Every cent counts when you’re saving for a deposit on your first home – and the ability to negotiate a competitive rent during this period can make a significant contribution to your financial progress. You should not underestimate your negotiating power when either renewing an existing lease or seeking a new rental. Zillow says that…
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Paying for closing costs is just a reality of life that comes with buying real estate. There’s no escaping it, but you can shop around to reduce the expense of this obligation. For first-time buyers, it’s worth stepping through this part of a property purchase. Closing costs include legal and title search fees, required insurances,…
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Conventional thinking suggests we all love a neat and tidy garden – flowerbeds are organised and weed-free, hedges clipped, roses in bloom and trees shaped to perfection. When selling your home, this is the perfect philosophy to attract the greatest number of potential buyers. Of course, it’s not the only approach to gardening. An increasing…
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Government data shows Americans are leaving expensive coastal cities and heading back inland for cheaper property and increasing job opportunities. According to US Census Bureau data, an estimated 39% of our population are now living in heartland America, an increase of 2.65% from four years ago. This trend could be important if you’re a property…
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The spring selling season has been a busy one for celebrities with properties being snapped up from Florida to Portugal. Here’s a fun breakdown of who’s been buying and selling among our global celebrities. You can make up your own minds about what they purchased, the amount they paid, and if you’d have done the…
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Sales of existing homes are tracking at four-million-a-year as America’s strong record of value increases continues, according to the latest housing report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Prices are up 1.8% on 12 months ago, and we have chalked up our 22nd successive monthly increase in values. Existing home sales dipped 0.5% in…
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For first homebuyers, there’s a lot of focus on getting your credit score in great shape. Why? Because it totally affects the amount of money and interest rate a lender will offer you. Put simply, your credit score is a big deal when seeking a mortgage to buy a home. Explaining how it is calculated…
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Strong opinions are often voiced about the best time to sell your home, but the simple truth is that you should prioritise your personal circumstances before worrying about whether the sun will shine, or if dark winter clouds hover on the horizon. If you have a growing family and feeling squeezed for space, or you’re…
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If you’ve ever had an infestation of wasps in your garden, or a nest under the eaves of your home, then you’ll know how distressing this can be. Walking outside to enjoy your summer starts to feel like you’re taking your life in your own hands, running or walking quickly before attracting the attention of…
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Inheriting property can be a wonderful gift from a loved one, but it comes with a significant drawback – you’re in the sights of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Taxes like capital gains and the estate and inheritance levy become an immediate issue. It is essential you receive professional advice to ensure you abide by…
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