RECENT BLOG POSTS
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This post is a great reminder for homebuyers, sellers, and real estate agents to try to maintain a clear perspective during negotiations. Otherwise, you might "poison the deal!"Don't Poison The Deal! Most typical real estate contracts have four parties to the deal: the sellers & their agent, and ...
04/11/2012
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It’s painful to think that there was a time in American history when discrimination was the accepted practice and not the exception. It took the death of civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. and the actions of President Lyndon Johnson to begin the end of housing discrimination. The Fair ...
04/04/2012
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While it’s usually not fun having a landlord, being one is a whole different story. Not a laugh-a-minute, mind you, but owning residential income property can be a lucrative investment and a fulfilling business. People purchase investment property for several reasons. These include reselling for ...
03/28/2012
The proliferation of those huge public storage facilities happened for a reason. The main reason is that we have a lot more “stuff” than our ancestors did, and downsizing can be challenging. Unfortunately, our storage space at home hasn’t kept pace with our pack rat tendencies. Garages are packed...
03/22/2012
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Buying a home is not something the average American does every day. While the purchase process is second nature to real estate and mortgage brokers, it is somewhat mysterious to the rest of us.When asked how to eat an elephant, a wise person once responded, “one bite at a time.” While the home l...
03/18/2012
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Someone purchasing a home may not have coined the term “emotional roller coaster,” but it sure fits the process. It’s one big up-and-down affair. Looking for a house is fun and exciting. Making the final decision to purchase a particular house may be fraught with doubt. Making an offer on a house...
03/07/2012
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Josh and Debby found the home of their dreams in a quiet suburb, north of Chicago. Jack, a licensed plumber by trade, waived the home inspection, figuring he could easily handle any problems that might pop up. He performed a cursory inspection, declared the house in good shape and he and Debby cl...
02/29/2012
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Pinterest, PLEASE Oh yes. Another thrilling post about Pinterest, the new kid on the block. Much like the rise of hit music sensation, Rebecca Black, there was just as much hype as there was criticism. I'll be honest: my initial reaction to Pinterest was not pleasant. It seemed to be an arena fo...
02/22/2012
Apples and oranges - that’s what condos and houses are. Sure, they both provide a roof over your head, and they’re both financial investments, but that’s where the similarities end. Just as when we compare apples and oranges, houses and condos differ by price, by taste and by how they will be use...
02/16/2012
Strapped for cash? Depending on the current real estate market, you may just have the money you need right there in your home. No, not a hidden safe you forgot about, but the equity you’re sitting on. A home equity loan is one way of taking advantage of that equity without having to sell the home...
02/09/2012