Diana Hellman's Blog

Posted on 04/04/2021
The True Cost of Selling a Home
Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay All home sellers understand that there are some costs to selling a home, but not everyone realizes what they're expected to pay for (and how much the total will be). We'll look at the most common expenses and how they might affect your budget. Real Estate Agent Fees This is probably the...
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Posted on 03/28/2021
Protecting Your Garden from Pests
Image by wagrati_photo from Pixabay If you have pumpkins or winter and summer squash in your garden, there is a chance that squash bugs will find their ways into your planter beds. Squash bugs are pests that can wreak havoc on your vegetables, especially winter squash and pumpkin. Their attacks are not limited to gourds, they also target...
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Posted on 03/21/2021
Increase the Probability of Selling Your Home Fast
Putting your home on the market is a life-changing decision and, for some people, it may involve conflicting feelings. Ideally, all members of your family should be on board with the decision to sell. If you, your spouse, or your kids are ambivalent or even against the idea of moving, it could send a negative message to prospective buyers,...
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Posted on 03/14/2021
Is Now a Good Time to Purchase a Second House?
Although you might already own a house, now may prove to be a good time to pursue a second residence. For example, if you have always wanted to own a home in the mountains, you can purchase a second residence to make your dream come true. On the other hand, if you want to own a vacation residence on...
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Posted on 03/07/2021
Benefits of Video Doorbells and Home Camera Systems
Photo by George Becker from Pexels Modern homes are built with your comfort, convenience and safety in mind. And that’s exactly why so many come with video doorbells and camera systems installed. With this equipment at your fingertips, you can monitor the security of your home right from your phone, tablet or computer. It’s really as easy as...
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Posted on 02/28/2021
Top Green Features Buyers Want in a Home
Photo by Sumanley xulx via Pixabay Homeowners looking to get top dollar for their house often invest in improvements to make their home more appealing to prospective buyers. Sure, they can slap up a coat of paint and make other minor cosmetic improvements, but these won’t necessarily increase their home’s value. In a survey conducted by the National...
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Posted on 02/21/2021
How to Replace the Mechanism in Your Toilet Tank
Photo by House Method on Unsplash Some home maintenance projects definitely require a professional. But given just how fast homeownership costs can add up, it's nice to know that other home projects are DIY for the average person. Replacing your toilet fill valve and the flapper is one such project. The toilet is one of the few items...
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Posted on 02/14/2021
Planning for a Down Payment
Image by Monster Ztudio from Shutterstock It's time to find the perfect place of your own but becoming a property investor has one significant roadblock: a down payment. It’s something that can stop potential home buyers in their tracks. While winning the lottery or inheriting a windfall would be fabulous, you don’t need those luxuries before you can...
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Posted on 02/07/2021
Inheriting Property: What Are Your Options?
Image by Annalise Batista from Pixabay One of the basic things that people prepare for in their end of life planning is their property. A family home, for example, is often passed down to the couple's children or next of kin. Often, though, the people who inherit the property don't think about what they'll do with the home...
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Posted on 01/31/2021
Key Homebuying Costs You Need to Know About
If you plan to purchase a house in the foreseeable future, it generally is a good idea to plan ahead for all of your potential homebuying costs. That way, you can secure the funds you need to purchase your dream house. Now, let's take a look at three costs that every homebuyer needs to consider during the property buying...
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Posted on 01/24/2021
Should You Try to Negotiate with a Home Seller?
For those who want to buy a home, it generally is a good idea to remain open to negotiating with a seller. That way, you can acquire your dream residence without delay. Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you streamline a negotiation with a home seller. 1. Be Flexible There is no telling how a...
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Posted on 01/17/2021
Tips for Qualifying for a Conventional Loan
Photo by Evan Dvorkin on Unsplash A conventional loan is the most common type of mortgage used to secure a home purchase. Conventional loans are backed by private lenders and typically conform to the standards established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In order to qualify for a conventional loan, you must meet several specific requirements. 1. Debt-to-income...
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