Category: Uncategorized

  In the 53 metro areas surveyed, total sales were up 4.5 percent over January 2016, which was previously the January with the most sales. The median sales price of $208,500 was up 4.3 percent and marked the 10th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases.

Source: Real estate market recap, Feb. 13-17

A project that would build 173 rowhomes in Greektown is moving forward. Elkridge-based H&H Rock Cos. is planning to build the rowhomes on 10 acres of vacant land at 4500-4600 Gough St., according to documents from the city’s Board of Estimates.

Source: Project that calls for 173 townhomes in Baltimore’s Greektown moves forward

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/79559784/list/make-the-most-of-a-compact-kitchen/

A kitchen has to run smoothly to be livable ( and likeable). Each component in a compact kitchen must be perfectly planned, from the layout to the appliances, and all must work cohesively to overcome the limitations of cooking in a confined space.

The IRS permits the use of IRA and 401(k) funds to invest in alternate investments, such as real estate. Generally, you need a self-directed IRA for alternate investing.

Source: Some Helpful Tips For Investing In Real Estate Using Retirement Funds

By Barry Bridges In years past, an apartment-hunter might have been able to find a place with little more than the first and last month’s rent and a handshake. But today, the conditions for signing a lease might include anything from a criminal background check to a pet interview.

Source: Renters Insurance Required: A Win-Win for Apartment Owners and Tenants

Multimeters seem simple enough to use. You turn it on, connect the leads, then start poking things. Really though, there’s a quite a bit going on in a multimeter and a lot of different settings to get used to. Make has a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.

Source: Get to Know Everything About Using a Multimeter With This Guide

During the holidays, it’s customary to give gifts to family and friends. However, I’ve found it better to give experiences instead of gifts to our children.

Source: How to Give Experiences Instead of Gifts | Wellness Mama

Dreaming about financial freedom? Who isn’t? But if you’re counting how many rentals you’ll need to reach certain goals…let’s talk. Imagine what would happen if you earned twice as much from each rental. You could reach your financial goal with half as many units, right?

Source: How to Gain Financial Freedom Faster by Maximizing Rental Income

People across the country are beginning to think about what their life will look like next year. It happens every fall; we ponder whether we should relocate to a different part of the country to find better year-round weather, or perhaps move across the state for better job opportunities. Homeowners in this situation must consider whether they should sell their house now or wait.

If you are one of these potential sellers, here are five important reasons to sell now instead of in the dead of winter.

1. Demand Is Strong

The latest Realtors’ Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains very strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing and able to purchase… and are in the market right now! Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.

2. There Is Less Competition Now

According to NAR’s latest Existing Home Sales Report, the supply of homes for sale is still under the 6-month supply that is needed for a normal housing market (which is 4.5-months). This means, in most areas, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in that market. This is good news for home prices. However, additional inventory is about to come to market. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move, as they were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation. Homeowners are now seeing a return to positive equity as real estate values have increased over the last two years. Many of these homes will be coming to the market soon. Also, as builders regain confidence in the market, new construction of single-family homes is projected to continue to increase, reaching historic levels in 2017. Last month’s new home sales numbers show that many buyers who have not been able to find their dream homes within the existing inventory have turned to new construction to fulfill their needs. The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until all this other inventory of homes comes to market before you sell.

3. The Process Will Be Quicker

Fannie Mae announced that they anticipate an acceleration in home sales that will surpass 2007’s pace. As the market heats up, banks will be inundated with loan inquiries causing closing timelines to lengthen. Selling now will make the process quicker & simpler. 

4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move Up

If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by 5.2% over the next year, according to CoreLogic. If you are moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. According to Freddie Mac’s latest report, you can also lock-in your 30-year housing expense with an interest rate around 3.57% right now. Interest rates are projected to increase moderately over the next 12 months. Even a small increase in rate will have a big impact on your housing cost.

5. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should? Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.  

That is what is truly important.

Source: Winter Is Coming… 5 Reasons to Sell Now!

Small spaces can drive you crazy, especially if you need pipes in a compact bathroom, kitchen or laundry to run toilets, sinks and washing machines. Here are some must-know tips and tricks for your home’s high-traffic rooms to free up space for features and fixtures that need plumbing.

Source: 6 Plumbing Hacks for Pocket-Sized Properties (17 photos)