COVID-19 and its side effects have kept rural Pa. real estate agents busyThe last time Tina Richlin’s phone rang this much was just after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, when some city residents thought they’d be safer in the mountains. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic has the lines at Richlin’s real estate office in rural Sullivan County ringing nonstop again with people seeking to rent short-term, buy second homes, or relocate altogether to somewhere with a smaller population.
What The Fed’s Interest Rate Cut Means For YouThe Federal Reserve cut its short-term benchmark rate by a half percentage point Tuesday morning. The timing of this rate cut, which comes in between the Fed’s scheduled policy meeting, hasn’t occurred since the 2008 financial crisis. This lowers the federal-funds rate to a range between 1% and 1.25%.
11 Vintage Houses That Came from a CatalogIn the early 20th century, a handful of companies, including Sears, Roebuck and Co., sold tens of thousands of mail-order homes. Available in a variety of styles and at a range of price points, these “kit houses” would arrive via railroad boxcar as precut and fitted materials, which the owner or a local contractor would assemble into a new house.
Plan to Reduce Human Appraisals May Lead to ‘Wildly Inaccurate’ EstimatesFederal agencies want more properties to qualify for automated valuations, but appraisers say it could increase grossly inaccurate value estimates.
Buy a Brick, Support ‘Shik’NORTHUMBERLAND — If you or a loved one has connections to the Shikellamy School District in Northumberland County, you can now permanently memorialize your loved one’s name. The Shikellamy Braves Community Foundation is selling engraved bricks to line the walkway of the new middle school. Construction continues at the new Shikellamy Middle School in Northumberland.
How accurate is Zillow’s Zestimate? Not very, says one Washington-area agent.David Howell is executive vice president and chief information officer at McEnearney Associates. Stan Humphries, chief economist at Zillow and architect of the Zestimate, responds to Howell’s criticisms in his own commentary. To read Zillow’s rebuttal, click here.
Depending on where you live, adding some privacy can really add to the enjoyment of your home. Here are a few great ideas for cutting down on the view & noise of neighbors.
10 Ways to Add Privacy to Your YardThere was a time you could kick back in glorious solitude right in your own backyard. Then the family next door cleared some trees on their lot. And on the other side, the neighbors’ new master suite includes a second-story deck with nice views-into your yard.
What a hefty undertaking! This Old House always seems to be a good showcase for new products and ways to make home remodel projects much easier.
Charlestown 2014 | A Rowhouse ReimaginedAfter five months of work in Charlestown, the exterior is nicely restored thanks to a new dormer, windows, shutters, and front entry. Inside, Kevin finds systems integrator Greg Smizer test-driving the new internet-based security system, wireless music system and remote controlled window shades with solar battery back up.
Came across this article, and although it might not apply to all situations, I believe there is something to gain from it.
Plan ahead. Will you need financing to start or finish the project? Are you going to start with your own working capital and then seek investors/financing later? (If so, brush up on these tips) Are there underlying issues beyond your expertise that might sour this great deal later on?
Rehabbing Houses For Love And ProfitElizabeth Ellsworth AGE: 51 New Canaan, Conn. Day Job: bank marketer Strategy: Rehabbing high-end houses Elizabeth Ellsworth rehabbed her first house, a 1920s Mediterranean revival in the El Cid historic district of West Palm Beach, Fla., while working in marketing for Citibank Latin America.
Here is a nice pictorial guide for residential architecture styles. A lot of homes can be a mix of two or more styles, but this article gives a good basis on the foundations of each style. So the next time you are house hunting you can impress your agent, family or friends with the answer as to what kind of house it is!
House StylesWhat style is your house? Browse our photo gallery for the most popular housing styles and types in North America. Click on the pictures below for larger images. For historical information, building plans, and other helpful resources, also see: