Posts with tag 'Home-buying tips'

Do you have an extra bedroom that's been quietly calling out for a purpose? Maybe you're empty nesters with some newly-available space. Maybe you're a young couple with plans to fill all those bedrooms someday, but not just yet. In any case, our real estate agents are here to help. Be sure to consider some of these options for putting that space to good use!

1. Create the Home Office of Your Dreams
   If you're among the millions of Americans who have found themselves suddenly working from home this year, then you've probably been dreaming about a proper home office. It sure beats trying to get the job done from the couch or the kitchen counter. Turning a spare bedroom into a functional workspace is a great way to utilize that extra room and can continue being useful long after COVID-19 has come and gone.  

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We sure do love our pets! More than 85 million American families own dogs, and many communities are tailored to our furry friends. If you're looking for a neighborhood that will easily accommodate your pup, our REALTORS® have pieced together these tips to make your search easier.

1. Sidewalks
   For many homeowners, a sidewalk is considered a "nice to have" feature. However, if you own a dog, pin this at the top of your must-have list. Consider neighborhoods with wide, well-paved, and brightly lit sidewalks to ensure that you'll enjoy walks around the area with your furry friend. In addition to sidewalks, consider neighborhoods with trails to explore. It's a bonus if the neighborhood provides dog-accessible water bowls and waste bags.
2. Garbage Cans
   Public garbage cans allow you and your pooch to enjoy more pleasurable walks without having to take poop bags home for disposal. If you find a fully-decked-out doggy station with a garbage pail and disposal bags, you know you've hit the jackpot. Other than garbage cans, look out for cookies and water bowls. If your neighborhood is dog-friendly, you'll spot bowls filled with clean, fresh water outside business parks and shops. You may also find artisan dog cookies at various cash registers. Parks might feature multi-tiered fountains, with a special spout just for pets closer to the ground.

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For a variety of reasons, many people consider moving away from their hometown. Whether it's for a new job or just a new start, here are some helpful money-saving tips before you relocate to one of the great Brighton homes for sale.

1. Create a Budget
   This is the number one rule for all major financial undertakings. Have a reasonable idea of what your expenses will be and build in a cushion to cover unexpected costs. Include factors such as moving services and supplies, deposits and down payments, fuel, and overnight travel.
   
   
2. Save Your Tax Refund
   Tax refunds are more or less "found" money not accounted for in regular household budgeting, so they can go a long way toward covering the expenses of moving.
   
   
3. Pare Down Your Possessions
   Start going through clothing, furnishings, and other household items to determine what stays. Take whatever doesn't make the cut and pick up some extra bucks by holding a garage sale or selling the items through eBay or a consignment shop. As a bonus, you'll reduce expenses and labor by having less to move.

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Buying a home is a big decision. For buyers ready to make an offer on any of the Livingston County homes for sale, it is a decision that involves finding the perfect fit for their family and financial future. For sellers, it means choosing the right buyer who will take care of the property and safeguard the memories they made in the home. As a buyer, writing a personalized offer letter can help seal the deal. A well-crafted letter assures the seller you are the right person to entrust their home to.

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Searching for Brighton homes for sale is an exciting experience. Our REALTORS® want to ensure that you're fully prepared to make an offer that puts the deed in your hand and the keys in your pocket. Unfortunately, many homebuyers don't realize that there are a few elements within a real estate transaction that may prevent you from owning your dream home — especially your credit score.

Credit scores change over time, and although you may be diligent and responsible with your debt, a mistake can drop your credit score to a level that's not attractive to mortgage lenders. A fraudulent or incorrect transaction that you're unaware of can also harm your score. Credit scores range from 300 to 800; the higher the score, the better it looks in the eyes of lenders. Thankfully, even a really low credit score can be raised to an acceptable level with a little planning and discipline. Here are five ways home buyers can increase their credit score while house hunting.

1. Keep an eye on your credit score.
   To take care of your credit score you first must know what it is. One of the worst things you can do is not check this number regularly. Many financial institutions and credit card companies even offer free credit score reporting every month. This enables you to see your score each month without potentially lowering it. If your report seems lower than it should be, investigate the previous months that show a drop. There's always a possibility that your card may have been used fraudulently. If you see a transaction that wasn't yours, report it immediately.
   
   

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