Category: Realtor.com

5 Crucial Questions to Ask Before You Flip Your First House

Posted in Realtor.comTagged , ,

Thanks to the seemingly endless glut of home improvement TV shows like “Flip or Flop,” “Masters of Flip,” and “Rehab Addict,” it seems like flipping houses has become America’s favorite pastime.

But for the inexperienced, house flipping can be a dangerous and costly game. Make one wrong move, and that “great investment” can turn into a monumental mistake.

Don’t want your first flip to be a flop? Here are five questions you might never think to ask yourself, but totally should, before you begin flipping houses.

Click here to read the full story.

You’d Better Ask These 5 Crucial Questions Before You Buy a House

Posted in Realtor.comTagged , , ,

No matter how many episodes of “House Hunters” or “Love It or List It” you’ve watched, buying a home inevitably comes with surprises. Though a sharp real estate agent will help you navigate these hidden challenges, before you start shopping for a house, you should take account of some important things that you probably haven’t considered.

Curious what you might be missing? Here are five questions you’d never think to ask yourself but totally should before buying a home.

Click here to read the full story.

6 Things You’ll Love—and Hate—About Buying a Home This Spring

Posted in Realtor.comTagged , , ,

Welcome to the best—and worst—time to buy a home: spring! Yes, it’s peak home-buying season. However, it’s no bed of roses.

Knowing what to expect is half the battle, and can help you use these highs and lows to your advantage!

So consider this an essential prep course. Ready to dive into the best of times and the worst of times for home buying?

Click here to read the full story.

I’ve Discovered the Secret to Domestic Bliss: His-and-Her Bathrooms

Posted in Realtor.com, UncategorizedTagged , ,

After living with my fiancée, Alex, for the past six months, I’m convinced I’ve found the secret to living in harmony: separate bathrooms.

Don’t get me wrong: I love living with Alex. Aside from experiencing a few growing pains on my end (read: I’m still learning how to cook without a microwave), cohabiting has been a breeze because we don’t share a bathroom.

Allow me to explain all the reasons, and I think you’ll agree it’s the right choice.

Click here to read the full story.

Buying a Home? 7 Unsettling Emotions You’ll Feel Before the Deal Is Done

Posted in Realtor.comTagged , ,

Buying a home may be a financial transaction, but it’s a highly emotional one, too. And while there are highs—like the moments you know you’ve found The One or you get the keys to your new home—you may also go through periods of high anxiety or hopelessness before you close the deal.

Ask any homeowner about their experiences buying a home, and you’ll hear a similar refrain: Purchasing property is utterly nerve-racking. With so many moving pieces, buying a home can feel like a high-stakes juggling act—only you don’t have time to practice.

Click here to read the full story.

How to Get a Moving Estimate That Won’t Become a Moving Target

Posted in Realtor.comTagged , , ,

Newsflash: Moving stinks—and it can be even worse when you don’t know how to get a moving estimate you can trust. This can lead to massive misunderstandings, when movers quote you one price before you move, and whole different (and much higher!) number after it’s over.

So what gives?

The fact is, there are many ways to get a moving estimate, and each come with their pros and cons. Here’s what you need to know to get an estimate that won’t become a moving target.

Click here to read the full story.

The Not-So-Private Hell of Family Life in a Home With One Bathroom, Revealed

Posted in Realtor.comTagged , , ,

With real estate listings, the number of bedrooms is important, of course, but here’s a close second: the number of bathrooms.

Let’s face it: In a pinch, siblings can share a bedroom and guests can crash on a couch. But only one individual can use the loo at a time.

And this is why a home with just one bathroom makes many recoil in horror.

Click here to read the full story.

Demolition Daze: 7 Ways to Botch Renovating a Home

Posted in Realtor.comTagged , ,

“Renovating my house was a piece of cake,” said no one ever. Indeed, even seemingly simple projects, like installing a screen door, staining hardwood floors, or refacing kitchen cabinets, can surprise homeowners with unexpected challenges and ever-escalating costs. And the problems multiply if you make certain all-too-common mistakes.

We’re not trying to discourage you from renovating your house, but if you’re planning to give your house a face-lift, be sure to avoid these seven renovation fumbles.

Click here to read the full story.

8 Things That Are Bound to Go Wrong When You’re Painting a Room

Posted in Realtor.comTagged , , ,

Painting is one of the cheapest and easiest home makeovers out there—no knocking down walls, no pricy appliances. Just you and a brush stand between you and a whole new look!

And yet: While painting may seem easy compared to a full kitchen overhaul or erecting a new half-bath, it’s not that easy. This may explain why many people attempt the DIY route with painting, but then quickly start grumbling that there’s a whole lot more to it than what they show on HGTV.

Think you’re ready to wield a brush and roller? First, consider these eight things that are bound to go wrong when you paint a room.

Click here to read the full story.

Eek! 5 Scary Things That Could Be Hiding in That Home You Want to Buy

Posted in Realtor.comTagged , , ,

No matter how dreamy a home looks cracked-foundation-1a249b3a11567510VgnVCM100000d7c1a8c0____at first glance, lurking behind those neatly painted walls could be some truly terrifying things. We’re not talking about ghosts or bats, but things like small cracks in the ceiling, tiny holes in the drywall, or a musty odor in the basement—seemingly minor issues that should make you very, very afraid.

Rest assured, we’re not trying to scare you from buying a home altogether! We simply want to provide you with a list of red flags to watch out for, because they could cause health problems or cost major money to fix. All in all, they are headaches that you’ll want to avoid—or, at least, point out to the sellers so you can negotiate down that list price. So if you find any of these problems, make sure to proceed with caution.

Click here to read the full story.