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While open houses seem pretty casual, savvy buyers know that checking out a home isn’t just about aesthetics or a quick view. In today’s hot market, you might not get another look before making an offer. If you aren’t totally sure about how the open-house process works, you aren’t alone. Sometimes homebuyers visit an open … more »

Throw in the info you pick up from well-meaning friends and there’s a sea of home care truisms out there, some of which can sink your budget. Myth 1: Stone Countertops Are Indestructible Fact: Even rock can be damaged. Marble, quartz, travertine, soapstone, and limestone can all be stained. Regular household cleaners can dull their surfaces over time. And … more »

If you’re even remotely considering selling your home, then no doubt the thought of selling it on your own (fisbo style), has at least crossed your mind. How do I know this, because every homeowner across this great country has done the same thing when they decided to sell. It’s in our nature to fend … more »

Real estate agents work for real estate brokerages (like FC Tucker), and they earn money via commissions when they assist buyers and sellers buy or sell homes. REAL ESTATE MYTH Agents must be rolling in the cheddar. Word on the street is that some of them make 6% or even 7% commission on every house … more »

The appraisal is one of the most important factors dictating what you can sell your home for. Banks will generally only lend buyers enough money to buy a home priced near or above the appraised value, so there is usually not much wiggle room for you to set your price higher. You are stuck pricing … more »

The real estate market often fluctuates, making it tough to predict whether the market will favor buyers or sellers when it’s your turn to buy. Buyers in a seller’s market can get what they want, but they need to bring their “A” game and be decisive. Here are six common mistakes and how to avoid them. Not making … more »

It seems like just yesterday I was bemoaning the ubiquity of granite, hoping and praying it would go the way of the dodo bird and I’d never have to see its speckled self in a kitchen again. Now, after several years of declining use, the day has come: another surface has officially surpassed granite in … more »

Nothing takes away the thrill of moving to a new home quite like discovering that something you love was damaged in the process – especially if that thing was also very expensive to repair or replace. Accidents happen, however, there are a few precautions you can take for your next move to prevent a mood-killer … more »

Summer gives us warmer and longer days, but it is winding down. Many contractors and other pros often find this time of year a little slower, as many homeowners are waiting until fall to tackle big interior projects, which means that you’ll have an easier time finding the right person for the job. These eight … more »

It’s normal for rent or mortgage payments to be the biggest single monthly expenditure for a household. But if housing starts to take up too big a percentage of your available income, you’ll find yourself strapped for cash. Zillow’s most recent housing affordability survey shows that housing expenditures are clearly on the rise, with typical … more »