a simple staining can do, it might be time to consider a new one. But before you hire someone to start digging and...
Create a Dog Friendly Yard and Keep Your Lawn and Pet Happy
Any dog owner has likely seen parts of their new garden dug up by their four-legged family member, or their freshly laid sod become Spot's outdoor toilet. Reach out to your landscaping professional to get some tips on creating a yard you and your dog will enjoy,...
Things to Know About Choosing and Working With Movers
Summer is here, which means many people will be moving. Some people choose to move themselves, but that can be physically and mentally exhausting and not always worth the savings. Using professional movers often makes a lot of sense. But how do you make sure you’re...
Looking to Paint Your House? Ask Yourself These Questions Before DIY’ing
With the warm weather here, you might be outside more, and therefore, spending more time around the exterior of your home. Is the paint on your exterior chipping or peeling? If so, it might be time for a touch-up or full-blown paint job. Now, it can be tempting to...