Things to Do in Buffalo: Oktoberfest Edition
By the end of this month, two major Oktoberfest celebrations will have passed through Buffalo. On September 22, Canalside will host the 50th celebration of The German American musicians. Craft, beer, and wine vendors will make this party great. A keg tapping ceremony at 4:30 gets the party started. For more information about this festival, … Continue reading
New Short Sale Guidelines Meant to Prevent Foreclosures, Stabalize Markets
Fannie Mae just announced a new, more streamlined process for short sale documents and procedures. These new guidelines will update the documentation process, waive deficiencies for borrowers that complete a short sale, and will set standard payments for mortgage holders. The bank hopes that these new guidelines will make it easier for more buyers to … Continue reading
Houses Featured in Classic Sports Movies
While most scenes play out on fields or courts, many sports films give glimpses into the star’s home life. Many of those homes are actually someone’s home in real life, too: 1. Rocky The Rocky films accrued quite a following, and fans will remember from the first film his urban apartment. The apartment, located in … Continue reading
Things You Must Know About Reverse Mortgages
For many Americans, a reverse mortgage is attractive because they offer a way to keep their home. Seniors especially, who may be overwhelmed by medical bills and property taxes, benefit greatly from such a program. The bad reputation that reverse mortgages has comes from many situations where people didn’t make decisions that were positive for … Continue reading
Home Security Tips for Vacationers
With summer wrapping up and kids heading back to school, August is traditionally a big vacation month. With parents driving college students back to school or heading on one final vacation, homes are often left alone for a few days. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe while you’re away: 1. Ask for … Continue reading
Normal Home Sales Climb
While sales of distressed properties have shrunk this year, ‘normal’ home sales are nearly 5% higher than they were this time last year. In fact, normal home sales are at their highest level since August 2008, despite increasing prices and higher competition. In the West, short-term increases in prices and cash sales have reinvigorated the … Continue reading
Tips for the Final Walkthrough
So you’ve found the house you love, made an offer, and had it inspected. It’s now time for the final walk through, a visit meant to insure that the condition of the home hasn’t changed. Here’s what you need to know for your final walk-through: A final walk-through isn’t a home inspection. You’ve already done … Continue reading
Six Hidden Costs of Owning a Home
Everyone knows that homeownership is a big responsibility, from monthly mortgage payments to maintenance. But owning a home also comes with unexpected costs. The best way to prepare for those costs? Have some money saved for surprise costs and never go out of your comfort zone when buying a home. 1. Property tax increases: talk … Continue reading
Incorporate Summer Style Without Breaking Bank
While redecorating for each season can be exhausting and expensive, designers are finding new ways to update homes without being costly. For summer, designers at westelm.com have suggested these easy room updates that will make your home feel like a summer retreat: 1. Bring in the outdoors: Natural materials and textures make a room feel … Continue reading
Ten Things that Make Homes More Valuable
Buyers sometimes don’t look at the big picture when buying a property– stainless steel appliances and paint colors jump out more than things that really should matter. Many forget that buying a property is an investment, an opportunity for growth. Here are ten things that make your house better in the long run: 1. Location, … Continue reading
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