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This Month in Real Estate (US) November 2011

www.kw.com NOVEMBER Hello and welcome to This Month in Real Estate. I’m JAY PAPASAN. Our top story what kinds of homes are first time homebuyers looking for? We’ll have the answer in a moment. But first, the numbers. [NUMBERS] And now, our top story. According to a recent report from KW research … • Over half of all first time home buyers stayed in the same area where they were renting • More than three quarters of all first time home buyers purchased a single family detached home • Most first time home buyers purchased a three bedroom and two bath home For tips on buying right the first time, we turn to News You Can Use … NEWS YOU CAN USE When it comes to the decision between buying or renting, some renters think they simply can’t afford a mortgage. The reality is if you’re renting, you are already paying a mortgage — it just happens to be your landlord’s, not your own. Here are three secrets of homeownership that your landlord doesn’t want you to know … Number 1: Equity. You can build wealth through equity. Think of equity as a long-term savings account. Every month you pay your mortgage, a portion of that mortgage goes into that account. Number 2: Appreciation. You can build even more equity though appreciation. Think of appreciation as the interest your home earns over time. Number 3: Control. A home that’s yours means you won’t need your landlord’s permission to paint, renovate and make it a home of your own. If you’re ready to stop paying your landlord’s …
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Readers ask questions, and our real estate expert answers. This week, a reader named Sandra from the South Loop asks if we are on the verge of an apartment bubble similar to the condo bubble. For more, go to: www.chicagomag.com

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This Month in Real Estate (US) October 2011

www.kw.com Hello and welcome to This Month in Real Estate. I’m Jay Papasan. Our top story: One of the top things buyers are looking for in their next home. But first, the numbers. [NUMBERS] And now, our top story: according to KW research, one of the top features that buyers are looking for in their next home purchase is an affordable price. Surprisingly, price sometimes even outranks location for the number one spot. Homeowners who keep their house well-maintained can expect smaller repair bills when it comes time to sell—which can mean a more competitive list price. For more, we turn to News You Can Use NEWS YOU CAN USE Want to keep your home warm this winter AND protect your equity when it comes time to sell? One great way to start is by “winterizing” your home now. Here are a few things you can do to get started. • Insulating pipes in crawl spaces and attics. Exposed pipes are susceptible to freezing and if they burst, you’ll end up spending money on repairs. • Seal leaks with caulk or insulation to keep the cold air out and the heat in. Look for leaks around windows and doors, electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. • Change or clean furnace filters once a month. Dirty filters restrict air flow and increase energy demand. • Drain your sprinkler pipes and any exterior water spigots to make sure the pipes underground don’t freeze and break. • And lastly, watch your thermostat. Remember to turn it down when you leave and gradually warm the house upon return so the …
Video Rating: 4 / 5