The Homeowner’s Advice Blog

Find tips to help with: Selling | Relocation | Financing

Become Familiar with HOA Requirements

Homeowners associations, or HOAs, are governing bodies that set and enforce the rules of a neighborhood or condominium development. They maintain common areas and oversee the amenities, covenants and restrictions of the neighborhood. There are many ways a HOA can be beneficial to you, but there are also aspects that you might find restrictive. If […]

Improvements That Can Lower Your Home’s Value

Many homeowners believe the money they spend on home improvements will always make their property worth more. There are plenty of projects that will do exactly that, enhancing your enjoyment of your home and making it more valuable. However, there are renovations and remodels that can work against you when you’re ready to sell and […]

Weathering a Winter Home Sale

Putting your house on the market during the cold months may not be your first choice, and the prospect may give you a case of the winter blues. Perk up! Nearly a million homes were sold in December 2018 through February 2019. There are many good strategies for speeding winter homes sales, starting with this […]

Is Cash Always King?

The old adage “cash is king” can certainly hold true when it comes to home buying. However, your investment might be safer and more productive if you take out a mortgage instead. You need to decide which way will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Paying Cash for Your Home Paying with cash […]

Is Your Dream Home in a Danger Zone?

When you are considering a specific house, one of the most important questions you will ask is if it’s in a safe neighborhood. This is especially crucial if you are moving from out-of-town or into an unfamiliar area of your city. Do the research to learn if the location is safe for kids to play […]

Considering Condo Living

Condominiums can provide an affordable living experience with pleasant amenities and benefits. However, some people will tell you they love condo life and others wish they had chosen a house instead. If you are thinking about purchasing a condo, carefully evaluate what goes into owning one. By definition, a condominium is a shared property with […]

Expenses Beyond Your Mortgage

As the owner of a new home, you should be pleased that you have successfully negotiated all the financial requirements to close the deal and take possession of your new place. However, the down payment and mortgage are just the beginning of new financial demands. Owning a home has plenty of expenses that need careful […]

What Retirees Need to Know about Buying a Vacation Home

Many retirees decide to purchase a vacation home as their ideal place to rest and relax. A second home can be a gathering place for friends and family, and a supplement to your retirement income via future renting potential. Plus, any mortgage interest you pay is tax deductible as long as it’s a personal residence, […]

Hidden Costs of Buying a Home

You’ve saved and planned and you are finally ready to buy your first home or move up to a larger one. It’s fairly easy to figure out how large a mortgage you can fit into your budget. Your real estate agent has tables and formulas that can determine the percentage of your income that’s reasonable […]