Don’t call it a comeback! Wallpaper is one of the hottest most unexpected home decor trends — and for good reason! With a relatively affordable price-tag and the ability to make a big splash in any room, it’s no surprise that wallpaper is finding its way into more and more homes across the nation. Image…
Did you know that rental prices are rising twice as fast as the inflation rate? It’s true! There is an enormous demand for rentals right now, and it’s pushing prices sky high. In fact, the market is hotter than ever with the national occupancy rate for rentals at an all-time high of 95.3%. This townhome…
There’s nothing worse than a major flood, and Hurricane Sandy was an unfortunate wake-up call to many homeowners in our region who didn’t have flood insurance. As you may already know, standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover you in the case of a flood. Standard insurance may cover windows broken from wind in a storm, or…
USDA loans have become a popular alterative to the more traditional FHA and Conventional loans, as they can offer 100% financing (yep – that means no down payment!). These loans are designed to promote rural development, so they’re only available to buyers looking in certain areas. Wondering if the home that you like is eligible? Check out this website to…
It’s no surprise that clients often show interest in short sales. After all, they’re almost always priced under market value! While there aren’t as many on the market as there were during the recession (nearly 32% of homes sold as short sales in 2012!), they’re still numerous and you’re likely to come across a few…
Are Moving Companies Worth It? Buying (and selling) a home can be fun, stressful, exciting and overwhelming — all at the same time! Whether or not you’ve been through the process of a “big move” before, it’s typically worth hiring a licensed and insured moving company. Here’s why: Image via athletesmovers.com 1. They’re not as expensive as…
Our Yard Sale Tips It’s yard sale season! If you’re looking to clean out your cluttery basement (yikes!) and make a few bucks (yay!), be sure to consider a few of our tried-and-true tricks: Image via honeyandcheese.com 1. You’ll probably be surprised at how many folks will show up when you have a yard sale…
Are Finished Basements Worth Your Time and Money? A finished basement can add a lot more living space, and provide a great “Man Cave”, media room, or spot for the kids to hang out. But do they add value? Like many things in real estate, it depends who you ask! First, it’s important to note that a…
Home Appliance Life Expectancy Cheat Sheet Whether you’re shopping for a home or budgeting for the future, it’s important to get a general sense of how long you can expect your home appliances to last. If you’re in the market for a new home, your agent can provide you with details regarding which appliances are included (the washer and dryer…
Home Staging Secret Home staging is both an art and a science. Successful staging will highlight your home’s strengths and ensure that your home appeals to the widest variety of prospective buyers. While hiring a professional surely isn’t free, multiple studies have shown that the benefits far outweigh any costs – homes are likely to sell faster and…
Philadelphia Third Top City for Trading Up Your Rental Realtor.com recently released a report evaluating the top cities where it makes the most sense to trade up your rental for a home of your very own. Philadelphia third on this list (after Atlanta and Chicago, respectively). Data scientists a wide variety of factors, including median income,…
Home Builder Confidence is Rising! The National Association of Home Builder Confidence Index rose to its 2015 high of 56 points last week, reflecting strong spring sales after a modest winter. Any number above 50 is considered to be good conditions. The index takes considers builder perceptions of single family home sales, sales expectations for the upcoming six months, and…
Vacation Home Sales Rise The weather is heating up and so is the market for second-homes! With an improving economy (and real estate market), more and more buyer are in the market for a second home. Vacation home sales rose a staggering 57% last year over 2013! The momentum is expected to continue this year….
Remember being a kid and begging your parents for a swimming pool? And remember how your parents said no? Mom and Dad may have been onto something — after all, pool ownership shouldn’t be taken lightly. The heating costs, maintenance, safety and insurance can all be significant burdens! On the flipside, it’s hard to beat having a…
Dont Like My Agent At All! It happens. Sometimes we hear from new clients that they didn’t enjoy working with their prior real estate agent and that they would like to meet somebody new. While this situation can occur for a variety of reasons, the important part is that you’re served by an agent who…