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How to Create a More Sustainable Home

The average household wastes 51 MMBtu’s every year, and a typical home wastes about 30% more energy than an energy-efficient home does. What’s more, the average household creates 4.4 pounds of trash per person per day.

That’s a lot of garbage and a lot of energy wasted.

Myths and Facts About Selling Your First Home

Everyone will give you their own piece of advice when it comes to successfully selling a home. But not all advice is necessarily sound advice.

There are plenty of myths floating around out there when it comes to selling real estate. So what should you believe, and what should you take with a grain of salt?

What Buyers and Sellers Should Know About Transfer Taxes

It seems as though there’s a tax for just about everything. And when it comes to buying and selling real estate, taxes are certainly part of the process.

One of the tax types that buyers and sellers should be aware of is the “transfer tax.” This tax is charged by California state and local governments whenever a property transfer occurs, regardless of whether it’s residential or commercial.

Things Buyers Should Never Do When Negotiating on a Home

Negotiating a real estate deal requires a lot of skill, know-how, and a check on your emotions. As a buyer, you don’t want to spend any more than you should for a home, no matter how much you fall in love with it. Unfortunately, some buyers make a few mistakes that can hamper their negotiating power.

8 Affordable Ways to Improve Your Kitchen

Your kitchen is the hub of your home. It’s not just where you prep meals, but it’s often a place of gathering and entertaining. Kitchens serve not only to eat in but to spend time in with friends and family. But if your kitchen is looking a little tired, it might be time to give it a bit of a facelift.

Why Sellers Should Be Flexible With Their Showing Times

Before a buyer decides to put in an offer on a home, they’ll need to see the property in person first. Visiting homes and checking them out in great detail is an integral part of shopping for real estate. Considering the magnitude of such a purchase, buyers will want to make certain that they’re getting what they pay for, and visiting in person is the way to do that.

Why Do Mortgage Lenders Require a Home Appraisal?

There are so many factors that go into finalizing a mortgage for a home purchase. Aside from the obvious factors – such as your credit score, income, and down payment – the house itself needs to pass the test in order for your lender to agree to provide you with a mortgage.

Should You Get a Mortgage Online?

Unless you’ve got a lump sum of cash to put down, getting a mortgage is part and parcel of buying a home. Luckily, there are plenty of different mortgage products and sources available these days to accommodate the varying types of buyers out there and the unique financial situations they’re in.