Homes.com Staff

Does Adding a Deck Increase Your Home's Value?

Backyard decks have replaced patios and front porches as the social centers of suburbia in the summer. Decks are elevated to catch summer breezes and to facilitate conversations with neighbors on their decks. Large enough for a table and grill, most decks are more versatile than front porches and provide privacy from street traffic.So how much is a deck worth? If you are house-hunting, how much does a deck add to the value of a home you are considering? If you are thinking about adding a deck, will it pay for itself when you sell, adding more value than the cost of construction?

January 1, 2025

5 DIY Home Security Tips for Renters

Roughly 1.4 million homes were broken into in the US in 2017, according to the FBI. If you’re a renter, home security isn’t something to compromise on, especially if your property manager may not have your security covered. Renters who aren’t on a strict budget may still be unable to alter their apartments with a home security system. This is where a DIY security system works best. Protect yourself and your property from burglary and theft with these simple, cost-effective DIY security measures.

January 1, 2025

Remodel or Move? Which Decision Is the Best for You?

Do you stay where you are and renovate your existing house or do you move to another, maybe newer, house? How do you make that decision? Some will counsel you to leave that old house and buy something new. Others will tell you to tear it down and build new while others still will tell you to stay and remodel.So how do you make that go or no-go decision? What criteria do you use to make a rational decision to stay put and renovate or move on?Here are some questions to ask yourself. Your answers will certainly help you decide on your next move.

January 1, 2025

Retired? Qualifying for a Mortgage May Be Easier Than You Think

Retirees are the wealthiest demographic in America. More than 60 percent of households headed by people over 65 have assets worth at least six figures and more than 10 percent are into the seven figures. Many aging workers fear they can't buy a home after they retire because they will be living on a fixed income. Some downsize before they are ready, selling the home they have lived in for many years and rushing the decision to buy a retirement home while they are still bringing home paychecks.Qualifying for a mortgage after retirement is a little different than it is for buyers who are employed full-time. Retirees need to demonstrate to lenders that they can access retirement savings or investments in addition to Social Security, pensions and other fixed-income sources to create a steady flow of monthly income large enough to qualify for a mortgage. But qualifying for a mortgage after retirement may be easier than you think when shopping for a home that will allow you to age in place.

January 1, 2025

Building a Home: How to Pick a Contractor

Hiring the builder that will construct your new home is by far the most important decision you will make during the entire process. He or she will be your quarterback, your resident expert, your educator, your organizer and the one whose performance will determine whether your home is built on time, within budget and to the quality that you expect. Because your home is the biggest investment in your life, it’s important to choose the right builder. Begin your search for a builder who will serve as your general contractor by understanding what the job entails. As in other businesses, many builders specialize in different aspects of the building process. Some provide design as well as construction services. Others do mostly remodeling projects rather than new construction. Some are known for a particular size or style of home that may or may not be what you are seeking. Some builders are more expensive than others.

January 1, 2025

5 of the Best Cities to Move to in Arizona

If visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon is on your bucket list, set your sights no further than the state of Arizona. You'll be able to soak up exquisite sunsets, visit wineries, enjoy endless outdoor activities and more. Plus, its easy enough to take side trips to California, Lake Mead, Mexico and Las Vegas.Desert beauty aside, Arizona has done a lot in recent years to make the most of its dry climate and abundance of sunshine. It's pushed for clean energy and solar power. As a result, homeowners who choose the sustainable route may be eligible for tax rebates. SolarNation also reports that they can save as much as 70 to 100 percent of their total electric bill.

January 1, 2025

10 Ways to Increase the Visibility of Your Home Listing

Getting Attention for Your Home Listing Doesn't Have to Be Hard

January 1, 2025

Real Estate Investing for Beginners: Rental Houses

Do you enjoy two-for-one deals or getting the most bang for your buck? Does real estate investing for beginners pique your interest? If so, you should consider investing in rental houses. Having houses to rent can make money in two ways: the appreciation of the house over time and generating rental income, which, according to Federal Reserve Economic Data, has increased about 17% over the past five years.

January 1, 2025

Can Grocery Stores Affect Home Values?

There’s an old adage in real estate that says you can choose your house but you can’t pick your neighbors. You can pick your neighborhood, though, and what’s nearby goes a long way into determining your new place’s worth, both when you buy it and again when you sell it.Over the years, studies have been undertaken to determine what effect close-by retail outlets and gas stations have on house values. There was even one on the impact of living near a Starbucks– and another about residing close to a Walmart. But it seems that the largest impact on value comes from living near a grocery store.Read: 20 Home Improvements That Can Increase Home Value

January 1, 2025

Buying a Home in a Tornado Zone

An average of 1,224 tornadoes per year touch down across the United States. That may not sound like much until you consider the amount of damage just one tornado can cause. For instance, it was just one tornado, but the EF5 tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma, on May 20, 2013, destroyed more than 13,000 homes, killed 25 people, and caused more than $2 billion in damage.Because tornadoes can happen anywhere, any time of the year it’s difficult to buy a home that’s tornado proof. However, you can look for features, areas and home construction that’s more likely to weather anything but a direct hit. This includes looking for a home that’s able to become a shelter in case of a tornado. If you know what to look for you can buy a home in a tornado zone and feel safe about doing so.

January 1, 2025