The Cities with the Highest Hidden Costs of Owning a Home
If you’re looking into buying a home, your mind is probably focused on things like your down payment and monthly mortgage costs, but those aren’t the only costs that come with owning a home—there are hidden costs you might not be thinking about, too.
Aug 14, 2017
Peek Inside This $875K Island Treehouse Near Seattle
Given the ever-increasing popularity of shows like Treehouse Masters, and Instagram accounts dedicated to all things Cabin Love and Rustic Houses, this aerial abode is a dreamy aesthetic treat.
Aug 14, 2017
New York City: Where Moving a Half-Mile Can Save You $1,000 on Rent
Living close to certain major subway stations almost always means paying more in rent—that’s a fact that will surprise approximately zero New Yorkers. That kind of convenience doesn’t come cheap, and everyone knows it. But if you’re looking to save money on rent, a recent study from RentHop can help you use that information to your advantage better.
Aug 11, 2017
Is That Open House Worth It? How To Decode Listings Like a Pro
One of the first steps to house hunting is sifting through a pile of listings and finding which ones are worth your time, in terms of going to take a look. Your real estate agent will likely set you up on a search tailored to properties that will meet your needs. But let’s be honest, not all listings are created equal. You’ll have to use your best judgment to find the ones that work best for you.
Aug 10, 2017
This Historic Mansion Could Be Yours for Just $10
The stately former manse of Aubrey Lewis — a Notre Dame football star who, in 1962, became one of the first African American agents in the FBI — is currently for sale in Montclair, New Jersey for just $10. But with one major catch. No, that’s not a typo: $10 is the selling price, possibly even less, according to local newspaper The Record. Interested buyers can bid on the house, designed by renowned Montclair architect Dudley S.
Aug 8, 2017
A Realists’ Guide to Buying a NYC One-Bedroom
Real estate prices in New York City—especially in Manhattan—cover a nearly unbelievably huge range from the affordable (somewhat affordable; it is New York, after all) to the totally extravagant. A one-bedroom apartment, for example, could sell for anywhere from less than $200,000 to several million—it all depends on the location and how much space they have to offer.
Aug 8, 2017
Couple Buys the Street Rights to One of SF’s Only Gated Communities
There’s real estate speculation and opportunism, and then there’s this dramatic tale from one of San Francisco’s most expensive neighborhoods, where a couple of investors swooped in and bought the rights to an entire private street — right out from under the nose of the HOA board and residents, in what someone might call an attempt at “reverse gentrification.
Aug 8, 2017
The Secret to Selling Your Home Faster and For More Money
A well-staged listing is a many-splendored thing. Not only does it give potential buyers a chance to visualize your home’s design potential, it turns out that staging your space (aka showcasing your home with furnishings) might very well help your home sell faster—and for more money.
Aug 7, 2017
The “Hidden” Costs of Homeownership Add Up to $9K a Year
You found the perfect home for sale, and even better, the monthly mortgage payment works out to almost exactly to what you’re paying in rent right now. Great! Now, simply add another $750 a month on top of that, and you’re golden! Wait, what? Yup, the “hidden” costs of homeownership tally up to $9,080 a year on average, according to a new report by Zillow and Thumbtack.
Aug 7, 2017
Edward Norton Buys $11.8M Architectural Wonder in Malibu
Actor Edward Norton just purchased an $11.8 million home in Malibu Colony. The beachfront strip of prime Malibu real estate has for decades been a fave among the Hollywood set. Prior to the ‘Fight Club’ actor snapping up this architectural wonder, the home had been listed on and off the market for four years, priced as high as $22 million. The Stevens’ Home, as the residence is called, has five bedrooms and five bathrooms situated over 3,366 square feet.
Aug 6, 2017
The Second Most Important Homebuying Decision You’ll Make: Tips for Finding the Best Agent for You
The wrong real estate agent—or just one who doesn’t jibe with your vibe—can cast a shadow on your whole home buying experience. That’s why it pays to know what things to look for (and the right kinds of questions to ask) when searching for a reliable real estate agent. So to help make your search a little easier, we called on William E Brown, President of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), for advice on how to find the best agent for your unique homebuying needs.
Aug 6, 2017
This Heart Shaped Island Comes with a Frank Lloyd Wright House
A piece of prime architectural history is up for sale, and a private island comes with it. Situated on the 11 acre, heart-shaped Petra Island in New York’s Putnam County, luxury real estate concierge Chilton & Chadwick have put the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed property on the market with a $14.92 million price tag.
Aug 5, 2017
Impossibly Tough “Would You Rather?” Questions: The Apartment Edition
We all have deal breakers in just about every facet of our lives—from dating to jobs, and of course, to our homes, there are some things we just can’t deal with. And those deal breakers are different for everyone—for one person, a roommate leaving dishes in the sink overnight could feel like the end of the world, while for another person, cleanliness (or lack thereof) is a non-issue compared to whether or not they get along with their roommate on a personal level.
Aug 3, 2017
Own One of These Six Lighthouses for Sale From Just $10,000
Do you have what it takes to buy a fixer-upper…lighthouse? The federal government seems to be having a fire sale on seaworthy structures, and six intrepid bargain-hunters can scoop them up this summer for a (fisherman’s) song — with auction prices starting at just $10,000. (No, this is not a whale’s tale.
Aug 3, 2017
Real Estate Right Now: Here’s What $300,000 Buys in Brooklyn
Buying an even remotely affordable home in New York City is not as impossible as it seems—you just have to do some digging. According to Zillow, the median price for a home in New York City is upwards of $670,000, but that doesn’t mean you have to drop more than half a million just to live here. There are some less expensive options in Manhattan, for example, but another great place to look is in Brooklyn.
Aug 1, 2017
The Questions You Need to Answer Before Buying a Home Together
Buying a home together can be complicated. Whether you’re in a relationship, family members, or good friends who are making an investment together, sometimes adding multiple opinions and emotions into a financial situation can get a little dicey. That’s why it’s really important plan out your homeownership logistics before you even get started. If you’re thinking of buying a house with someone else, this post is for you.
Jul 31, 2017
Cost-of-Living Smackdown: New York City vs. Philadelphia
Are you a New Yorker who has found yourself chatting with someone from a smaller city, only to discover that their rent is about what you spent on Seamless last month? Okay, an exaggeration (we hope) but it’s safe to say that the contrast between living expenses in New York and those in smaller “secondary” cities can be significant. Recently, Mercer’s Cost of Living survey determined that New York continues to be the most costly US city to live in.
Jul 29, 2017
Cost-of-Living Smackdown: Los Angeles vs. Phoenix
Before you hop onto the roof of your car on the 405 and bust out some dance moves, we have some devastating news: Life in Los Angeles isn’t like a scene out of La-La Land. But that certainly doesn’t mean that the City of Angels is without merits. With almost four million residents, Los Angeles is a diverse metropolis that attracts people from every corner of the world in search of success, be it professional or personal.
Jul 28, 2017
Gen Xers Have Barely More Home Equity Than Millennials, Despite a 15 Year Head Start
Get your grunge playlist ready: Generation X has something new to moan about. The latest angst-inducing outrage? Gen Xers have barely more equity in their homes than millennials, despite a roughly 15-year head start on home ownership. That’s according to Zillow’s latest home equity report, which shows that millennials with a mortgage owe a median of 76% of their home’s value, while Gen Xers owe just slightly less, at 70%.
Jul 28, 2017
Cost-of-Living Smackdown: San Francisco vs. Sacramento
When you imagined yourself living in San Francisco, did you assume you’d be renting a palatial pad that looked like the Tanner residence on Full House? Of course! Then you probably arrived, only to discover that homes like that sell for over $4 million. You see, the fact is that San Francisco is one of the priciest U.S. cities to live in. There are plenty of reasons why people pony up major money to live in San Fran.
Jul 27, 2017
Two Colorfully Whimsical NYC Pads Are For Sale
Full of art, natural light, and eclectic accessories, maximalists will appreciate these two new multimillion dollar listings. Let’s take a look at two colorfully creative Manhattan spaces that are just a little bit off-beat. Starting in Chelsea, this $2.2M apartment owned by eBay executive Bradford Shellhammer (formerly founder of Fab.
Jul 26, 2017
All About Philadelphia, By Locals Who Love It
You probably already know Philadelphia is a city rich with history and things to do, but unless you’ve experienced it first-hand, you might not know just how great Philly is—it’s more than just cheesesteaks and Rocky movies, it’s a big city with a tight-knit community feel that’s chock full of culture. Ask any local what they love about their city, and they’re sure to tell you the same (and more).
Jul 25, 2017
You Can Rent Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s LA Home for $14K a Month
Timeout: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, star of the beloved 90s show Saved By The Bell, is renting out his Sherman Oaks, California home. Gosselaar, whose career took a turn for the dramatic with series regular status on NYPD Blue and TNT lawyer drama Franklin & Bash, has listed the five bedroom, five bathroom home for $13,500 per month. The 5,266 square foot “custom French country” home sits on a .44 acre lot and was built in 2005.
Jul 24, 2017
Why First-Time Homebuyers Should Think Twice Before Applying For A Mortgage Online
Online mortgage programs are becoming increasingly popular — and it’s not hard to see why. With an application process that takes less than five minutes, they can almost be thought of as an “express lane” for a loan. But while some prospective buyers, particularly those who have been through the process before, may appreciate their speed and ease, those same features can feel overwhelming to first-time buyers.
Jul 22, 2017
Historic Italian Villa Cornaro Is On the Market for $45 Million
In the complete opposite direction of budget living, renowned architect Andrea Palladio’s Villa Cornaro is officially on the market. Designated as “one of the most influential buildings in the world” by the New York Times, the sprawling Italian home is the stuff of real estate dreams. In 1551, the villa was designed and ultimately named for Giorgio Cornaro, a member of Italian society’s upper echelon.
Jul 22, 2017
The Most Popular Home in America: Why the Ranch Style is So Pervasive
If you’re thinking of buying a home, you’ve likely given a lot of thought to what style suits you best. Are you drawn to the sleek lines of modern architecture? Or are you a sucker for Craftsman style? If your answer happens to be the modern American ranch, well, you’re certainly not alone—according to a 2016 Trulia study, it’s the most popular pick in 34 states in the U.S.
Jul 20, 2017
This Tiny Houseboat Packs A Lot Into 360 Square Feet
Houseboats definitely float our boat around here. This one in Boston packs a ton of amenities into a tiny space, and it costs less than $50,000. This 1986 Chris Craft Catalina 362 power boat is just 360 square feet, but manages to squeeze in two bedrooms and two full baths!
Jul 20, 2017
In-Reach Real Estate: Affordable Cities Outdoorsy People Will Love
You can read a million lists about buying a home—and I could prattle on for days about the process myself—but the best advice anyone can probably offer is this: buy a home in a city that you love even more than the house itself. Never does this ring more true than when it comes to outdoorsy people.
Jul 20, 2017
House Hunting Dealbreakers: The 3 Things to Never Compromise On
You’ve heard it before: “No house is going to be perfect. Even your dream home will have a few compromises.” That’s true. When you’re house hunting, it’s important to keep an open mind rather than getting stuck in one vision of what you’re perfect home will look like. However, there are a few instances where it’s okay to put your foot down.
Jul 19, 2017
You Have To Cer-see Inside Lena Headey’s $1.945 Million Home
While Cersei Lannister keeps her eyes on the Iron Throne, Lena Headey is on the move. The British actor is selling her Sherman Oaks home for $1.945 million (we’re not sure how much that is in Gold Dragons). Headey purchased the property in 2014 for $790,000 and has made some extensive updates in the past three years.
Jul 19, 2017
Emma Stone & Glenn Close Are Just Two of the Former Stars To Live In This Chelsea Townhouse
Wondering where New York’s A-list lives? This townhouse in Chelsea has had quite the celebrity past, and now it’s back on the market—this time for $18.75 million. 6sqft reported Monday that the Greek Revival townhouse is back on the market, with a million dollar price drop (it was listed for $19.75 million back in January).
Jul 18, 2017
Can Someone Man(nequin)splain This House To Us?
Outside of Houston in Richmond, Texas, there’s a fine brick house on the market. It could be considered a bit McMansion-y, but let’s not worry about that. Because the exterior doesn’t exactly match the interior. In fact, there’s quite a lot of…character inside. Check it out for yourself. At first glance, you might think that the real estate agent is committing listing photo sin number one: people in the frame.
Jul 17, 2017
Is This the End of the Tiny House Trend?
While the trend from minimalism back to maximalism marches on, could the overall size of our spaces follow suit? A new home buying regrets survey from Trulia says all signs point to yes. According to the results of the recent “Real Estate Regrets” survey conducted by Trulia, 33% of homeowner respondents said they wished they had chosen to purchase a larger home — or 29% of all homeowners aged 18 to 34 and 8% of all homeowners aged 65 and up.
Jul 17, 2017
Kelsey Grammer’s Chelsea Loft Is All About the Views
Minimalism reigns supreme in the light-filled Manhattan loft of Kelsey Grammer, which just hit the NYC real estate market for a cool $7.95 million — and would make Frasier Crane proud. Grammer’s 3,000-square-foot Chelsea condo features floor-to-ceiling windows with 100 feet of panoramic views over the Hudson River and High Line, soaring 11-foot ceilings of open layout living and entertaining spaces, 3 bedrooms and 3.
Jul 16, 2017
From People Who’ve Been There: Home Sellers’ Top 5 Regrets
The saying “hindsight is 20/20” can apply to most major decisions in life—you often don’t know how you could’ve done something better until it’s already been done. And in the case of selling your home, it definitely rings true. So what is it that home sellers wish they could’ve done differently, knowing what they know now? A recent Zillow report asked home sellers (both first-time and repeat sellers) to share their biggest regrets about the process.
Jul 13, 2017
This $8M Private Island in Maine Has a Working Farm and a Helipad
Sometimes, against all odds, against all logic, we still hope…that someday we’ll own our own private island and leave the worries of the world behind. For one lucky owner with deep pockets and a penchant for privacy, that day is now: the entirety of Hope Island, just off the coast of Portland, Maine, is currently on the market for a cool $7.95 million.
Jul 13, 2017
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s Former “Thai Temple” Is Back on the Market
The former home of everyone’s favorite Queen of the Twitter clapback, cookbook author slash model Chrissy Teigen and near-EGOT-winner husband John Legend is back on the market — just three years after the current owners bought the property from the famous couple. Set at the end of a cul-de-sac in the Hollywood Hills, it’s an oasis from LA that Legend himself said reminds him of a “Thai temple.
Jul 12, 2017
A New Palm Springs Community Sells Tiny Homes That Are Both Adorable and Affordable
Fans of mid-century architecture and design are drawn to Palm Springs, California like moths to the flame, but few can afford to actually live there. That all may be about to change, though, thanks to one enterprising “vintage mobile home park” in south Palm Springs that recently embraced the Tiny Home Movement.
Jul 12, 2017
Only One Sharing Economy Side Hustle Earns People More Than $500 Per Month
The sharing economy promises the freedom to earn extra money on your own time and terms. Just how much money varies, but one platform makes its users far more cash than any other. San Francisco-based loan provider Earnest analyzed income on tens of thousands of loan applications to measure the impact of sharing economy work. They found that the average Uber driver makes $364 a month, while the average Lyft driver pulls in $377.
Jul 11, 2017
A Charming 1904 Farmhouse in Atlanta for $619k
Located in an historic neighborhood, just one block from Grant Park (Atlanta’s oldest city park), this completely charming traditional American Farmhouse still shines with much of its original 1904 beauty. I love the respect for history reflected in this home—a home whose owners have taken loving care of the original features for over 100 years, including cast iron sinks, pinewood floors, wavy glass windows, and plantation shutters. And the kitchen.
Jul 11, 2017
What is Considered an “Older” Home?
I distinctly remember during our home-buying journey when our real estate agent asked if we wanted new construction, something close to it, or if we’d be open to an “older” home. When we said yes, we knew that—in our budget—we would likely be looking at a few houses built in the early-to-mid 1900s. However, if we’d had a much larger budget, we could very well have wound up walking through (and legitimately considering) houses built in the early 1800s.
Jul 10, 2017
This Charming Scottish Beach House Is For Sale
There’s no such thing as too many beach days, especially when you live on one. Luckily, this charming cottage on Scotland’s Isle of Coll is for sale, accepting offers over £375,000 ($483,560). Arinthluic is a small (if 48 acres could be described as small) estate on the Isle of Coll, an island in the North Atlantic to the west of Mull in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.
Jul 9, 2017
Peek Inside Alyson Hannigan’s Atlanta $1.35M Penthouse
We have to admit, we’re always particularly interested in seeing celebrity homes outside of the more typical hot spot cities of New York and Los Angeles. Today, we are taking a peek into Alyson Hannigan’s Atlanta penthouse that was just listed for $1.349 million. The Buffy The Vampire Slayer and How I Met Your Mother star—who grew up in the city after her parents divorced when she was a child—bought the three bedroom, three bathroom pad in 2014 for $810,000.
Jul 8, 2017
Take it From Me: What First-Time Buyers Should Know About Fixer Uppers
When you’re a first-time home buyer growing dizzier by the minute walking through dreamy homes outside of your budget, it’s only natural to consider adding a home that needs a little “TLC” to your short list. Know this, though: fixer uppers come with some special considerations, especially for first-time homebuyers. Two years ago when my husband and I decided to take the plunge and buy our first home, we settled on a fixer upper.
Jul 5, 2017
Can Solar Power Pay Off? One Homeowner Crunches Real Numbers
Aside from the obvious benefit of helping the planet, solar power can be pretty enticing to homeowners who are tired of paying an arm and a leg for their electric bill every month. Given that outfitting a home with solar panels comes with considerable costs upfront, though, is doing so practical from a financial standpoint? Can solar power in fact pay off?
Jul 5, 2017
The Homes that America Built: A Crash Course in Favorite American Architecture Styles
I have this argument with friends every now and again: What’s “American” food? The question inspires a lively discussion, with a lot of suggestions but no real consensus. (It usually comes down to hog dogs or Southern-style barbeque.) Nailing down American food is a tough thing because there is so much of America. So many people and cultures and styles that manage to blend together and evolve over the (few) centuries the country’s been around.
Jul 4, 2017
This Former Cabin Is a Now Stunning $4.5 Million Desert Wonderland
Anyone in the market for an eclectic, custom-designed oasis in the desert would do well to consider making a home out of the expansive Mojave Rock Ranch in Joshua Tree, California. For those of us with wallets just a few pennies shy of the $4.5 million asking price, we’ll just have to take a moment to exhale and marvel in unison at the property because it’s a pretty remarkable take on desert living.
Jul 2, 2017
Looking To Sell Your Home Faster? 5 Expert Staging Tips
Prepping your home for sale can feel completely overwhelming. It’s like magnifying the stress of tidying up and making your house “guest ready,” tenfold. Because you’ve got to make it look good, really, really good, for guests you don’t even know. They’re not your family or your friends. They are prospective buyers, and they are coming to examine your most intimate quarters and decide if they can see themselves living there, too.
Jun 30, 2017
Here’s What $500k Buys in San Francisco Right Now
San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the country—both in terms of renting and buying —so finding a place there to call your home, especially one that’s affordable, isn’t exactly an easy feat. In order to buy a home in SF, you’re normally going to need an XL budget. But not always. To get an idea of what’s out there in the under-500k bracket, we searched through listings with that cut off in mind.
Jun 30, 2017
The #1 Thing You Can Do to Save Money on a Home (That Half of Buyers Don’t Do)
There’s so much to think about when buying a place of your own. From the house-hunting process itself to the price negotiations to the inspection, it’s almost instinctive to cut corners and take shortcuts wherever you can. But there’s one place where a little extra effort in your house hunt could pay off in major dollars. It’s a fact: 47 percent of homebuyers don’t shop around for mortgage lenders, and it costs Americans a collective 9 billion dollars per year.
Jun 29, 2017
Matthew Perry’s $13.5M Hollywood Hills Home Is for Sale
Friends fans, rejoice: Matthew Perry’s mid-century modern bachelor pad in LA is back on the market, and can be yours for the cool price of $13.5 million. You could even have your mail addressed to Chanandler Bong, if you wanted.
Jun 29, 2017
Time it Right: Here’s What the Transition from Renting to Owning a Home Looks Like (and Costs)
There is so much that’s confusing about the home buying process as a first-timer, and all I can really do (beyond writing articles like this one) is absolutely promise that an attentive real estate agent and a knowledgeable mortgage broker will be your lifelines. You’ll be surprised how much you learn about earnest payments, escrow and amortization in that month or so it takes to close. Definitely more than you paid attention to in college accounting, I’ll tell you that much.
Jun 28, 2017
Forget Avocado Toast: Here’s How Long It Takes Millennials to Save for a Down Payment
Contrary to what some might believe, avocado toast isn’t what’s keeping Millennials from buying houses—rather, a shortage of affordable homes is stopping prospective homebuyers from their purchasing dreams, no doubt combined with things like student debt (according to Forbes, more than 44 million people face a total of $1.3 trillion of student debt, more than any other kind of debt, outside of mortgages).
Jun 28, 2017
A Bright and Beautiful Spanish Tile Home for $700K in L.A.
Oh boy, this home is a real diamond. I love everything about it. Elegant simplicity, an abundance of natural light, gorgeous vintage details, large private outdoor living area, and a beautiful Spanish tile exterior to boot. This home is going to make someone very happy indeed. This gorgeous Spanish tile home is a fantastic mix of vintage and modern, with a a feeling of spaciousness and privacy.
Jun 27, 2017
Sonoma Tiny House with Pirate Treehouse Listed for $300K
Ahoy there, ya land lubbers. If you yearn for the excitement of the open seas but are partial to living on solid ground, we’ve got great news. There’s a tiny house in Sonoma County, California that comes with its very own pirate treehouse. It’s arrrrguably the cutest home for sale we’ve seen in quite awhile.
Jun 27, 2017
Smart Apartment Hunting: Know the Perks that Drive Rent Up the Most
No matter where you live, everyone dreams of scoring an affordable apartment with awesome amenities. Whether it’s a proper doorman or a shared laundry room, for many of us, the communal comforts offered in an apartment building is what makes or breaks the decision on whether or not we’ll live there. But how much are we really paying for these perks?
Jun 26, 2017
What Most People Don’t Know About Renter’s Insurance
There’s a lot about the roommate experience that can be tricky. Like chores, chores and, uh… chores. But even after you’ve mastered homekeeping, there are still some things about sharing a home that may come as a surprise. For example, your roommate’s renter’s insurance policy might not cover your stuff.
Jun 26, 2017
This Boston “Studio” Is A Glorified Dorm Room for $1295
In this week’s episode of “So You Think Your Place is Small?” we bring you this “renovated” studio in Boston’s tony exurb of Brookline, wedged just between all of the urban universities and the suburban ones in the city of 1,000 colleges.
Jun 26, 2017
Own a Piece of Camelot: Jackie O’s Childhood Home is Now For Sale
Paging America’s one percent: If you’ve ever wanted to own a piece of Camelot, now is your chance. Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ childhood home is currently selling for a cool $49.5 million. Merrywood, a 23,000-square-foot Georgian-style estate sitting on the Potomac River in McLean, Virginia (a suburb of Washington, D.C.
Jun 23, 2017
Where to Get the Best Bang for Your Real Estate Bucks in America Right Now
You might think we’ve become slightly obsessed with the affordability of living in America right now — and you would be right. When the top three most expensive cities in the world for renters are all in the U.S., well… Houston, we have a problem (because even Houston has its pricey listings).
Jun 22, 2017
Homebuyer Beware: Misleading Real Estate Photography Tricks
An online listing for a house is a lot like an online dating profile. You wouldn’t ever lie — better to set honest expectations — but you sure as hell are going to make your situation look as good as possible. That means flattering angles, ruthless editing and, yep, maybe a little Photoshop. If you’re browsing home listings to find your dream home, here are a few things to be wary of when it comes to real estate photography.
Jun 21, 2017
Think NYC Real Estate is Scary? This City Might Be Worse
Lately, social media is abuzz with Toronto’s insane real estate offerings: undesirable homes (in serious need of renovation and lacking ordinary amenities) selling at unbelievably high prices. Properties lacking everything from parking spaces to proper bathrooms have been selling at double and triple the asking price—with no signs of the area’s inflated costs slowing down anytime soon.
Jun 20, 2017
A Sunny 1,200-Square-Foot 2-Bedroom in a Former Brooklyn Church
If you have a love for older homes, but a desire for modern amenities this apartment could be the perfect compromise. This former church and school in a landmarked district of Brooklyn was converted to condos in 2005. Arrive home to a beautiful, historic brick exterior and then enjoy all the modern comforts of home.
Jun 20, 2017
There’s An Entire Scottish Village For Sale
If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving your day job behind and getting into the vacation rental (or holiday let, as the Brits say) business, you might just want to take a look at this listing for an entire Scottish village on the Isle of Skye. The sale is for “Mary’s Cottages,” four thatched stone structures in Elgol, a secluded fishing village on the picturesque Isle of Skye.
Jun 19, 2017
Inside Hilary Swank’s Former $12 Million West Village Townhouse
This gorgeous and swanky townhouse on Charles Street in the West Village happens to have a Hollywood connection. Can you guess? (Okay, it was previously owned by Hilary Swank.) Just down the road from Bon Jovi’s $17 million duplex, 33 Charles might not have posh amenities and celebrity neighbors, but it does have a little bit more West Village charm.
Jun 15, 2017
Zillow’s ‘Instant Offers’ Promises a Quick Sell, But at What Cost?
Selling a home is, by most accounts, a costly, complex, pain in the basement. That’s why a handful of companies, including real estate heavyweight Zillow, are trying to harness technology to make it quicker, easier and cheaper. Zillow announced in May that it’s testing a service called Instant Offers in Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla., that allows homeowners to solicit bids from investors who can close quickly and pay in cash.
Jun 15, 2017
This House Is For Sale: Look Inside Bon Jovi’s $17 Million NYC Duplex
Who says you can’t go home? Jon Bon Jovi certainly has had a few of them in New York City in recent years. And he is currently on the move again, proving he’s not one to never say goodbye. The West Village duplex is on the market for $17.25 million. Located in the celeb favorite 150 Charles Street, Bon Jovi purchased the place in 2015 for $12.88 million, after selling his penthouse loft in Soho for $34 million, according to 6sqft.
Jun 14, 2017
A 1,500-Square-Foot Houston Home with Timeless Updates
Relaxing on a porch swing, sipping sweet tea under a large shade tree… Sounds completely dreamy to me, which is why I absolutely adore this charming single family home in historic Houston Heights. It’s spacious while still feeling cozy, with a balanced mix of vintage charm and modern updates and serene outdoor space for days. This is a quintessentially storybook family home, complete with porch swing, shade tree, breakfast nook and huge backyard.
Jun 14, 2017
5 Tiny Homes Under $80,000 That Will Totally Make You Want to Downsize
Have you ever dreamed of what it’s like to live in a tiny home? I hadn’t before, because living in a cramped Brooklyn apartment feels challenging enough. But, after combing through listings to see what the tiny house market is like, I feel like I get the tiny homes thing now. These houses are the cutest, plus they seem totally functional in terms of space and storage, and they’re way more affordable than a regular home.
Jun 9, 2017
Survey Reveals: The #1 Worry That Keeps Homebuyers Up at Night
Prospective homebuyers: What’s the number one thing that stresses you out about the home buying process? If you’re worried about losing your deposit more than anything, you’re not alone, according to a new survey from Owners.com. The survey, which asked more than 1,200 people considering buying homes this year about the home buying process, found that 64 percent of prospective homebuyers are afraid they’ll lose their earnest money deposit.
Jun 7, 2017
Beautifully Restored 3000-Square-Foot 18th-Century Colonial in Providence
Crushes are great, but for anyone who appreciates historic homes, this one may be love. Located on historic Benefit Street in the College Hill neighborhood of Providence, this gorgeously restored Colonial Zachariah Allen House dates back to 1772 and retains many original details while benefitting from loving restoration and updates. I mean, centuries old and as beautiful as ever? Be still my historic home loving heart…take a peek!
Jun 6, 2017
Study Says This Paint Color Increases a Home’s Selling Price
The color of our walls can have a more profound impact on us than we’d like to admit, covertly affecting our mood, concentration, and performance. It turns out, those colors can have a pretty big impact on our home’s selling price, too. Red walls, for example, can make us more alert and better at memorizing or detail-oriented tasks, according to a 2009 study at the University of British Columbia.
Jun 6, 2017