Posted by Jacqueline Richards // January 6, 2019
A decade ago, the idea of controlling your home’s thermostat, lights and security systems remotely via smartphone would have seemed like futuristic science fiction. But 2018 proved to be the year of the smart home. Technology in this market continues to grow leaps and bounds, and Zion Market Research predicts it will reach $53.45 billion by 2022. 2019 holds even more promise […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 29, 2018
2018 IS COMING TO A CLOSE. IT SEEMS CRAZY. THIS YEAR HAS TRULY FLOWN BY, BUT WE’RE EXCITED FOR THIS NEXT YEAR. With the end of the year comes our favorite time here at Save on Crafts. New home decor trends. Designers and stores are already looking at the new looks that are coming in […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 22, 2018
Spring is generally the most popular time of year to sell a house, with hordes of buyers looking to move into a new place before the school year begins. But if you decide to sell your home during the winter, experts say you could reap a reward in cold, hard cash. He’s not the only one who believes […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 15, 2018
COUPLES OFTEN START their married life in a tiny starter home, upgrade to a slightly larger home to raise a few kids, and then stay in that hopefully mortgage-free home in retirement. But many retirees no longer need a several bedroom home. And even if your spacious home is paid off by the time you retire, […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 8, 2018
What are the different types of mortgage loans available to home buyers in 2018, and what are the pros and cons of each? This is one of the most common questions we receive here at the Home Buying Institute. Types of Mortgages: Option 1: Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate As a borrower, one of your first […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 1, 2018
Highlights Create and stick to a budget Consider factors associated with a mortgage Buy homeowners insurance Ask the seller about past utility bills and property taxes Start a fund for maintenance and remodeling costs The price of homeownership is made up of recurring expenses that aren’t always obvious. It’s a good idea to create a […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // November 25, 2018
RALEIGH – “How is the real estate market?” It’s the question I get asked daily and it always gets my blood pumping with excitement to openly chat about real estate. Seasoned Realtors used to have their “elevator speech” ready to go but those days of a standard reply are officially long gone. “The market” is […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // November 18, 2018
Selling your home with the holidays on deck means you may need a crash course in how to decorate your home for the holidays without turning off buyers. Unless you’re a total Scrooge, it’s hard to argue with the fact that glitter lights and colorful accents make a home look more cheerful and inviting. But you […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // November 4, 2018
Pssst … wanna know how to buy a house for just $10,000 upfront, max? No, this isn’t a scam, or a ploy to lure you into purchasing some rickety shack in the middle of nowhere. We’re talking about a nice house in a nice neighborhood—for no more than a hundred Benjamins. We get why you’re skeptical, given […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // October 27, 2018
How to Choose a Place to Live Begin by determining what is most important to you and your family. If you’re single, living in a bustling city might be an ideal choice for your next home. If you have a family, on the other hand, a small town offers amenities that your kids will love. […]