If you’re hiring someone to inspect the home you want to buy, or you’re a seller trying to find out if there are any hidden problems that need fixing before you put your home on the market, here are five things you need to know: You can choose your home inspector. Your real estate professional can recommend an inspector, or you can find one on your own. Members of the National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc....

  When you and your REALTOR® sit down to price your home, you’ll be looking at competitive homes that are the most similar in size, location and amenities as your home. You may find that prices can be thousands of dollars higher or lower. It’s tempting to pick the highest price and say, “Let’s list it here.” But what if your home doesn’t sell at that price? High prices are a strategy that can work in an...

The rich patina of wood floors adds beauty and elegance to any home. Older homes were once routinely constructed with hardwood floors, but that practice was abandoned in the 1950s, when new technologies made wall-to-wall carpeting available. Builders were able to build more homes faster, for the post-war baby boom, and save money on labor. But today, many homeowners prefer hardwoods to carpet. Hardwoods help give the impression that your home...

Are you happy and excited about selling your home? Or are you dreading the sorting, packing and other chores? Your attitude is contagious to little children. If you look at moving as an exciting adventure full of fun, new possibilities, then you’re halfway to getting your children on board for the ride. Most children don’t like the changes associated with moving, so it’s your job to get them looking forward to it. The younger...

  If your home has curb appeal, you’ll be able to sell it quickly and for top dollar. That’s why REALTORS® rate exterior home remodeling projects as the most valuable homeowners can make.   Many homeowners are confused about which projects will provide the most return on investment as they prepare their homes for the market.   The 2014 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, co-sponsored by the National Association of...