Coldwell Banker American Homes Blog
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7
First Time Buyers: What NOT to Do
If this is going to be the year you break out into your own place, you likely want to be sure your path is as clear as possible. First and foremost, buying one's first home is one of the most exciting - and challenging - life experiences.
To come out ahead, don't make any of the common mistakes that could put your home-buying experience in peril. The U.S. Farm Bureau (fbfs.com) advises first-timers against doing any of the following leading up to or during your closing:
Don't Open New Lines of Credit. Taking on new debt, no matter how small, could throw off your debt-to-income ratio — a magic number in mortgage lend...
31
4 Resolutions for Home Improvements to Make in 2020
With the New Year just beginning, it's time to think about resolutions to improve your life. Many people give up bad habits related to their health or finances while others start something new, such as taking a college class or changing jobs.
One of the most important improvements you can make this year involves your home. Make 2020 the year when you make key home improvements, such as these, that'll make it more valuable and appealing:
Foundation and Roof
Start with the basic essentials of your home. Check the foundation for cracks, settling or movement, and have those problems expertly assessed. Do the same for your roof to ensure adequa...
24
Home Prices Now 15 Percent Higher Than Last Peak
In October, home prices rose 3.3 percent year-over-year, according to the latest S&P CoreLogic/Case-Shiller Indices, bringing them a milestone 15 percent-plus higher than their last peak, in July 2006.
The complete data for the 20 markets measured by S&P:
Atlanta, Ga.
October/September: 0.4%
Year-Over-Year: 4.2%
Boston, Mass.
October/September: 0%
Year-Over-Year: 3.4%
Charlotte, N.C.
October/September: 0.4%
Year-Ove...
11
5 Home Areas to Purge in the New Year
While the new year is often a time of revitalized goals, it is also an excellent time for purchasing unwanted clutter and junk, Circle a weekend in the first few months of the year and plan for purging. The following areas are a great place to start.
Kitchen cabinets. Pull everything out of your kitchen cabinets and examine your items for frequency of use. If you have duplicates, worn items or well-intentioned gadgets you rarely use, pull them aside for donation or re-sell.
Linen closets. When was the last time you itemized your linen closet? Empty out your space and look for linens that are stained, damaged, faded or, in general, have seen better days. Cut them up into rags or store them for drop cloths for your next painting project.
Storage spaces. Storage spots--whether it's the attic, garage or that closet in the basement--are ofte...
6
New Home? Use This Move-In Checklist
After an exhaustive search, you've finally found and closed on your new home and are ready to move in! While your mind might be all about painting, decorating and buying furniture, don't overlook the important practical steps that should be taken upon arrival.
Consider this helpful move-in guideline from Lowe's to make sure you're safe and sound in your new home...then you can focus on being stylish, too!
1. Change the locks. You can't be sure that the keys to your new home are the only ones in existence, so play it safe and change the locks. Now is a good time to consider home automation with smart locks and keyless entry, too.
2. Reprogram the garage door op...