MLSs use it. Insurers use it. Appraisers use it. Tax Assessors use it. When it comes to real estate, there's no avoiding square footage as a measure of any home's value. But how much is square footage worth to you as a homebuyer? Knowing the square footage can be helpful, but it shouldn't be the main tool to determine your offer price. Square footage measurements aren't exact, nor are they taken the same way by every person. For example, your local tax assessor or... [read more]

For a society that likes shiny new things, the latest research could foreshadow a surprising trend -- homebuyers choosing older homes over new construction. Why? The prices and operating costs can vary widely. In August 2014, the median sales price of new homes sold was $275,600, while the median price of older homes was $219,000. Taxes and insurance may cost less for an older home. People are often wowed when they go into a builder's model and see how beautiful it is. It has the... [read more]

You're ready to sell your home, you've got a buyer lined up, you're about to make an offer on that great home down the street, and then... everything falls apart. "It's a problem that's more common than you'd think with home sales: a buyer has made an offer, the seller accepts, and it seems like the deal is done," said Fox News. "But then something comes along to ruin the sale and it's back to square one." The good news is there are... [read more]

One of the hottest interior design trends today is the standalone tub. From classic clawfoot models to more modern shapes, the tub is having a renaissance. "A renewed interest in the freestanding tub has seen design firms rolling out an array of amazing bathtubs that are aesthetic and economically viable," said Decoist. "Bringing along with it an aura of luxury, elegance and affluence, the standalone bathtub is all about revving up the style quotient of your bathroom... [read more]

The right way to examine a home in person Two Ways To View A Home When you spot a listing that interests you, either through the daily MLS listings that your Realtor sends you or by some other means, the listing will contain some basic property information and pictures.  But as a Realtor®, I have the full scoop on the property – so it’s best to call or email me right away saying you are interested in a home, so I can find out more details for you... [read more]