There is No Never

When we’re pursuing our dreams, there’s a real hunger to make them happen as fast as possible. Whether those dreams involve a career goal, a creative endeavor, like writing a novel, or even buying that first home, working the long stretch to realize them can be frustrating.

The actress Solenn Heussaff once said: “There is no never… just long periods of not yet.” I like this quote because it reminds us that the best we can do is stay the course, work hard, and maintain our hope.

Good and Bad Signs in a Neighborhood

Like most things in real estate, neighborhoods are constantly changing in value. In some cases they can improve rapidly and decline gradually, but more often than not they change slowly, over time.

Ideally, you want to buy property in neighborhoods as they’re appreciating. You certainly don’t want to pay top dollar in a neighborhood which is in decline. So how can you tell which direction things are heading?

Home values over time are one way to tell, but they tend to lag behind the trends. Values reflect what the current situation is… they don’t predict the future.

Socialize with your new ‘hood: Garage sale!

It’s common sense to have a garage sale before your big move. There’s no reason to pay movers to load boxes of items you can do without. Plus, who needs the clutter in their new home?

But have you ever considered a garage sale after you’ve moved into your new house?

It’s actually a great idea for a number of reasons:

Home Office Remodeling: So 1995!

Many home remodeling projects do wonders for the value of the home. Certain upgrades and renovations pay dividends when it comes time to sell, and you often can recoup the money you’ve invested in the upgrade.

There are exceptions, however. And one stands head and shoulders above the rest (or should I say below) when it comes to return on investment:

The home office.

Surprised? It may seem like a home office would be a boon for your home at sale time, especially considering the number of people who telecommute and work online. But the fact of the matter is, a home office seldom recoups more than 45% of the money invested in the remodel.

Why? A couple of main factors.

Have a Safe 4th of July: Fireworks Safety Tips

Independence Day is here, and all summer long, people enjoy amazing displays of fireworks. From the spectacular hometown shows to the simple backyard celebration, pyrotechnics are an essential part of the party.

But according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 240 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. Don’t spend a night in the hospital when you can easily prevent injuries to eyes, hands, fingers by observing some simple safety tips.