Rural Housing Programs Defined According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development’s purpose is to provide, “Well built, affordable housing [that] is essential to the vitality of communities in rural America. Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Programs give families and individuals the opportunity to buy, build, or repair affordable homes located in […]
Top Tools to Assess School Performance
For many military families with children, one of the greatest decision points when buying a home at a new duty assignment comes down to the quality and reputation of schools. However, when you are a newcomer, it may be difficult to get a pulse on what a particular school is like. Before you do any […]
Commuting and the Home Buying Decision
There are a variety of considerations when purchasing a home and one that is becoming increasingly important is the commute time and distance to and from work. Whether you are taking your personal vehicle, riding public transit, or carpooling with neighbors, a commute can have a significant impact on your quality of life. The past […]
The Small House Movement: Is Less Really More?
According to PropertyShark, over the past 100 years, homes in the United States are now 74% larger and personal living space went up 211%. On average, today, the typical U.S. home boasts around 2,430 square feet as opposed to that of our grandparents’ generation at around 957 square feet. Whether your current home falls above […]
Five Things Homeowners Should Know
1. Expect an adjustment to the costs of home ownership. For many first-time homeowners, the adjustment to the costs of owning a home can feel unexpected and expensive. Going from renting where most maintenance and upkeep costs are covered by a landlord to footing the bill yourself can come as a surprise. In addition to […]
Independence Day
The 4th of July, or Independence Day, is one of several patriotic holidays celebrated in the United States. The third Saturday in May is Armed Forces Day, the last Monday in May is Memorial Day, and November 11 is Veterans Day. Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of […]
7 Tips for Relocating With Pets
A permanent change of station (PCS) can be stressful for not only the humans inside your home, but also for your furry friends as well. They are often hyper-aware of the changes going on in your home and recognize that a transition may be underway. From added people in and out of the house to […]
How to Find the Best Activities for Kids in the Area
Whether you are in the middle of a relocation or staying put for most of your summer, chances are, if you are a parent, you are already scheming how to keep your kids entertained this summer. Now that life’s rhythms are returning to a sense of normalcy from the past few years of pandemic living, […]
What is Earnest Money?
Earnest Money Defined If the word “earnest” is defined as showing sincere and intense conviction, then “earnest money” can be considered the good faith deposit in a real estate transaction that shows a buyer’s sincere and intense conviction (interest) to purchase the home upon agreement of a signed contract. Essentially, earnest money is a deposit […]
What You Need to Know About Homeowners Associations
Just hearing the name, Homeowners Association (HOA) may conjure images of grown adults huddled together in folding chairs in the pool house, arguments ensuing, and that one neighbor on the board who has let a little too much power go to his head, rapping the wooden gavel trying to maintain order in the ranks over […]