Posts with tag 'Buy a house'

Log cabins aren't just for summer gatherings and family Christmas. The pandemic has changed the way Americans think about housing, and it's encouraging many prospective buyers to look to the past to find the comfort, warmth, and charm of simpler times. Of course, it isn't a new trend, but it is certainly one that has picked up steam in the past couple of years. Indeed, a quick review of Coon Rapids homes for sale shows that the number of log cabin homes in the area is rising. The only question is whether it's the right move for you and your family.

Advantages of Log Cabin Homes

If energy efficiency is near the top of your list of "wants," then a log cabin home is perfect. The strong and sturdy design keeps cold weather out in the winter and insulates the home in summer. Additionally, because of the thickness of the logs, they are practically soundproof, which means you won't be bothered by outside noise.

Click Here to Read More...

Moving is rarely an easy task, even if you're moving to new Victoria homes for sale just across town. Between sorting through belongings, securing moving boxes, and packing things up, the moving process can make you feel like you're losing your sanity. When you have to move in a hurry, feelings of anxiety and stress can escalate to feelings of panic.

If you're faced with a last-minute move, take a deep breath and don't get overwhelmed. There are things you can do to keep your sanity and get the job done in a pinch.

• Decide on Logistics
  First, decide if you're moving yourself or hiring a professional mover. While moving yourself to White Bear Lake Homes for Sale may keep costs down, organizing, packing, loading, and unloading will take you a lot more time. Take a look at your moving budget, then assess the amount of time you have to move. If time restraints make a self-move impossible, hire a moving company that can help with packing and logistics.

  Click Here to Read More...

We are so excited to share the news that Counselor Realty, Inc. has been awarded the Bronze for Minnesota's Best Real Estate Company! It is an honor to be selected! Minnesota's Best had over 5,700 businesses, organizations, and individuals competing to be named to the top three spots in 300+ categories. We thank you for your vote of confidence and are so proud to take home the Bronze!

It's easy to get lost in the vaulted ceilings, beautiful views, and spacious rooms of your potential new home. These marvelous features contribute to the home's ambiance and hint at your future lifestyle. But, it's important to find your focus and turn your attention to the home's more utilitarian spaces. In particular, you don't want to overlook the garage of the Arden Hills homes for sale you have your eyes on. These rooms can have hidden qualities...and hidden flaws you will want to know about before you sign the papers.

• Look the Garage Up and Down
  Look at the roof and walls for signs of leaks and other damage. Streaks on the wall, bubbling drywall, and sagging ceiling panels are indications that there is a moisture problem in the garage. You should also look at the insulation. This is often overlooked, but it can have a significant impact on your monthly utility bills. Make sure the insulation isn't compacted and that it's not moldy or smells of mildew. 
  
  It's also vital to look at the floor. Make sure you look closely for cracks and signs that the concrete is separating. While standing water is rare unless it's recently rained or the floor has been cleaned, if you see water stains on the floor it's an indication that there is a low spot where water collects and pools.

  Click Here to Read More...

Housing 

Despite elevated demand for housing, construction of new homes fell in April, with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau reporting a 9.5% decrease in housing starts from the previous month. Rising building costs continue to hinder affordability and inventory for many homebuyers, although shortages in labor, issues with the U.S. supply chain, and lasting impact from late winter storms have also contributed to the decline in new construction activity, putting some projects on pause for the time being.  

Provided by the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors.

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are down below three percent, continuing to offer many homeowners the potential to refinance and increase their monthly cash flow. In fact, homeowners who refinanced their 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in 2020 saved more than $2,800 dollars annually. Substantial opportunity continues to exist today, as nearly $2 trillion in conforming mortgages have the ability to refinance and reduce their interest rate by at least half a percentage point.

~Provided by www.freddiemac.com 05-27-21