Rhonda Duffy's

Learning Cafe for Home Buyers and Sellers – Exposing the Truths and Busting the Myths in Real Estate

5 Disaster Financial Moves

September1

After almost 20 years of giving personal financial advice,  I thought I would
share the secrets I know about becoming financially  successful.If you avoid
these 5  disaster financial moves, you should have a good chance of becoming
prosperous  and hitting your goals. If you have made  one of these already, it
[...]

You may view the latest post at
http://www.yoursmartmoneymoves.com/2010/08/30/5-disaster-financial-moves/

The Top 10 Home Improvements That Could Devalue Your Home

August29
Via Donna Dazzo Home Stager in the Hamptons & New York (Designed to Appeal, LLC):
Sometimes, making an improvement to your home could actually hurt you when you try to sell it.
Here are the top 10 home improvements that can make your home harder to sell: Read the rest of this entry »

To Do: Order a Survey

August27

It is very important to order a survey.

Most lenders do not require a survey anymore so it is optional for you.
The closing attorney’s office will order the survey upon your request.
This information is from Jill Elliott’s website, a closing attorney friend of Rhonda’s. Here is her take on the issue.

(So what do you think you are buying?) Read the rest of this entry »

Pending Home Sales Up Again!

August23

Pending Home Sales for July increased by 3.2%, more than double the expectations of 1.5%, and representing the sixth consecutive monthly gain…the longest streak on record.

While it’s nice to finally hear some positive news about the housing sector – let’s remain cautious in our optimism, as many first time homebuyers moved up their home purchasing plans to take advantage of the Federal tax credit (according to the Mortgage Market Guide). Read the rest of this entry »

10 Ways to Prepare for Homeownership

August17
1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.
2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list. Read the rest of this entry »

Tips for Pricing Your Home

August13
  • Consider comparables. What have other homes in your neighborhood sold for recently? How do they compare to yours in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities? Read the rest of this entry »

Why Do Lenders Want Bank Statements?

August5

“Why does a lender want to see my bank statements?”

Here are the reasons that lenders ask to see a borrower’s bank statements: Read the rest of this entry »

Tips for Remodeling in Any Market

August3

When the housing market’s hot, it seems like just about any remodeling project is a good investment and adds value to your home. But when the market is tight, you want to be more selective about which projects you undertake, and know what you stand to gain in return.

So whether you’ve been thinking about boosting your home’s value, its curb appeal, or just making your living space more comfortable for you and your family, the ideas below can help you cost-effectively achieve your goals in any market. Read the rest of this entry »