Granite, quartz, marble, concrete - there are so many relatively standard options for countertops. But what if you want something a little different? Go exotic, and you'll never be worried about someone coming over and pointing out that they have the exact same countertop in their bathroom. Make a smart choice, and even though your upfront cost may be greater, you just might get paid back in the end. "Indeed, unique kitchen countertops add a ‘wow' factor to your home,... [read more]

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 can't wait to move in and repaint your new home! but if this is your first time, there are some tricks of the trade you should know so that your fresh paint will last. If you're buying an older home, find out if you can detemine what kind of paint was used. If you use the wrong kind of paint, fail to prepare your painting surfaces properly, or paint in a room that collects a lot of moisture, your paint could peel. You'll find yourself going to all that trouble and expense... [read more]

When it comes to redoing a kitchen, most people think there's not a steal or deal to be found. But, alas, there are ways to cut corners and take advantage of sales and promotions to redo, upgrade, update, or overhaul your kitchen. In this week's special edition of Steals & Deals, we run down the top 8 ways to save a buck when adding granite countertops. 1. Make friends with your salesperson No matter where you are buying your granite, your salesperson should be your ally. They... [read more]