Judy Sells The Shoals

A brand-new home! Who hasn’t dreamed of creating the perfect home from scratch and moving into a space that no one has ever lived in before. There’s something special about a fresh home, but remember, new doesn’t mean perfect. And it certainly does not mean that there won’t be imperfections, small or large, to contend with. One of the most important things to understand up front is what does your warranty cover? A builder’s warranty covers typical defects and other problems, but the fine print outlines timelines, procedures, and limitations. A thorough reading prior to closing will clarify how to handle any issues that arise when you move in. When you are ready to move in, your checklist will differ from a typical resale home. First, always have an independent home inspection, just as you would if you purchased a used home. Alert the builder immediately of anything that the inspection uncovers. During the final walk-through, you will also want to make sure the home was completed correc...

  As the world emerges from the pandemic era and begins to look for a new normal, we’ve all changed the way we look at homeownership and lifestyle. More and more, families are forgoing exotic vacations and using the savings to enhance their home for staycations. In addition to the home improvement boom, the second home market has also exploded. Owning a second home was once a privilege for the rich and famous, but now even those with a modest income can purchase a second home. There are some great benefits to owning a second home. The first is enjoyment. Many people buy a second home to get a change of scenery. With more companies offering a work-from-home option, spending winter in a warmer climate has become feasible for the average person. There are financial advantages to buying a vacation home. A second home can help you save money on your taxes. The mortgage and property taxes of a second home can be deducted from your income in the same way a primary home is. The property ca...

The question of moving for a new job is not uncommon. In the past few years, more and more companies are moving their entire operations out of high-tax states to those more business-friendly. Possible work-from-home options further complicate the decision to move with your company. So, should you move when your company does? Things to Consider Before You Move for Your Company ·  Career Growth –  One of the biggest reasons to stay with your job through a move is career growth and advancement. Speak with your manager or HR professional about what kind of career path is available before you decide. ·  Better Location –  Companies moving out-of-state often move to a more desirable location. If the new area appeals to you, then using a corporate relocation package can be a cost-effective way to move to a better location. ·  Personal Relationships –  Moving away from family and friends may be too high a price to pay to stay with your company. Aging parents or the...

  Your home is typically the largest financial investment you’ll ever make. Over time, we expect the equity to increase through increasing property values and a decreasing mortgage balance. While homeowners recognize the need to maintain the home in good condition, one of the best ways to maximize your home equity is to create a plan for ongoing improvements and updates. Often the interest in a remodeling project results from either an unexpected windfall or financing for a specific project but by planning for ongoing improvements, any homeowner can engage in updates to stay current with market trends. As tastes change, homebuyers are attracted to new features. Outdoor kitchens, great room configurations, and home offices are just a few of the trends from the past few years. More timeless desires include more square feet, chef’s kitchens, and spacious bathrooms. To stay ahead of trends and build equity, smart homeowners should build a plan for continuous improvements. In addition t...

  World events and government spending has led to soaring inflation. The Federal Reserve has only one tool in its arsenal to curb and reduce this trend – raising interest rates. While contemporary home buyers are accustomed to interest rates in the 2-4%, older homeowners remember being excited to get one as low as 8%. As yet, we have no indication such a drastic increase is necessary, home mortgage interest rates are creeping up and potential home buyers may be asking if they should still try to buy a home. One of the first things to consider is affordability. A higher interest rate will impact the amount of the loan each buyer can qualify for, potentially reducing their spending power. Yet, home prices are also beginning to soften, so it’s possible that this correction will reduce any possible impact from rising rates. Secondly, home ownership has been a strong hedge against inflation historically. Buying a home locks in the cost of the largest budgetary portion of your expenses –...

It may come as a shock that many people purchase a home before ever setting foot inside. These buyers may be moving to a new country or city far away, or they may not have the time or resources to visit for a home search before the big move. Not everyone has the option (or the desire) to rent for a few months while they find a permanent home in their new location. Most homebuyers would prefer to purchase a house before they arrive, so they can move their belongings and quickly get settled into their home. There are a few things you can do to make the process more manageable if you've considered buying a house unseen. The first step is to find a realtor in the area that you can trust. Let them know your circumstances and that you'll need them to help vet potential properties for you. They'll be able to provide you with a link to a virtual tour if it's offered, or schedule a meeting where they can walk you through the house via FaceTime or another video-based app. This ...