When you’re buying or selling a home, you probably already know that there is more involved than simply the purchase price. If you’re the seller, the good news is that there are far fewer expenses than if you’re the buyer – but there are still a couple of things to keep in mind. Here’s how...
Looking for a big backyard with plenty of room for the kids to run? Or maybe you’re interested in horses, agriculture, or a little peaceful privacy? Whatever your reason is, you’re sure to find a town that you love in Greater Philadelphia. Here are our favorite spots for finding a lot of acreage for less:...
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 ...
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 ...
Appraisal Contingencies A real estate appraisal is an evaluation of a home’s market value as determined by a qualified real estate appraiser. Appraisals are typically the basis for mortgage loans, and your lender will likely require an appraisal of the property to ensure that you (and they) are paying a fair price. An appraisal contingency,...
April Shows Increase in Homebuilder Confidence Homebuilder confidence edged up slightly in April, according to the latest survey from the National Association of Home Builders. While the increase is likely due to the beginning of the spring-selling season, the modest homebuilder confidence index of 47 points may be held back by a shortage of ...
Q&A With Security Abstract Q: What is title insurance and how can I find out how much it will cost? Is it mandatory even if I’m buying new construction? A: Title insurance is protection against loss if a covered defect is found in your title. When you buy a home, you are given a title...
If you’re looking to purchase a “fixer-upper,” you just may want to consider the government-backed FHA 203k loan! The FHA 203k loan is a special type of rehab or renovation loan that allows buyers to borrow money for the purchase price of their new home and the necessary renovation costs. In essence, this loan...
It’s a great time to work in the construction industry! Homeowners are upgrading, renovating, and remodeling their homes at a pace that we haven’t seen since before the recession, and bathrooms are the most popular spot to remodel. You’re not the only one who wants to get rid of your baby pink floor tile and dingy...
The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index has climbed to its highest level since 2005! The confidence index now sits at 61 points, which indicates slow but steady progress and an optimistic outlook among builders across the nation. Additionally, construction on new single-family homes soared 13% from June to ...
With an increasing number of baby boomers caring for elderly parents, it’s no wonder that in-law suites are rising in popularity! Homes with private quarters for aging parents or extended family members have become a hot commodity in our region. Here are the most important factors for creating an in-law suite with a great resale...
Looking to spruce up your home this summer? We asked a few local contractors for their estimated prices on a variety of popular summer home improvements: 1. New windows can range in price quite a bit, but a standard window opening costs about $400-700 for removal of the existing window, replacement, and labor. Custom windows...
Recent Surge in Home Improvement Spending Americans are remodeling and upgrading their homes more than ever before, according to a report published by CNBC. Industry experts believe that home improvement spending will hit record levels in 2015, despite that the new residential construction pace remains well below pre-recession levels. Why ...
