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When you’re house hunting, you may come across a home that is literally only a few feet from the neighbor. In fact, more and more homes are being built on smaller lots so you may encounter this frequently. It may be difficult to determine during the showing just what life would be like living just an arm’s length away from your neighbor. Will you be able to hear their TV? How much privacy will you have? And just what does the law say when it comes to how far away houses need to be from each other? Let’s take a closer look at this situation so you can determine if this is the right set-up for you.

Result of lot shortages

Did you know that homes are often built so close together because of lot shortages? According to housing market data, there is a shortage of lot inventory in most of the major housing markets. This is often attributed to old zoning restrictions and land-use regulations. So when space is tight, homes tend to be sandwiched together to create more housing options. This is even truer today with inventory shortages and high buyer demand. Plus, it also has a historical aspect. Row houses were common in Europe hundreds of years ago which continues to influence housing design today.

Knowing if noise will carry

When you’re touring a home while the neighbors are out, it can be tough to determine whether or not you’ll be able to hear them inside your own home. If the home is part of a homeowners association (HOA), then find out what the noise standards are. That will give you a good indication of what you can expect. If possible, visit the home at different times of the day to see how noisy the environment is and whether or not sound tends to carry. If other people’s noises are bothersome to you, then living with a neighbor so close might be a dealbreaker.

Understanding the law

We’re in a tight housing market, and demand continues to be high. Neighborhoods are becoming denser, especially in highly desirable communities. So it’s unlikely that we’ll see a reduction in the number of homes that are built close together. Unfortunately, there is no federal law that states what the minimum distance between homes should be. This can vary widely from municipality to municipality. Most towns will have a minimum requirement for how far back a home needs to be from the lot line. To find out what the setbacks are in your community, contact your local building department.

How to create more privacy outdoors

When you’re inside your home, you can close the doors and windows to help create more privacy if the neighbor’s house is close. But what can you do outside? First of all, the best fencing contractors in Maple Ridge is just one click away if you want to have the highest-quality cedar fence panels! You can also consider installing a privacy fence with the help of a fence company or contractors that specialize in vinyl fencing in Red Deer. You may consider hiring this fencing company to install vinyl fencing for your home. Adding shrubs along the fence can soften its look and also help absorb noise. Screens can also be used strategically to create privacy in your outdoor living space. You can also help to mask your neighbor’s noise with a water feature like a fountain.

The U.S. housing market continues to make the news on a daily basis. If you’ve been following the news, then you may have concerns about a potential housing market bubble – or even a crash. Nobody wants to revisit what happened during the 2007 housing market crash and recession. So it’s not surprising that experts and carefully looking at today’s market for signs of a bubble. Let’s take a closer look at why there is some concern but also how there are key differences between 2022 and 2007.

Why there’s worry about today’s housing market

Home prices have skyrocketed over the last two years. This mirrors some of the housing market activity we witnessed 15 years ago before the housing market crash. That’s why some experts have sounded the alarm about a potential bubble. But not all experts agree we’re in bubble territory because of major differences between then and now.

Low inventory of homes for sale

The first key difference is that, unlike 15 years ago, we have a low inventory of homes for sale. Between the years 2007 and 2010, there were too many homes on the market. This was primarily because of foreclosures and short sales that caused prices to fall dramatically. But for the last two years – and even before the pandemic began – we haven’t had enough homes for sale to meet demand. Prices are going up because of high demand. And while higher interest rates have cooled the market somewhat, most experts do not anticipate a sudden drop in home values – especially in highly desirable markets.

Lending standards have changed

The second key difference is that standards in mortgage lending have dramatically changed since the housing market crashed in 2007. Back then, lenders had very loose restrictions and nearly anyone could qualify for a mortgage – whether they could afford it or not. But that’s not the case today. Lenders have tightened their restrictions, so it’s far less likely for homeowners to default on their loans. Those risky loans no longer exist, and most homeowners have fixed-rate loans that won’t result in monthly payments suddenly surging. It’s very unlikely that the housing market will suddenly see a wave of short sales and foreclosures like it did 15 years ago.

The bottom line

While there isn’t consensus yet on whether or not we’re in a housing market bubble, most experts seem to think that we won’t see anything like what we saw in 2007. At that time, shady loans lead to ballooning payments that many homeowners couldn’t afford. This resulted in defaults and foreclosures on a large scale, flooding the market with inventory. This happened at the same time as a downturn in the economy, so there weren’t enough people to purchase those homes. But this time, we no longer have those risky loans. And there are many more buyers out there than there are homes for sale. Foreclosures are unlikely. Ultimately, we may see a drop in home prices as the market cools, but it’s unlikely that we’ll see a crash as we did in 2007.

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For homeowners, one of the silver livings of skyrocketing home values is a sudden increase in your home equity. According to a recent report by CoreLogic, homeowners who have mortgages saw their equity grow by more than 32 percent since last year. That breaks down to an average gain of more than $63,000 for every borrower! What’s more, that equity can be leveraged in a variety of ways to your benefit. Here are five ways to use your home equity to your advantage.

Make a large purchase

When you have home equity, you can tap into it by applying for a home equity loan or line of credit. This extra money can be used in numerous ways, including making large purchases. Use your home equity to fund the down payment. Tap into that equity to pay for it. You can even use your equity to fund an education.

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Invest in your home

Did you ever think about how your home can help you fund renovations? If you’ve been dreaming about upgrading your kitchen, adding a family room, or renovating your home office, then tap into the power of your home equity. When you use your equity to pay for improvements to your home, you’re helping to increase its value. It’s a win-win situation. You can also use your equity to fund upgrades when you’re selling. This can help you get a better asking price or lead to a faster sale.

Prepare for retirement

Your home equity can also be a huge advantage when you’re preparing for retirement through Secure Act 2.0. Use your home equity to fund the down payment on a rental home to help boost your retirement income. If you need to make accessibility upgrades to your home, such as ramps or a first-floor master bedroom, then your home equity can help you do that, too. You might even use the money to get an education in your retirement so you can explore a new career.

Consolidate your debt

Home equity can be a powerful and practical financial tool. You don’t need to use it for flashy things, such as home renovations or luxury vacations. Your home equity can also help you consolidate your existing debt. Use it to pay off your mortgage, student loans, medical debt, or credit card debt. You’ll probably get a lower interest rate with a home equity loan or line of credit. It could even help you to improve your credit score in the long run.

Use it for unexpected expenses

Finally, you never know what curveballs life is going to throw at you. When you have home equity to tap into, then you have a safety net. When you open a home equity line of credit, you don’t have to use that money right away. Instead, you can save it for when you need it. It can help you pay for repairs needed after an emergency such as a storm. You can also use it if you need time off from your job to take care of a loved one. And if you’re looking for a change of pace, you can use your home equity to help fund a new business venture. The sky’s the limit!

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As homeowners, we tend to spend most of our attention on the interiors of our homes. We labor over design decisions such as what color to paint the walls or what style of furniture to have in the living room. But when it comes to our outdoor spaces – especially our landscaping – we often don’t spend the same amount of time making design decisions. But those choices can have a huge impact on our curb appeal and even our quality of life. Trees make the biggest statements in our yards so if there are dying or rotten trees in your property, getting rid of them with the help of a tree removal company is recommended.

If you’re planning to add trees in your yard, figuring out the best species for your landscape can be daunting. Moreover, if you have trees that you don’t really like and wanted to get rid of, then you may hire a tree removal service to take care of them. After all, it’s a big investment of both time and money. That’s why we’re sharing these simple strategies about how to choose the right tree for your yard.

Understand the types of trees

When you start looking at the types of trees you can plant in your yard, it can make your head spin. But trees are generally divided into two categories, which will make your decision easier right away. Ornamental trees are smaller trees that grow to less than 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Shade trees, on the other hand, can grow up to 60 feet tall and wide – or more.

Know how much space you have to work with

When choosing a tree, you need to know how much space you’re working with. Trees come in all shapes and sizes, and some trees can reach 100 feet tall – or taller! Choosing a tree that fits comfortably in your space is important. Think about the width, taking care not to plant too close to buildings, fences, or sidewalks. Also, think about the height, and make sure you aren’t planting a tall tree under power lines. Lastly consider how often you will need to hire tree pruning services, as some will have branches that grow rather quickly which could invade areas you would like to avoid. Knowing how much space you have will help you decide between an ornamental or a shade tree.

Know what you want your tree to provide

What do you want your tree to do? Should it provide shade for a patio? Will it block an unpleasant view? Do you want it to attract wildlife? Would you like it to provide flowers in spring or vibrant color in fall? Deciding on how you would like your tree to function in your yard will also help you narrow down your choices.

Know your growing conditions

Next up, know what your growing conditions are in your yard. What USDA hardiness zone are you in? That will help narrow down trees that can survive the winter in your area. Also, look at how much sun or shade the space gets as well as rainfall and soil type. Different trees require different conditions and knowing your growing conditions will help you make the right choice, if you need more information then view more here.

Don’t forget about winter

Finally, don’t forget about winter when you’re choosing a tree for your yard. While we tend to focus on what the tree will provide in spring, summer, and fall, knowing what it will look like in winter is also important. If you want to create privacy year-round, then you’ll need to choose an evergreen tree that doesn’t lose its leaves in winter.

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Selling your home is a major undertaking, even in a seller’s market. Sifting through offers and deciding on the best buyer can be more stressful than you realize. If you have a family member or a friend who’s in the market for a home, then it can seem like a great shortcut to simply sell your home to them. While this can be a great opportunity for both sellers and buyers, it can also come with its own set of challenges. If you’re thinking about selling your home to a family member or friend, then this is what you should know beforehand.

Don’t feel like you need to accept a lowball offer

As a buyer, purchasing a home from someone you know may seem like the easiest way to get the best deal on a house. This is especially true in today’s market where housing prices continue to skyrocket. But as a seller, don’t feel obligated to take a low offer on your house just because the buyer is someone you know. While you can certainly give them a good deal, don’t put yourself in a position where you take a loss on the transaction. This is particularly true if you need the sale to fund a down payment on your next home. Don’t cut yourself short. If you want to know what a fair market price would be, then hire an appraiser to evaluate your home’s current value.

Be upfront about your relationship with the buyer

When you’re selling to a family member or friend, the best policy is to be upfront with everyone about your relationship. This means your buyer’s lender should know that you are already acquainted with one another. While your buyer probably won’t be denied a mortgage because of the relationship, not disclosing it is considered mortgage fraud. That’s a situation that neither of you will want to deal with.

Ask for pre-approval

Money is one of those things that can really wreak havoc on any relationship. It’s a touchy subject that not everyone feels comfortable discussing. But just because you’re selling your home to someone you know doesn’t mean you should skip over this important part. You need to feel confident that you’re selling to someone who can actually afford your home and will indeed qualify for a mortgage. So don’t be afraid to ask for pre-approval. This way, if they don’t get pre-approved, you aren’t wasting your time and can find another buyer more quickly.

Don’t waive the inspection

Transparency is key when you’re selling your home to someone you know. Don’t assume that they know everything there is to know about your home, even if they’ve spent tons of time there. Any problems that arise after the sale can potentially damage your relationship, and we assume nobody wants that. So you should insist that your buyer get a home inspection as part of the closing process. This will uncover any possible issues that your home may have so that they can be addressed before closing.

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When homebuyers are looking at homes for sale, they’re often checking things like the number of bedrooms or even the school district where the home is located. But some homebuyers (and their agents) are looking at less obvious things, too, such as the number of days a home has been on the market, known as “days on market”. Right now we’re in a seller’s market and homes have been selling faster than usual. That’s why some buyers may be hesitant to look at a home that’s been on the market for longer than others. Let’s take a look at why the number of days your home has been on the market can ultimately affect your sale.

“Days on market” defined

Let’s start by being clear about what “days on market” actually means. The days on market is the number of days that a home has been listed for sale before its status changes to pending. The more recently a home has been listed, the lower its days on market will be.

How long is too long?

Homes that just hit the market tend to get the most attention from buyers. But at what point does a home go from being considered “just listed” to being on the market for too long? According to a recent report from Realtor.com, the national average for days on market in May 2022 was 31 days. That’s six days faster than May 2021 and nine days faster than May 2020. In a nutshell, any home that has been listed for more than a month is going to raise suspicions in buyers and their agents. Of course, this also depends on your market and the price of your home. Luxury homes often sit on the market for a year or more until the right person who has decided to buy a luxury home comes along.

What to do if your days on market is high

If you’re selling your home and it’s been sitting on the market for longer than other homes in your area, then you’re no doubt wondering what to do. Is all lost at this point? Fortunately, it does not spell doom – as long as you adjust your strategy. In some cases, your agent may temporarily withdraw your listing from the market. They will then relist it, which resets your days on market and helps to get your listing in front of new buyers.

Other strategies for a languishing home

While relisting your home can work in some instances, your languishing home may need a different strategy to appeal to potential buyers. One thing to try is making improvements to your home. This could include cosmetic changes such as new paint, updated fixtures, or refurbished landscaping. Make sure to take new photos that reflect the changes you’ve made. You may also consider lowering your home’s listing price. In many cases, your home hasn’t sold because the asking price was too high. Real estate markets can change from week to week, and adjusting the price may be all it takes to entice potential buyers.

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Buying your first home is a major accomplishment. It can be so exciting to daydream about owning a home and getting started with your search. But as a first-time buyer, there are many pitfalls that you may experience if you don’t know what to look out for. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the most common mistakes to avoid as a first-time buyer. Follow these tips to ensure that your first experience with buying a home is as smooth and stress-free as possible!

Not getting pre-approved for a mortgage

The biggest mistake you can make is not getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin your home search. We’re in a competitive market for buyers, and you won’t even get your foot in the door with a seller if you aren’t pre-approved for a loan. Getting pre-approval shows a seller that they can take your offer seriously and that you’re more likely to be able to close on a loan. Without that pre-approval, you’ll be wasting valuable time.

Not shopping around for a mortgage

While you’re getting your pre-approval, you should be shopping around for a lender. A home is just like any other purchase in that you should compare deals before deciding on which one to use. There are many kinds of lenders out there and many kinds of mortgages. When you shop around, you’re ensuring you get the best deal with the best rates and terms.

Not knowing your budget

As a first-time buyer, it’s easy to get caught up in your dreams of homeownership. But be wary of those pie-in-the-sky visions you have. Buying a house you can’t afford will cause you all kinds of stress and headaches down the line. Instead, find out exactly how much house you can afford so you can look at homes that comfortably fit within that budget.

Not checking your credit report

Another potential pitfall you need to avoid as a first-time buyer is forgetting to check your credit report before you apply for a home loan. Your lender is going to look carefully at your credit report to determine whether or not you qualify for a loan. Before you apply for a loan, get a copy of your credit report and check it for errors. If you find any mistakes, then make sure they are removed before you begin your search. And if your credit score is lower than you’d like it to be, take steps to increase it before you apply. Aim for a credit score of at least 580, though it varies by lender. But know that the higher your score, the better loan terms you will get.

Getting caught up in your emotions

Finally, buying a home is an emotional decision, yes. After all, it’s where you’ll build a life and make important memories. But don’t forget it’s also a huge financial decision. A home is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, financial investments you’ll make in your lifetime. If you get caught up in your emotions, then you may end up paying too much. Try to keep those emotions in check. A trusted real estate agent can help to be your guide in these situations.

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Building your own home is a dream come true for many homebuyers. When you start from scratch you can create a home that specifically suits your needs. Watching it all come together can be very exciting. Site planning software canibuild will help you quickly plan your site build. But the process can also be full of challenges and complications. If you’ve never built a new home before, then there can be a steep learning curve. That’s why it pays to educate yourself about the process.

Here’s what today’s homebuilders want you to know to make the experience less stressful for everyone.

Prices are going up for everything

Inflation is hitting Americans hard right now. And it is affecting every part of our lives – including building homes. The cost of supplies has gone up for homebuilders, and those costs will be passed on to you as the buyer. In addition, labor costs are also higher than they’ve been in the past, especially because it’s harder for builders to find help. Homebuilders and roofing contractors want you to know that they aren’t hiking prices because they can, they’re raising their costs because they have to. The same is occurring in the business or corporate sector, as the price of essential aspects like a commercial roof installation have been similarly affected as well. As a buyer, if you’re concerned about rising prices, then ask for an itemized list of expenses. Reputable builders will be happy to provide you with one.

Delays should be expected

We’ve all learned more than we ever thought possible about the supply chain. Supply chain delays have plagued every part of life recently, from lumber to baby formula. While your homebuilder will provide a timeframe for the construction of your home, you should expect that there will be some delays. Shortages are real and sometimes unexpected, and your homebuilder may need to wait for needed supplies. You can help things move more quickly by making decisions early. For instance, if you need a Ready-Mixed Concrete Delivery service, you may confirm your order ahead of time.

Changes cost time and money

What may seem like a tiny change to you can be a big headache for your homebuilder. That’s why you should expect any changes to cost you both time and money. Builders are working off the plans that you made at the beginning, and changes to those plans can have a ripple effect. Plus, homebuilders are in the middle of a busy market and may not be able to address those changes in the timeframe that was originally intended. Homebuilders would like you to think in detail about how you’re going to live in your home before construction begins. Reliable homebuilders are also providing construction workwear with safety standards for construction workers. This will help to ensure that your home build stays on budget and on schedule. Equipment by Freightliner are good quality and used by many construction companies.

Quality matters

Finally, it can be tempting to find ways to cut costs for your home build, especially as costs are rising due to inflation. But be aware that sometimes when you cut costs you’re also sacrificing quality. It may be tempting to go out and buy your own fixtures, but you may inadvertently purchase something that won’t hold up over time. Your builder can provide information about what products are good buys – and which ones aren’t. Investing in higher-quality brands may cost you more upfront, but will save you money in the long run.

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Summer is moving season! In fact, did you know that July 31 is often the busiest moving day of the year? The real estate market is hotter than ever, and millions of Americans are packing up and moving on to newer and better things. If that’s you, then you’ll want to make sure you’re organized and ready for that big move. Moving can be stressful and challenging, and the better prepared you are, the easier your move will be. So follow these top tips for making your summer move a breeze!

Get rid of stuff

OK, first things first – it makes no sense to move things you no longer want or need. It will cost you both time and money. So do yourself a favor and declutter now before you hit the road. Not sure where to start? Begin by offloading duplicates and things you no longer use. Donate items that still have life in them. If you need dumpster rental services to put all your unwanted things, don’t hesitate to call the nearest provider in your area. Remember – you can always replace items if you discover you need them down the line.

Start gathering supplies now

We promise you this – you will always need more boxes, tape, and other moving supplies than you think. So start gathering them now. Begin collecting cardboard and plastic boxes (or whatever you’re planning to use for your move). Keep all the newspaper, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies that come your way. Stock up on packing tape. It’s better to have some extras left over than to be scrambling to find supplies right at the end.

Go room by room

Another pro tip – don’t try to pack up your whole house in one weekend. Even if you work better under stress, this is a recipe for disaster. Instead, start early and take it room by room. Keep boxes and totes in each room, and dedicate some time every weekend to packing up those things you won’t be using between now and your move date. Having the majority of your packing done in the weeks leading up to your move will save you significant headaches during those last crucial few days.

Get your storage set up

If possible, start getting your storage set up in your new place. Know where you’ll be storing those things you won’t be immediately unpacking, and have a plan. This could mean setting up shelves in your garage or basement where boxes and totes can live until they find their permanent homes. If you have limited storage space, then you might want to consider renting a self storage unit.

Label all boxes

When you’re packing, label each box on all sides. Be sure to indicate what room the box should go to. This will help you and your movers on moving day and will save you time after moving day. You won’t need to haul boxes to the right places once you’re moved in – everything will already be in the appropriate room. Make sure to clearly indicate if there are fragile items in a box so that you and your movers know to be more careful with it. And once you’re in your new space, start unpacking the rooms you’ll use first, like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. You can save the other spaces for later.

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Owning a home is the quintessential American Dream. Being a homeowner is a mark of success and offers so much more than simply providing you a place to live. In fact, there are many benefits of owning a home, some of which aren’t immediately apparent. If you’re considering making the leap into homeownership this year, then these are some of the advantages that you’ll get when you do.

Protects you from inflation

One of the lesser-known benefits of owning a home is that it can shield you from the effects of inflation. This is critically important right now as we’re all feeling the pinch of rising prices. When you rent a home during a period of inflation, your monthly rental prices will likely increase to keep up with inflation. But when you own a home and have a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments will remain the same. That can make a huge difference in your monthly expenses. And if you’re in a financial crunch because of inflation, you can take advantage of your home equity to apply for a home equity loan or line of credit. These are usually easier to qualify for and have better terms than credit cards or personal loans.

Helps you grow your wealth

Owning a home is one of the best ways to grow wealth. Your home is a financial investment and is one of the best ways to improve your long-term financial health. As you build equity, you are building your net worth. In addition, although the real estate market may fluctuate in the short term, real estate always increases in value in the long term. The longer you own your home, the more wealth you can build.

Leads you to more community engagement

When you own your home, you have an investment in your community. That’s why homeowners tend to be more involved in their communities. When you engage more in your local area, you are helping to improve it, making it an even more attractive place to live. Homeowners often have a sense of pride not only in their own homes but also in their wider community. And that engagement can even help to boost home values in your neighborhood, making it a winning situation all around.

Gives you an emotional boost

Your home reflects who you are – your tastes, your likes and dislikes, and your priorities. Our homes are often our sanctuaries, which was even more obvious during the pandemic. They are our safe havens, our places of work, and where we relax and enjoy ourselves. Most homeowners have an emotional connection to their homes and derive pleasure from that ownership. You have the freedom to improve it, make changes as your tastes and needs change, and share it with those you love. Your home is not only a financial investment, but it’s a place where you make memories, start families, learn new skills, and become more of who you are.

The bottom line

Owning a home has so many financial, social, and emotional benefits. If you’re ready to begin your home search, then contact us today!

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