Buying a home is certainly one of the most rewarding experiences most of us ever have; it\’s also one of the most challenging. If you\’re buying for the first time, the process may seem overwhelming. And even if you\’ve been through it several times, every move is different and presents new challenges. One clear advantage […]

The first thing you should do is to begin focusing on what you\’re looking for in a home. You can start by establishing priorities in the following three areas: Location: Are you relocating to a new town because of a new job or to be closer to your current job? How will the location of

We\’ve found that affordability is probably the single biggest concern of today\’s first-time home buyers. Given the wide range of media coverage regularly devoted to the issue, it\’s not surprising that many young families wonder how long it will take them to afford their first home. Our advice: Don\’t sell yourself short. Talk to your

Good city services, nice parks and playground facilities, convenient shopping and transportation, a track record of sound development and good planning these are just a few considerations that are important to many people when they choose a community in which to live. As for individual neighborhoods within a village or city, there is no better

Again, a good real estate professional is perhaps your best source. They know where the local schools are and can provide you with valuable information about school districts, including test scores, extracurricular activities, bus service and more. If you\’re relocating, a sales professional may even be able to put you in touch with teachers and

Usually, the total amount of the previous year\’s property taxes is included on the listing information sheet for the home you\’re interested in. If not, ask to see the seller\’s receipt. Remember, tax rates change from year to year, so the previous year\’s bill should be considered simply as a \”ballpark\” figure of what you

In most areas, home sales are a matter of public record – you can get all the information you want about recent sales, including prices and listing times, by calling the county Recorder of Deeds. An easier way is to ask your real estate professional. If you\’re interested in a particular home, a sales professional

Yes. Today\’s Multiple Listing Services (MLS) – which include as much as 90 percent of the homes listed in any given community have made it relatively easy for buyers to access detailed information on homes for sale practically anywhere in the country. ERA Real Estate has taken the MLS concept into the next generation with

The house you ultimately choose to call home will play a major role in your family\’s life. A home can be an excellent investment, but more importantly, it should fit the way you live, with spaces and features that appeal to everyone in the family. As you look at each home, consider these important factors:

Whether you are married or not, or have kids or not, spare bedrooms come in handy when family and friends come to stay. And when you\’re not having guests, extra rooms are useful as a library, den, or TV room. Another good reason to choose a home with extra bedrooms: extra space will make your