National Home Sales and
Mortgage Rates Are Up
 For the past 25 months, pending sales in the housing market have posted above year-ago levels. And the latest news from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the trend continuing into May. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) rose 6.7 percent to 112.3, a full 12.1 percent above May 2012's index. The market hasn't shown such strong activity since December 2006.
The PHSI remained steady in the Northeast at 92.3 in May, 14.3 percent above 2012's index. In the Midwest, the index climbed 10.2 percent... Read More
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Extend Summer Fun With Expert
Outdoor Lighting Tips
 From neighborhood picnics to kids' play time, summer means outside time. Much of that activity occurs during longer daylight hours, but darkness is also a great time to enjoy warm-weather days. How can you create an environment that extends the fun of summer past sunset?
Fortunately, the right light can make evening hours safer and more enjoyable, according to the American Lighting Association. Whether for poolside... Read More
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Potential Problems Your Home Inspection Report Won't Reveal
 A home inspection report is a powerful tool for homebuyers. This breakdown of necessary or cosmetic repairs can be used for price negotiations and as a checklist for future home improvements. However, the following is a list of potential deal-breakers that won't be found in a home inspection.
1. The neighbors have noisy dogs. Most cities will have noise ordinances, but a constant battle with resistant dog owners makes for an unpleasant... Read More |
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5 Reasons Home Buyers Should Use Real Estate Agents
 Using a good real estate agent to close on the right home should be a "no-brainer." There are many ways that real estate agents add value to the home buying process. And since all commissions are paid by the seller, home buyers should definitely take advantage of this resource. Here are just five reasons why using a real estate agent can enhance the home-buying process.
1. Knowing the neighborhood.
A real estate agent who knows the neighborhood, may already know whether or not a home has what you are looking for. For example, your agent will know that a home has the large master bath you want or the heavily wooded lot that you don't. After seeing several homes together, your agent... Read More |
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Ten Ways to Improve Your Hardscaping
Hardscaping is the structural components of an outdoor space. This can include but is not limited to walkways, waterfalls, footbridges, patios, decks and gazebos. If you are looking to dress up your yard in preparation to sell your house or to just enjoy the space more, consider these ten hardscaping improvements.
1. Redo your walkways. Unfortunately walkways do not last forever. If the ones outside of your house are cracked, pitted or otherwise worn down it's time to remove them and install new walkways. Buyers and other visitors will notice right away if the walkways are in good repair, greatly affecting how they view your house. Not only that... Read More
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