Kathleen Finnegan

Tips & Tricks Category

7 Negotiating Tips for Homebuyers

Remember these tips during the deal-making process of your home purchase. #1: BE QUICK ON THE UPTAKE It is critical to respond to counteroffers as soon as possible and to avoid making a counteroffer with any term that is not truly a deal breaker. Delays in responding leave space open for another buyer to step in and create a bidding war, or even more likely, for the seller to perceive that other serious buyers might be out there. A seller's mere perception... Continue Reading >

boost your curb appeal

  From simple upgrades to meticulous landscaping projects, there are dozens—if not hundreds—of ways to enhance your home's appearance. The improvements shown here won't break the bank and can be completed in a morning. Best of all, they'll make a dramatic difference that you'll appreciate every time you pull into your driveway. 1. Get out the power washer Your home has taken a beating over the winter. The front porch likely has a layer of dirt and salt scum, and the windows could... Continue Reading >

tips to prepare for home inspection

  When you get to the point of the inspection, you're nearing the finish line! Hopefully, the pointers mentioned below will help you cross it with ease! Home Inspection Tips to prepare your Home. 1) Make sure all interior and exterior light fixtures work. If an outdoor fixture bulb is out, the inspector has to note that the fixture does not operate correctly. 2) Provide access to the furnace, water heater and electrical panel. Also, the inspector must be able to remove the electrical panel... Continue Reading >

is there a season to sell?

  Many homeowners want to know, "When is the best time of year to sell my house?" The conventional wisdom is that spring and summer are best. However, there are exceptions, and there are advantages and disadvantages to selling in any season. Here's the information you need to improve your chances of selling your property for a good price in any season. Spring Advantages of Selling in Spring From late spring through mid-summer, home sales are generally highest. Many homes come on the market... Continue Reading >

building a family budget, that works!

  As distasteful as the task may seem, it really is important to map out your expenses and purchases so you can see just where your money is going. The following tips can help you build a budget that actually works. 1. Opt for simplicity. You can harness the power of Excel spreadsheets, Quicken and other software programs, but there’s also nothing wrong with using an old-fashioned pencil and piece of paper. The main objective is to figure out whether you need or... Continue Reading >

10 tips for home flipping

Buying, renovating and selling a house for profit, known as house flipping, is the latest buzzword in real estate. There is no magical formula to ensure success at flipping houses. However, there are essential tips to help investors earn more money. 1. Do not get emotional about house flipping. It is after all a business. If the numbers do not work, proceed to the next property. Some investors commit the mistake of being too attached to the flip that they sell... Continue Reading >

getting prepared for pre-approval

What is a pre-approval? A pre-approval is a commitment in writing from a lender that a borrower would qualify for a particular loan amount based on income and credit information. Most pre-approval letters are good for 60 to 90 days. Why you should get pre-approved? There are many reasons why you should get pre-approved. The most important reason you should get pre-approved early in the process of purchasing a home is that you will get an accurate idea of how much you can... Continue Reading >

home buyer tech tools

Home buyers are increasingly depending on the internet when beginning their search. Here are a few sites that are sure to lend a hand. Google Maps Real Estate Google Maps has grown enormously as a service since its launch in 2005, adding features like walking directions and Street View [source: Google]. Type in an address in any populated area, and Google Maps can likely pinpoint local businesses and give you a good look at it with satellite imagery. But there's another feature... Continue Reading >

travel tips for the holiday’s

Wherever you're heading, if you're traveling during the holiday season, you need to realize that everyone else in the world is, too. But don't let invasive security scanners, terrible drivers and long lines at airports get you down. Here are a few tips to survive the holiday travel season without a Frosty the Snowman-size meltdown. Do your research. Plan alternative trips if traffic makes your way home too overwhelming. Is there a scenic drive that might be longer but have less traffic? Break up... Continue Reading >

are you water-wise?

Water conservation has become an essential practice in all regions, even in areas where water seems abundant. In addition to saving money on your utility bill, water conservation helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers and local watersheds. Conserving water can also extend the life of your septic system by reducing soil saturation, and reducing any pollution due to leaks. Overloading municipal sewer systems can also cause untreated sewage to flow to lakes and rivers. The smaller the amount of water... Continue Reading >