Tag: country_us

Life’s a beach with a coastal garden

It’s a wonderful feeling to sit in a coastal garden and enjoy the distant metronome of waves crashing on the beach. Beach houses with a cleverly designed coastal garden leave an indelible impression, especially on prospective buyers seeking a new home in a beachside neighborhood. A coastal garden is a stunning asset for such a…
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18 questions to ask a mortgage broker

Competition between traditional banks home lenders for your business continues to be fierce even in these economic times. The challenge is to understand all the products available and which ones would best suit your circumstances. Home buyers are increasingly looking to mortgage brokers to help them navigate this complex environment, although banks continue to offer…
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How to assess an investment property

If you’re considering investing in property, there are some key fundamentals you should consider to ensure you make a good decision: Where is the property located? The best rental properties are usually located near amenities like shopping precincts, schools, hospitals, universities, employment centers and transport. You want to have access to tenants who are likely…
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Nine tips to feng shui your condo

Feng shui is a powerful strategy when trying to sell your condo and can add thousands of dollars to its value if you get it right. The surrounding area is actually more important from a feng shui perspective than how it is used inside the condo.  Much credence is placed on which direction your building…
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Why it pays to think like an investor when buying your first home

When you’re buying your first home, you’re taking your first step on the property ladder which can set up your wealth for life. It makes sense, therefore, to think strategically to maximize the value of your investment. As a first home buyer, you should begin with the end in mind – that is, consider your…
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6 ways to keep your remodeling project on track

DIY television shows can lead you to believe that a remodeling project can be completed over a weekend, but the reality usually takes a lot longer and involves some stress before you’ll reap the rewards.  Here’s my guide to minimizing the drama. Do your research One of the greatest risks with a remodel is over-capitalizing.…
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How your agent can help when selling during divorce

A real estate agent can play a pivotal role in limiting the stress of selling a property during a divorce. Choosing the right agent is crucial as they should be a trusted intermediary for both partners and be able to limit any disagreements. That’s not always easy. The stakes are high. The family home is…
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How much value does an architect add?

When beginning a major construction, such as a new home or a remodeling project, one of the first decisions to make is whether to use an architect. They’re not cheap but they can add substantial value. Their building and design expertise can save you thousands of dollars in the construction phase and offer a significant…
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How to find a great real estate agent

Choosing a real estate agent can be one of the most stressful parts of selling your home — your most valuable asset. Who should you use? Will they be trustworthy and reliable? How do you protect yourself from the unscrupulous? As a trusted and experienced agent, this is my guide to how to feel confident…
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10 tips for a top laundry

The laundry is no longer the little room under or at the back of the house that you try to hide. It has become a focal point for modern buyers who want an organized workspace rather than an indoor junkyard of dirty clothes and everyday jetsam that doesn’t have a home elsewhere. As an average…
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