This website provides information on the different fields and levels of real estate as well as the different terms used in the real estate business. Both residential and commercial real estate topics are covered.
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First-time home buyers say they want affordability, but a Coldwell Banker real estate broker survey reveals a disconnect between affordability and the homes consumers want. Here's a look at how to bridge the gap between residential real estate expectations and reality in the brave new world of home buying.
Everyone deserves a defect-free home. Here's how to look for trouble, report it and make sure the builder corrects the problem.
Transit oriented developments allow you to live nearer necessary destinations and give you more transportation options, thus saving you money on gasoline. This article discusses gasoline savings and a host of other benefits associated with transit oriented developments (TODs).
If market conditions have given you the itch to invest in real estate, treat it with education, market savvy and professional help. Learn about the steps you should take if you're interested in investing in real estate property.
An equity sharing deal is typically struck help sell a home, often in a tough market, but a tough market isn't a prerequisite. It also helps enable a home purchase when it might not otherwise be possible. And it is used to provide an investment with a financial return.
What exactly is an Exclusive Buyer's Agent? Read the following article for the answers you need.
Home plans come in many varieties, large and small, plain and detailed. The DDI105-202 is a very exclusive variety not commonly found just anywhere. This design is full of character, charm, and a good blend of masculinity and femininity. In other words, it has a rustic nature to it that's cottage enough to be cute and craftsman enough to keep a mature, slightly rigid, architecture.
Unique is a word that describes us all. Sure, we all have the same basic components, but we all differ in very meaningful ways. And those differences shape our lives and make them beautiful. Your home should be the same. It should conform to your needs and cater to your livelihood.
First-timer home buyers have a lot of ground to cover, from learning about market conditions to landing the best loan. This article addresses issues commonly faced by those pursuing their initial home buying attempt.
First-time home buyers say they want affordability, but a Coldwell Banker real estate broker survey reveals a disconnect between affordability and the homes consumers want. Here's a look at how to bridge the gap between residential real estate expectations and reality in the brave new world of home buying.
Let me introduce you to Angelina. Don’t let her stunning façade fool you. She’s as smart as she is beautiful, and surprisingly warm and inviting.
No one will deny that this buyer’s market has been a wild ride so far. The first thing that enters the heads of most buyers today, however, is how low a seller will go.
When you have questions needing answers that really hit home, contact the Deadline Newsroom. This installment: auction deals; home improvements to add value; analog to digital television signal change.Unauthorized use of this story is a copyright violation.
This article offers tips for responsible home buying, including emphasis on setting a budget, saving, knowing your credit report, and looking for expert help in the process.
Home design has long been plagued by home budgets. Sky rocketing costs have pushed us to build track homes and other poorly designed homes to keep the cost low and the profit high. The damages this has caused are various and are topics of more in-depth discussions.
How can you use your time most productively before the moving van arrives?
I think I've said this before, but I'll say it again. You can never have the perfect house plan. It seems like no matter what you do, even if you have the budget to build whatever you want... there will be something you wished you could do differently.
The real estate market -- driven by buyers right now -- is the straw that stirs the soup when deciding to build your own home, just as it would be if you were thinking of buying a re-sale home or a production home from a big builder.
With appropriate planning, design and support, builders can develop a successful community built to serve the equestrian enthusiast and nature lover, but only after several issues are addressed.
Funny how some people -when given resposibility- feel it necessary to exert their power excessively to prove a point. Why is that? Do they think it makes you any more willing to do what you can to accomodate them?
There are many different issues to consider when it comes to the choice of a basement, crawl space, or a slab foundation for your new home.
The national home market is in transition at the moment, most markets already showing signs of slowing and increased inventory. Now may be the best time to buy!
An overview on buying a home, including information on deals, and neighborhood issues
There is more than one reason people buy homes “with experience.”
A foreclosure purchase can be a good way to save money on buying a home or investing in real estate, but if you don't know what you are doing the ordeal can lead to great financial loss. This article will help orient you to the process of buying foreclosures.
Building a home is a big project! There is so much to do, and a lot of apprehensions about how things will turn out. The Plan Collection understands.
Landlords are permitted to deduct from security deposits for damage or excessive filth, but not for ordinary wear and tear.
Here you will find ten tips for picking a real estate agent in today's softer real estate market, where money is tight and competition is tough.
house plans, home building, homes, real estate, property
Time to explore the fruits of your labors after purchasing your new home. Now that you're getting close to calling this house a home at last, let's look at how the loose ends get tied up.
The closing process of purchasing a home can be one of the most confusing parts. This article is an attempt to help first time home buyers understand the basics of the process to settle fears and anxieties about the process.
Many consumers overlook commercial modular building when attempting to open a new business or expand services to new customers. The market for prefabricated buildings and storage units is thriving because these units require less financial commitment than traditional structures.
Choose a condo as a second home and, chances are, you'll be satisfied with the workings of the community association, the money you save and the chores you won't have to do. Find out why condos are great as second homes.
Every foreman knows the importance of on-site construction offices in coordinating day-to-day building efforts. Construction companies need to look at several factors when purchasing or renting mobile offices for upcoming projects.
Summer is upon us and the outdoors is calling. We at The Plan Collection hope you find yourself in a beautiful home that allows you to take advantage of all the summer fun! If you’re looking for that summer getaway that you’ve always dreamed of, we just happen to have a few ideas.
It’s not always easy to find a plan that will fit just about anywhere. Some house plans are built for a view, and hard to justify anywhere but on top of a hill.
Every now and then we add a few home plans to our Country House Plans line that I just have to write about. This time it’s the CR-534 series, consisting of versions A and B. The larger of the two is version A at 3,354 square feet. Version B comes in at 2,698 square feet. The difference between the two is fairly minimal, but opens up some more possibilities with modifications.
Perhaps the most classic culinary setting is the Country Kitchen. This style graces the entire nation and is deeply rooted in history. Kitchens haven’t been around for very long as kitchens.
Log house plans can be used to live in all year long, or for a great vacation spot. At The Plan Collection, we have a variety of both small vacation lodges, and large log homes that you’ve always dreamt of.
Want better results? Define the salesperson-home buyer negotiation process.
We have great design professionals that would be happy to customize your home plan. However, there are a few things you ought to know before doing so.
After much consideration and lots of tanks of gas, you’ve narrowed down your search to one house from one builder that seems to provide everything you would expect.
Contact your lender immediately Personal meeting preferred Deal with the actual lender Don't ignore ...
Answer these eight questions to find out whether you're ready to start shopping for a new home
Why is it that some homes sit on the market for a year while others sell like hot cakes? Frustrated sellers will blame a bad market, while a good real estate professional will tell you that many times, a slow sale is often attributed to the listing price.
A good rule of thumb when it comes to whether or not something should be disclosed about a home for sale: "If you can't figure it out, don't leave it out."
Find out which home improvements will add the most value to your home.
House Plan LP-2792 is a favorite for several reasons. I’ll list some pros and cons to help sort it all out.
As Americans, we tend to have an out-of-sight-out-of-mind mentality where electricity is concerned.
When homes sit unoccupied for long periods of time, it seems they become targets for vandals.
We have recently posted the following article in our articles section of our website, but this is common information requested from the sales representatives so here is the information again.
We want to revisit a topic that we covered quite a while ago. We continuously get questions regarding architects and engineers stamps, or structural review. Our very own Jake England wrote the following quite some time ago, and it still holds true today.
The following is a list of key points and questions community builders and developers should address to ensure success of their equestrian community. With appropriate planning and support, savvy builders and developers can tap into this growing market.
An equity sharing deal is typically struck help sell a home, often in a tough market, but a tough market isn't a prerequisite. It also helps enable a home purchase when it might not otherwise be possible. And it is used to provide an investment with a financial return.
You don't really know someone until you live with them, and you need to know how to properly evaluate a roommate.
How to narrow down your housing possibilities until you find the perfect house.
Here’s a little how-to guide for finding the perfect house plan for you. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll soon end up with your Dream Home.
As you know, fall is just around the corner. The days are now getting shorter, the weather is getting cooler, and leaves are starting to change colors. With all this change in the air, I have to ask -- can you think of a better time to start looking for your dream home?
While these questions may seem overwhelming at first, it's important to take your time and closely consider each decision you make. And it's not just the major choices that matter when building a home.
The current landscape is fertile ground for first-time homebuyers.
Consumers' temptations to cash-in on foreclosures come with reservations. Getting rid of those jitters requires a measured approach to the transaction.
If a court date has been set for the foreclosure of your home, you might yet be able to stay in your home after the court concludes foreclosure.
There is definitely something to be said for curb appeal when getting your home ready to sell.
I want to let out one of our best kept secrets. We have a unique collection of versatile home plans, and that is our garage house plans. These come in two different groups: simple garages of all sizes and garages with apartments above them. Each offer a powerful set of options to your lifestyle that make storage, play, housing guests, nurturing children, and making money easy!
If you are planning to move, then you understand that you have a big task in front of you.
Model homes are mesmerizing to many of us. But what are we really seeing when we walk through them?
The DDI105-202 has some major green advantages and opportunities. To start off with, its basically a three story home, which is not only less expensive to build than something spread out, but disturbs less ground.
The NDG-844 is a modest home that could house a large family comfortably. The best green highlight is that it uses the 2470 sq. feet wisely.
Going green at home is a lot more than just switching light bulbs, swapping out the thermostat and plugging holes. To really save the planet, change your lifestyle.
How to "go green" when remolding a home.
I get to talk about cool house plans all day long (eat your heart out George Gray), so I'm pretty excited when one comes a long that hits all my favorite features. The 1978 is just one such house.
This is the year you're going all out. You're going to build a deck, add a porch, erect a gazebo or lay a patio. You've done the research. It's well within your capability and you're looking forward to the satisfaction of creating a structure of beauty.
Tips for holding an open house and talking with potential buyers.
Most homebuilders will respond quickly to true emergency items during the applicable one, two, or ten year warranty periods.
Residential developers do a LOT of homework before they buy tracts of land upon which to develop master-planned and other types of neighborhoods.
Picking a location, deciding how much you can afford, and securing the right financing are some of the most commonly discussed issues faced when shopping for a new home. This article will address some of the issues less frequently addressed, yet which are equally crucial for home buyers.
Now is the time to give your home a facelift.
It's a good time for a home inspection. In today's flat markets, a home inspection can give buyers a negotiating edge.Sellers, on the other hand, get an anti-haggling tool.
When you have questions needing answers that really hit home, contact the Deadline Newsroom. This installment: home buying timing; getting the best mortgage; home ownership costs.
Sure, it’s not an easy task to sell a home these days. Besides being exhausting and time-consuming, buyers have hundreds of homes from which to choose.
Home staging – the practice of merchandising a home to sell – is not a new type of interior decorating. In fact, it’s not interior decorating at all.
Staging is to the interior of a home what curb appeal is to the exterior: nipping and tucking, furnishing and accessorizing, buffing and polishing until the place looks like a model home. Here you will find expert advice on staging your home for sale.
Staging, designed to embellish the look and feel of a home for sale, can also be used to conceal what's real. Brokers advise buyers to look beyond the staging.
The house seems like everything you ever wanted. Judging by the layout of the model home, it's literally made for you.
I have designed a lot of house plans over the years and in the process have met some funny people. It is amazing what some people will do to save a buck, and amazing what trying to save a buck can cost you. Here are a couple of examples of Do-it Yourselfers I have met that [I'm sure] paid much more than they had to just because they wanted to save a buck on house plans.
Working at The Plan Collection means you’re constantly exposed to amazing house plans and the best residential architecture. However, sometimes it feels boring to look at plan after plan of the same thing.
Many home owners who perform home improvements now will be in good shape for the next home price spurt, but they may first get only use-benefits without the added value. Find out more about how the housing crisis is affecting the remodeling and home improvement business.
With droughts spreading further and lingering longer, there's an increased chance that one will impact your decision about where to buy a home. This article emphasizes the importance of taking drought into consideration when choosing a residential locale.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, particularly when it comes to buying a home. Features that attract one home-buyer may repel another.
Wood framed construction, as is commonly employed in new home construction, generally cannot withstand the power and sheer intensity of the blows that can be landed by a freak tornado or angry hurricane. So what can be done to rebuild areas where rampant weather damage has taken its toll and to prepare them for any sequels Mother nature has in store? The answer may be insulated concrete forms.
We have built several homes with indoor basketball courts. This has been a lot of fun and challenging. These indoor courts are about 30'x35' with ceilings heights a minumum of 17'. Most of the homeowners have chosen to put a thin carpet on the walls and an industrial gym carpet on the floor.
Having built a few homes, I have learned that there are certain things that really need to be done right. One of those things, is having your doors installed correctly.
Understanding what area of foreclosures to invest in and what area is the best at what time in the cycle will be critical to your success in foreclosure investing.
There are many decisions that you will need to make when investing in real estate. One of those choices, for those handling rental properties, is whether or not you need a property manager.
In the last year there has been an increase in the number of
buyers moving into downtown condominiums. With the closeness of
amenities and affordable prices it's easy to understand why
buyers want to live in a condo for sale in Calgary. Many buyers
see condo living as an attractive option because of the traffic
congestion nightmares, the longer commuting times and the ever
increasing construction of the Calgary roads.
Jobsite trailers have come a long way from the older types of trailers that you see in the movies. Modern office trailers and storage trailers are polished and professional looking. They can supply all your jobsite trailer needs, either as a sales office, mobile field office, or as a storage trailer for your supplies. Since you can even get windows in jobsite trailers, they now seem less like trailers and more like small mobile offices.
A "lease" is a written contract that binds both the landlord and the tenant for a specific period of time.
If a landlord fails to make required maintenance and repairs a tenant may seek recourse.
You may find it difficult to believe that the days will start getting longer in the Northern Hemisphere in just four short weeks. You can find yourself this time of year coming home on dreary days, or welcoming evening visitors in the dark.
Log Houses are generally sought after for their rustic appeal. The exposed raw material blends in with nature’s landscape and gives a feeling of being one with your surroundings. The great outdoors are the main inspiration for the overall design of all log home plans.
Everyone deserves a defect-free home. Here's how to look for trouble, report it and make sure the builder corrects the problem.
This is the Avalon. It is a spacious craftsman lodge home with its style rooted in the past.
Our goal is to bring you the best designs from the greatest designers at roughly a tenth of the price of a custom design. With close to 20,000 plans, you’re sure to find one that suites your needs and gratifies your wants. With close to 15 years of experience in the creation of fine homes, we’re sure to handle all of your questions and concerns with the professionalism and expertise you deserve. Feel confident in your search for the perfect house plans.
Looking at a home in all of its contexts is an important step in choosing a particular design. In fact, it makes the home plans, or the house plans, or whatever your preferred phrase may be, just that much more important. The plans must have the context of the home inherent in the design.
This luxurious French-European house style provides 5,303 spacious square feet of outstanding family living space. From the French-inspired exterior with stone siding, dormers with wrought-iron balconies, hipped roof, half-timber detail and arched, main entrance doorway, this gracious and appealing home style soothes the senses and promotes well being.
How to make the offer that wins, including setting the price, adding contingencies, and developing your strategy for competitive housing markets.
A realistic approach to making offers and negotiating to get the most home for your money, this article has everyday, practical suggestions about how to make offers and negotiate through your Realtor.
Watching a model home complex being decorated is like watching an old-fashioned barn-raising.
Modular offices and modular buildings offer numerous solutions for businesses and homeowners. Anywhere more space is needed, whether it is a small enclosure or a configuration built to house hundreds of workers, modular construction can provide the solutions you need at a fraction of the cost and it won't take anywhere near the time traditional construction takes.
If you’re applying for financing to buy a home and wondered how mortgage lenders use your magic credit score “number” to make the decision to lend you money, chances are you may never have had a basic primer on just how credit scoring works.
Let’s look at ways to make your move easier as well as examine some great ways to settle in and get to know your new home neighborhood. Your journey as a new homeowner is about to begin.
A list of best selling house plans.
Here's how to begin to navigate today's housing market, step-by-step, and make a good deal without getting taken.
If you’re buying a home, whether new or previously lived-in, chances are good that your neighborhood has a homeowners’ association and its accompanying Covenants Conditions andRestrictions (CC&Rs).
Allow me to introduce you to one of The Plan Collection's newest house plans, M-4455 extreme. Unlike most of our new additions, this home is already famous. M-4455 extreme was built and featured on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition".
Office trailers are perfect for anyone who needs temporary office space. They come in sizes and features to suit the needs of each individual who rents or buys them.
When looking for an apartment through an online apartment listing service, there are some things to be aware of.
According to the National Association of Realtors, a whopping 84% of consumers go online first when house hunting.
In resale home marketing, there's nothing quite like the touch-and-feel-the-real-deal of an open house to get buyers to beat a path to your home-for-sale door. It's the resale market's spin on the new home market's model home.
Putting a fresh coat of paint on your home will prolong the life of its skin, pump up the value, and revive its curb appeal, which are all important additions, especially when it's time to sell. This article offers expert advice for giving your house a solid painting job.
The Atrium 2 is a compact sun-tempered home full of the Not-So-Big-House concepts. Two sides are designed to face south which maximizes the number of rooms that receive sun. The center of the home will be full of light too with the atrium that also aids in natural cooling.
How to organize efficiently when moving
The Housing Industry is amazing. I can’t believe all the new designs, the unique ideas, and all the design styles. There are so many! As a student of Interior Design and Architecture, and as an employee of one of the top ranked house plan websites in the world, I see all kinds of houses and buildings of every flavor.
The use of prefab offices is growing in today’s world, both corporate and construction, as well as in many other areas. Prefabricated buildings are easy and quick to build and ship and can save you or your company precious time and money. They are convenient and portable, and are starting to pop up all over the country.
If you know in no uncertain terms that you’ll need the proceeds from your current home to purchase your newly built one, you may be asking the builder to entertain a “contingent” offer.
By now, most of us have heard all the reasons foreclosures takes place – among them, job demotion or loss, sudden illness, death, divorce, excessive debt reorganization or not being able to pay or refinance an adjustable rate mortgage.
This article advises homeowners to contact their local jurisdiction's property tax agency for information before listening to someone offering property tax reduction services for a fee.
If you need to find an apartment in another state, one where you have no connections, using real estate brokers is the best way to go.
Real estate fliers can put the dream of home ownership in the grasp of potential buyers, but they can also put you and your agent in front of a civil court judge. When using fliers to sell your home, make sure the information you put out is accurate so you don't wind up with a lawsuit on your hands.
There are many ways a person can make a living when it comes to real estate investing. Some ways carry more risks than others. It goes without saying that those with the greatest risks are often the very real estate investment methods with the maximum potential profit. In the hot real estate markets of the recent past, flipping houses was often in the news because so many fortunes were been made. Conversely, more than a few house flippers have suffered huge loses in this venture.
If market conditions have given you the itch to invest in real estate, treat it with education, market savvy and professional help. Learn about the steps you should take if you're interested in investing in real estate property.
How often have you read the words “diamond in the rough” to describe a house for sale, only to find that the house needs every kind of repair conceivable?
Relocating is always a difficult thing to do, and selling your current home will only add to the hassle. Being able to quickly find a buyer for your home is ideal. Having an unoccupied home you have to continue paying for becomes a real financial burden, especially when the selling process drags on for a long period of time. Selling your home before you begin paying for another one is the best alternative for your bank account.
All the expenses associated with title and escrow costs from tiny recording fees to title insurance premiums can add up to thousands of dollars, and those fees can vary widely from one company to another. Here are some tips to get the best title and escrow services for the best price.
Rules for sidewalks, trees and fences vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. With so many variations, it behooves you to learn what rules apply to you and your home, so that you can assume maintenance responsibilities and avoid injury on your property.
Changes to make after relocating
This article offers expert advice on attracting renters to your vacation home during a period of economic hardship.
When seraching for a new home, find information on relocation decisions, including schools, housing costs, and community resources.
With the economy on the down-slope, saving money is key. There's no better place to start than at home by getting rid of excess and making the most of what you already have.
The money you can save on a discounted commission, all too common these days, could very well be enough to make your listing sell with something left over for you. Here you will find out how to make the reduced commission deal fly fastest and highest.
In this article you will find expert advice for home sellers struggling in a slow market.
Do you need the net proceeds from the house you’re selling to buy a newly built home?
Tips for selling your home when the real estate market is down.
In many parts of the country, selling a home during the winter months can be a challenge. Dreary, cold weather and the end-of-the-year holidays can keep buyers away and heighten fears of your home staying on the market longer than expected.
With more and more people considering selling their home without
the help of a real estate agent, this list of FSBO tips provides
a quick overview of some of the many tactics that can make a
difference when selling FSBO.
Tips for selling your house, including setting the right price, timing the sale, and hiring an agent.
Follow these seven steps to make a sensible second home purchase.
There has been a long-running debate among both home sellers and real estate professionals whether a vacant or furnished home attracts more buyers and reaps a higher sales price when all is said and done.
Many of our clients are looking for something small, simple, and economical. Some are building for their own home, and others are hoping to build for less and sell for more. No matter which category you fall under, there are a few key factors in creating a comfortable, enjoyable dwelling, while optimizing the price tag.
The Mango Cay is a cute, small Mediterranean house plan designed for a narrow lot. Great retirement or empty-nester home under 2000 sq. ft. of living space. High ceilings give the illusion of spaciousness in this step-saving two bedroom plus study home with optional summer kitchen, built-ins, and wet bar.
One of the most impressive aspects of home design is space planning. The space itself is much more important than the size of the area. In other words, if the space is planned and designed well, then you don’t need it to be so big. Narrow lot design is perhaps one of the most challenging for space planners.
There still may be a chill in the air but for those of you thinking about selling your house, spring is already here.
If your existing home sells before your new home is complete you will need to store your items. I found some good advice on www.homestore.com
No longer only for selling livestock, estate goods and vacant land, auctions have become the fastest growing way to buy and sell homes--and not necessarily as a last ditch effort. Here you will find a list of key benefits for all auction parties.
House Plan PDI-433 is the perfect solution for any family that wants to provide a separate living space for a guest or parent within their home.
Many of our visitors have inquired about In-law suites, and we have deliberated long and hard over the issue. We have searched our house plans for months now attempting to find the answer to the In-law dilemma. No personal issues here, just where to house them when they, or any other parents, are joining or visiting your home.
All good things carry with them some degree of risk. The same holds true with real estate investing. Despite the promise of high rewards you should temper those goals with the reality that the risks involved are more often than not just as high as the potential rewards. For this reason you need to take every possible precaution in order to insure that you minimize your exposure to risk whenever possible. At the very least be prepared, financially and mentally, to accept the consequences of those risks if the time comes.
The old adage that “timing is everything” especially applies to buying a new home. And trying to be at the right house at the right time and get it for the right price can be tricky. Here are some guidelines to assist you.
Search for housing online brings knowledge and speed to the home-buying contest. This article will help you adopt a studied approach to shopping for homes online.
If you want to sell your home for a great price, you are going to have to work hard to make it look desirable in today's market
Do you live in a suburb where all the neighboring homes are the same? Do you come home at night and pull into the wrong driveway because everyone's house plan is the same and the colors barely differ? Its frustrating isn't it? I like to see innovative production home builders that take the time and spend the money to give people more options within a subdivision.
How not to get stuck paying two mortgages.
Transit oriented developments allow you to live nearer necessary destinations and give you more transportation options, thus saving you money on gasoline. This article discusses gasoline savings and a host of other benefits associated with transit oriented developments (TODs).
A listing contract is an agreement between you and a licensed real estate broker that authorizes the broker to represent you in the process of selling your home.
In this article, we will examine the life cycle of real estate booms and busts. We will also look at how real estate bubbles occur, and how to prevent yourself from being caught in one. And finally, we will look at how to profit from real estate in times of both boom and bust.
Some of the lingo used in real estate marketing is just that, terms, phrases and euphemisms designed to get you interested. It's up to you to see a property for what it really is.
Versatility shouldn’t be an afterthought. Country Home Plan CR-516, the Chesterfield, keeps versatility in mind from the beginning. Lifestyles change and long-term usage must be addressed in any efficient plan. This country dwelling allows the waves of life to pass you by as you remain undisturbed.
Virtual staging typically includes online photos, videos and other images of a home for sale, but can include any marketing images of the listing and the text that goes with it. This article provides home sellers with expert advice for creating an online listing.
How and when to hire a property management company
Throughout the years I have worked with a lot of people designing home plans to suit their needs. I often get clients that I spend time with designing a home in one direction and then after hours of work they change their mind and want a totally different design style. This is fine, and I really am here to help people get a home design that they are happy with and eventually that is how things end up.