Moving With Pets
Scope out the area Before deciding to purchase a new home, walk around the neighborhood yourself to make sure it’s pet-friendly, especially if you have a dog. If you have a puppy that’s still being house-trained, a home with lots of steps or no yard makes it difficult for them to get outside before making a mess. If you have …
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6 Things New Homeowners Always Forget to Do
1. Check the Plumbing Inspect each toilet, under-sink plumbing, faucets, and visible pipes to make sure there are no leaks. If you find any, get it fixed right away—wasted water means wasted money. 2. Find the Fuse or Breaker Box These are generally located in the basement or the garage of a house, and sometimes in the closet or laundry …
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Your Guide to Mortgage Loans
Fixed-Rate These mortgages have the same interest rates for the length of the loan, which means your monthly payment will also never change. Although this guarantees stability as payments will never raise over time, the downside is that your interest rate will also never lower with the market. Fixed-rate mortgages are available for 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30–year terms. …
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Home Staging Tips and Tricks
If hiring a decorator isn’t in your budget, here are some creative ideas to make your home appear as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Simple is Good The décor should always complement the style of the home, not overwhelm it. Get rid of unnecessary chairs, side tables, file cabinets, paintings or art, and distracting rugs or carpets. If …
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How Commission Works in Real Estate
Something to keep in mind is that sellers can negotiate the commission, but buyers cannot. It’s also tax deductible! Here’s a breakdown of exactly where that commission fee ends up: Paid by Seller When signing a listing agreement, the seller acknowledges the commission rate they will need to pay, which is typically 6 percent. This amount is generally split …
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Finding a Family-Friendly Home
If you’re a potential buyer who either already has children, or the intention of starting a family, the home search is going to look a little different for you. No need to fear—you’ll have quite a few options. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a home that’s kid-friendly. Function Depending on the size of your …
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The Best Restaurants in Encinitas
California has long been a hub in the restaurant industry, and Encinitas has proven to be an area that’s full of up-and-coming names in both fine dining and casual. Here are some of the best places to dine for foodies— and people who just like to eat! American Solace and the Moonlight Lounge: 25 East E St, 760-753-2433. Try …
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Selling Your Home Successfully
Every seller wants to gain an edge in today’s competitive real estate market. Here are some suggestions on how to present an irresistible home. It’s All About Aesthetics To enhance “curb appeal”, make sure you have all the bases covered before even thinking about placing your home on the market. This includes fresh landscaping, power-washing the deck, painting the …
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How to Find the Home of Your Dreams
There’s more to buying than just making an offer—here are a few important things you’ll need to keep in mind when house-hunting. Do The Research Make sure you get familiar with market trends and values in the area in which you are looking to buy. Although your real estate agent will have this knowledge, you will find it much …
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What Makes a Great Real Estate Agent?
Representing the seller or buyer is the bare minimum of what it means to be a real estate agent. Here are the most important qualities to look for before you make a decision. A Background of Experience The best real estate agents have a diverse background of skills and knowledge; not only in real estate transactions, but also in personal …
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