With all of the home renovation and fixer-upper shows on television, the idea of completely renovating and re-doing an old home can seem like an enticing premise. Unfortunately, investing in the wrong fixer-upper can mean an awful lot of expenditure without the added financial rewards. Whether you’re considering investing down the road or are ready to dive in, here are a few things to consider first.
How Much Do You Want To Spend?
It’s easy to be swept away by possibility, but before making an offer you’ll need to sit down and determine exactly what you’re willing to invest into upgrades for your fixer-upper. By deciding what you would want to renovate, what the cost of materials and labor would be and how this figures into the market price of the home, you’ll be able to determine if the price you’re offering will be worth it.
Are Major Repairs Required?
It’s one thing to consider...
Last week’s economic news included readings on new and existing home sales and mortgage rates. Also released were reports on new jobless claims and consumer sentiment.
New and Existing Home Sales Lower in December
According to the U.S. Commerce Department, sales of new homes fell to 536,000 sales on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. This reading was markedly lower than the expected rate of 595,000 sales and November’s reading of 598,000 sales. Analysts said that the drop in new home sales indicated that the housing sector is still experiencing a rocky recovery. December’s reading for new home sales was 10.4 percent lower than December’s adjusted reading of 598,000 sales. December’s reading was 0.40 percent lower year-over-year.
The median sale price of new homes was $322,500 in December, which was 4.30 percent higher than in November and 7.90 percent higher than in December 2015. The dip in sales has increased inventory...
Selling a standard home is fraught with enough concerns about marking it at the right price and staging it properly, but it’s an entirely different ball game when it comes to luxury property. If you’re planning on selling your high-end property and are trying to determine what sets it apart from the average home sale, here are some things to consider before putting it on the market.
The Price Must Be Reasonable
It’s important for the asking price on any home to show an awareness of market conditions, but when it comes to luxury, it becomes even more important. Most luxury homes are going to sit on the market for a longer period of time than a less expensive home because there are fewer potential buyers. In order to facilitate a successful sale, it’s necessary for the asking price to be competitive and in line with the amenities provided so that buyers won’t flock to other opportunities.
Use The Right Marketing Tools...
Let’s face it – kids love to run around and play outside! However, during the winter months, that proves to be difficult. So, what can you do with your kids when they need something to do and you don’t want them running around outside in the cold? We have a list of some great places to take kids on winter field trips around Omaha!
Child-Friendly Activities for the Winter Weather | CBSHOME
Children’s Museum
Always a classic, the Omaha Children’s Museum is perfect for taking your little ones on a day trip. They offer exhibits old and new and always have a mixture of educational, silly and fun things for your child to do!
Joslyn Art Museum
Introduce a day of culture and art to your little ones with a trip to the Joslyn Art Museum. They have permanent exhibits you can tour for free, or take advantage of classes...
The monthly mortgage payment can be burdensome for many, but it’s possible you’ve thought of trying to pay it down more quickly. Without getting a new job or working overtime, here are some tips you can use on a daily basis to save additional funds and pay off your mortgage at a swifter rate.
Make Your Lunch
The five or ten dollars spent on lunch might not seem like a lot, but over time this amount adds up to a lot of savings. Instead of hitting the cafe, pick one or two nights each week to prepare a lunch for yourself so you can skip the daily expense.
Take A Coffee To Go
Like lunch, coffee is another thing that can end up costing a lot of money. However, instead of going for the two-dollar cup, make a pot before you leave for the day or opt for the office coffee instead. If you prefer yours on the go, you can always make it a once-a-week treat.
Avoid The Impulse
This might seem like a hard...
Buying new construction seems simple, right? Just pick out the floor plan you want, choose the perfect lot, and watch it go up. No sellers to deal with, no unexpected repairs that come up during inspection, no drawn-out negotiations. Right?
Not so fast. In any real estate transaction, it’s important to have a professional on your side, even if the process seems straightforward.
“Having your own agent provides a sense of security,” says Seattle-area homeowner Kristy Weaver, who has bought two new construction homes from two different builders. “It gives you some peace of mind, knowing that someone is looking out for your best interest.”
Peace of mind is just one benefit of having an experienced agent along for the ride. Read on for five more reasons you’ll want a local real estate agent by your side when buying a new construction home.
To help you find a reputable builder
“Your agent can rely on their own experience and...
Many people look at a smaller living space and think that there are a lot of limitations imposed. However, a more miniature home can offer up the opportunity to be inventive with design and get creative about your abode. Whether you live in small apartment now or are thinking of downsizing in the future, here are some ideal ways to make the most of your pint-sized pad.
Invest In Multi-Functional Pieces
It may be nice to have a stylish bar cart or a hefty china cabinet for your space, but there are certain kinds of home items that only serve one function and this is not necessarily useful with limited capacity. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, try purchasing items like a folding table tray that can serve as a coffee table or a bookcase that can hold dishes, books and other household items. This will enable you to maximize the space you have and create a uniquely modern design aesthetic.
Maintain An Organized Space
Every home has a...
2017 started with good news; fixed mortgage rates were lower, but the national unemployment rate ticked upward and labor reports showed fewer openings for public and private sector jobs. Construction spending was higher in November.
Mortgage Rates Lower; Construction Spending Higher
Freddie Mac reported lower average rates for fixed rate mortgages as the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage crept up. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage dropped by 12 basis points to 4.20 percent; The average rate for a 15-year mortgage fell 11 basis points to 3.44 percent while the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage gained three basis points to 3.33 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.
Construction spending was higher in November according to the Commerce Department and reached the highest level since April 2006. The November reading was 0.90 percent higher...
There are so many things involved in moving into a new home in a different neighborhood that it can be easy to forget about the proximity of many nearby amenities. However, if you have children, the local schools available can make-or-break the decision on whether or not to invest in a house. If you’re wondering how you can find out more about the local school, let the following tips be your guide.
Take a Web-Search To SchoolMatch.com
One of the benefits of so many things being online these days is that local schools are no exception, and SchoolMatch.com is a great resource that puts this information at your fingertips. While you’ll have to pay a fee to get the details on many public and private institutions, this resource features ratings on schools throughout the country which can make it worth the price.
Contact The NAEYC
With a wealth of information on preschools, kindergartens and elementary schools located throughout the country,...
The state of Nebraska has passed a new law that will affect everyone who wants to sell their home in the future. We know that reading a long document of legal jargon can be confusing, so we’re breaking down the new law for you to the simplest degree.
If you own your home, it is a good and safe idea to have a carbon monoxide detector somewhere in the building. But now in Nebraska, when the time comes to sell your home, having a carbon monoxide detector on every habitable floor of the home will be required for the sale to take place. It is your responsibility as the seller to ensure the detector is in place before filling out the required paperwork to list your home.
Even if you are not planning on selling your home soon, invest in installing a carbon monoxide detector inside your home on every floor for the safety of your family. Every year, over 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning and even more go to the hospital for treatment according to the ...
