The foundation is the part of your house that you cannot see, yet it is as important as what you have above the ground. It’s the first part of your house that was built or is going to be constructed. As the base of your home, the foundation is a vital component in the structure and resistance of a building. There are several building foundation types, but two of them are most common: the cement slab foundation and the raised blocks foundation. Let’s see the main differences between them.

Cement Slab Foundation

This type of foundation is made of cement or concrete. It’s a flat, solid slab that stretches uniformly at ground level and on which the house is raised. The slab is reinforced with steel rods that prevent it from developing cracks. Its role is vital, as it will support the weight of the house and delineate its size. Cement slab foundations are very popular due to their resistance their easy maintenance.

The popularity of cement slab foundations is also explained by its relatively low cost and quick installation. Moreover, unlike other building foundation types, a house built on a slab foundation offers better insulation, as the temperatures inside are not influenced by the space underneath. On the flip side, this type of foundation does not allow you to enjoy the benefits of a basement, and plumbing repairs are difficult because water lines are buried under the cement or concrete.

Raised Blocks Foundation

This kind of foundation rises above ground level and is a structure that is meant to elevate the house. It can be made of concrete blocks or by pouring concrete in forms. In areas with abundant rainfall, the raised blocks foundation might be a better option that can protect your house from flooding. Another advantage is that it allows for additional storage space. Also, plumbing and electrical cables are easier to fix, but the problem is that in time, this type of foundation can deteriorate due to fungus, may decay because of the elements, or get infested with termites or other pests.

Get Help for Your Real Estate Projects

Whether you’re building a house or buying one and need help with your real estate projects, TalkLocal can track down the right professional for you. Our service is easy and free.

Thinking about buying a new home? Not sure which neighborhood you should move into? How does moving into a renovated neighborhood compare to moving into a brand-new neighborhood? What are the benefits to you? These are all questions that surely you must be considering. So to help in your quest of whether to go with renovated vs new neighborhoods, why not consider the following food for thought.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Renovated Neighborhood

When deciding on whether or not to buy into a renovated neighborhood, there are several factors that you must consider. Some of the advantages of a renovated neighborhood might include:

– The property itself is updated throughout

– Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Roofing, etc. are usually newer

– Other homes in the neighborhood may have been renovated

– The neighborhood may be appreciating in value

– Retail cost of the home is usually discounted

– Home usually qualifies for FHA/First-time home buyer programs.

Some of the disadvantages of a renovated neighborhood might include:

– Even with updates and renovations, you never know what you’re going to get in an older home

– Neighborhood could have mid-high crime rates

– Neighborhood may consist of mostly renters

– Neighbor quality may vary greatly

– Neighborhood may not be well kept

Advantages and Disadvantages of a New Neighborhood

On the other hand, there are also many advantages and disadvantages of a newly developed neighborhood. Here are just a few. The advantages might include:

– Most likely, no one has ever lived in your home, which could translate to less possible issues with the home

– Safer, more desirable neighborhood

– Neighborhood consists of mostly owners, translating into a better cared-for neighborhood

– Property value is usually much higher

The disadvantages of a newer neighborhood might include:

– Higher price tags

– Homeowner’s Association (HOA) fees

– Higher property taxes

– These homes typically have less character and more cookie-cutter designs

So as you can see, there are many variables to weigh. You must consider what’s going to be best for you and your family. Many renovated homes come with some sort of historical charm, and purchasing one may even contribute to the revitalization of the entire neighborhood. On the other hand, a newer home may provide more security and peace of mind. Nonetheless, it comes at a much higher price tag. This is just some food for thought. We hope it helps in your final decision.

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So you have been house hunting for a while and have come across your perfect home. It has all of the features you have always wanted and has tons of space and a beautiful yard. There’s just one problem – it’s being sold directly by the owner. For a lot of prospective buyers, this can be a turn-off simply because they feel uncomfortable not going through a certified agent. However, there are a lot of advantages for buyers who make an offer on a FSBO home, the primary one being that there is more room for negotiation if you deal directly with the seller.

If you are going to make an offer on a FSBO home, there are a few important things to consider.

The biggest difference between a Realtor-assisted sale and one handled directly by the owner is that as the buyer, you are responsible for all of your own paperwork. The most important document in this respect is the real estate purchase contract, which is a standard document that you can find at any office supply store, or even online. It is, of course, the homeowner’s responsibility to prepare the document, but it is always a good idea to take a look at it yourself and understand all of the terms. Apart from the sale price, the document will include any sale contingencies as well as other stipulations like the home inspection and earnest fee.

Speaking of home inspections, this is probably the most important part of any home purchase. Ensure that the seller stipulates a professional home inspection as a contingency of sale in the purchase document. If anything is seriously wrong with the house, it will be discovered during the inspection and will give you the right to back out and recoup your earnest money.

Typically in the range of $1,000 or so, earnest money is the deposit the buyer puts down to show that he or she is serious. Usually, the real estate agent safeguards the earnest money, so you and the seller will have to come to some kind of agreement about how to hold the sum before you write out a check for the amount.

Very few real estate sales ever go through without a certain amount of haggling over the price. When you make an offer on a FSBO home, the chances are fair that the owner will come back at you with some sort of counteroffer. If this is the case, you can choose either to accept it or to come back with another offer. Unless you are comfortable with the terms, though, it is a good idea to consult a real estate agent or attorney at this stage. They can help you ensure that the terms of sale you are being offered are fair. Once you sign that contract, you are tied to it for a very, very long time, so it is important to make sure that it is airtight.

Speak With A Real Estate Professional

If you are planning to make an offer on a FSBO home and need the advice of a real estate professional, let TalkLocal help you. We can find you a real estate agent in your area within minutes, at no charge. Visit our website today and get started on your FSBO purchase!

Many people choose to rent instead of buy because they feel as if it is less stressful. But, as a renter, you are still required to have insurance. Your landlord will have a policy which covers the home and land, but if you want to protect your belongings, you should have a renters insurance policy as well.

So, what does renters insurance cover? Read on to find out.

Liability

If someone is injured in your home and decides to file a lawsuit, liability insurance can help you. It is likely that your landlord will have liability insurance to help protect him or her from a lawsuit. You can purchase a renter’s insurance policy that offers liability coverage, as well. This is a good idea if you plan on having guests or visitors often.

Possessions

Renter’s insurance will cover items in your home that have been stolen or damaged due to a burglary or accident. Typically, you decide how much the items in your home or apartment are worth and choose a policy amount that will cover them.

Be careful when choosing a policy; some will only cover partial costs and others will pay to replace the items.

Living Arrangements

If your home should become damaged to the point that you can no longer live in it, your renter’s insurance may pay for you to live elsewhere. Certain policies will pay for hotel expenses or even help you find a temporary apartment until your home can be repaired or you can make other living arrangements.

When you are shopping for insurance, it is not uncommon to ask: What does renter’s insurance cover? Make sure you compare several different types of policies to find the one that works best for you. Talk to your landlord to help you determine what type of coverage you need.

Find Insurance Help

You probably do not want to spend hours trying to find someone who can hook you up with the insurance you need. We don’t blame you.

That’s why we created TalkLocal. We literally eliminate the search process and give you instant access to service professionals in your local area. Give it a try and see how we can simplify your life.

Whether you are building a home, or inheriting a new one, it never hurts to consider possible upgrades to the house. Many contractors offer so many upgrades, it can be overwhelming deciding which to choose, if any. Here are five new home upgrade tips to keep in mind to protect your wallet and your investment:

Resale Value

Consider the desirability of the home to buyers other than yourself. Not everyone may be a fan of elaborate, ornate crown molding throughout the house. As a rule, the more bedrooms, the better. If you can manage to slip another half bathroom into a level, your resale value will increase dramatically.

Prioritize

Even if this home is your dream home, you may not be able to afford your whole dream right now. Prioritize upgrades in the order of which they must be done while the home is under construction (i.e. floor outlets, wiring for extra lights, etc.). Distinguish which upgrades can be added later (screened in porch, elaborate patio, etc.).

Focus

Consider the part of the home that matters most to you. For example, if you enjoy cooking, you may want to focus your upgrades in the kitchen. This will keep your cost down but still give your home that “dream home” quality.

Price Check

You can’t discuss new home upgrade tips without addressing personal budgets. Upgrades often come with a high price. Check the cost of hiring a contractor to install the upgrades after the home is built.

Provide Materials

Some contractors will allow you to purchase materials yourself. For example, perhaps the price they quoted for hardwood floors is higher than comparable flooring you found at a retail store. Purchase the flooring will help you save significant money.

Find Someone Who Can Help You Invest In Your Home

Following these new home upgrade tips will help secure your investment. If you still are not sure about which upgrades are worth the cost, contact a real estate agent.

TalkLocal can put you in touch with one in your area for absolutely free. Many agents will provide you with information in hopes that you will list your home with them in the future. Still, the information is invaluable.

When you are in the process of purchasing a home or property, you can plan on being hit with a lot of jargon you do not necessarily understand. This is normal. After all, we are not all real estate experts.

Learning about the difference between a real estate agent and broker is some very basic knowledge that can get you headed in the right direction.

What Is A Real Estate Agent?

Part of learning the difference between a real estate agent and broker comes with learning the basic duties of each. A real estate agent, for example, is someone you will be working with a lot, so it is best to know what they specialize in and what sort of powers they hold in their respective field. You can think of a real estate agent as a sales person of the real estate industry. These professionals are authorized to act as an agent for the sale of a home or piece of property.

The qualifications and criteria a real estate agent must meet in order to be deemed a legitimate professional varies from state to state. However, all real estate agents must undergo extensive training and a good deal of education to be qualified to advise clients and facilitate transactions.

What Is A Real Estate Broker?

Real estate agents are not allowed to operate independently — they must work under a real estate broker. The broker is the one in charge and manages all of the individual real estate agents. This helps the agents because it takes some of the liability off of their shoulders. If an unhappy buyer or seller tries to sue a real estate agent, the legal action must be directed at the broker.

Brokers have to endure even more intense training and more thorough education to achieve their status. However, M\most would argue that it pays off. Each agent that works for a broker pays the broker a portion of their sales commission. In addition to this money, the broker does not have to share their commissions.

Real estate agents and brokers are both qualified to handle the purchase or sale of your home or property.

Need To Contact Either One?

Now that you know the difference between a real estate agent and broker, and you find yourself needing to contact one, turn to TalkLocal. We can connect you with either in a matter of minutes. Quality help has never been so accessible.

It’s on all the television networks. There are countless shows about interior designers, real estate agents, and even just average Joes doing it. Maybe you’re interested in doing it yourself.

Regardless of what you do or do not know about it, you’re probably asking yourself, exactly: What is house flipping? Well, you don’t have to be a professional to do it, but you do need a certain set of skills. Below, you will find some answers to your common questions.

What is house flipping?

House flipping is, essentially, buying a house with the intention of selling it for a profit. What you do in between the buying and the selling depends on a lot of different factors.

Do I have to renovate the house?

Not necessarily, but once again, this depends on the situation. If you buy a house that is cheap because it is damaged, in order to make a profit on it, you’ll have to fix what is damaged. That said, you need to do so in a way that doesn’t lower the equity of the home. For example, if your repairs will add $2,000 to the house’s value, you don’t want to spend $2,000 (or even $1,500, really) on them.

Do I have to make mortgage payments on the house?

Most house flippers plan their flipping so they won’t have to make payments, as that creates a loss of equity. For example, if the payments are typically due the first of the month, you’ll want to buy the house after the mortgage is paid, make sure any renovations or changes are finished as soon as possible, then sell the house before the next mortgage payment is due.

Do I need to buy a certain kind of house?

Yes and no. No, there isn’t a specific type of house reserved for flippers, but yes, you need to buy a type of house that you are confident you can flip and sell. Oftentimes, foreclosed homes are sold for much cheaper than they’re worth, which makes them good candidates for flipping. That said, foreclosure and other factors may affect the equity of the house.

Do I need money to begin flipping?

Yes, you do. You need to be able to afford the mortgage on the house, just in case. Although your plan will not include paying the mortgage, you don’t want to end up in a sorry situation if something happens.

Get More Information From The Pros

Real Estate is a tricky market. If you need help navigating it, we can help. At TalkLocal, we connect you with the professionals in your area who have the answers you need. These can range from real estate agents to handymen that could offer assistance in fixing up a home.

If you are looking to buy a home, you may be interested in how to determine resale value for the future. In other words, is the house currently listed at a fair price, and will you be able to sell it at, or above, what you paid for it?

Quite a few factors go into determining the resale value of a home. At the end of the day, a home is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, which can lead to variability in price. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

Bedrooms

Perhaps you are a single person who only needs a bedroom and an office, but the majority of home buyers are looking for at least three bedrooms. This leaves room for the master bedroom, and office/guest bedroom and another bedroom in the instance that a couple wants children.

Location

This is pivotal. Busy streets, perceived “bad” neighborhoods, or being near foul-smelling facilities (landfills, factories, water treatment plants, etc.) can drive down the resale value of a home.

Updates

These can range from low-cost (replacing doors, trim, paint, and countertops) to high-cost (expansion of rooms, additions, or complete remodels) renovations. Many buyers want a home to be move-in-ready, so any update helps.

Comparable Homes

What are homes selling for in the area with similar condition and layout? Check to see if the value of homes have increased or decreased over the years.

Investing in real estate can be tricky. If working alone, you run the risk of being blindsided by issues you are inexperienced with, such as radon, termites, inspections, flood plains, and more. If a house seems to be well below what it is worth, there is a reason. It could be because of foreclosure, or it could be something much worse.

Find Real Estate Professionals That Can Help

In any case, call a professional. TalkLocal can find a real estate agent in your area that can determine resale value of a home. Our service is absolutely free. Real estate is too much of an investment not to protect yourself.

Buying and selling a home generally requires you to work alongside a qualified real estate agent. He or she may have discussed with you the various terms and clauses of which you will need to be aware when working with a realtor.

Some of these are for the agent’s protection. What is agent protection? There are a couple different forms of protection that real estate agents use to ensure their financial and legal well-being when dealing with real estate.

Hold Harmless Clause

On occasion, a buyer will close on a house, move in, and find that everything is not as they were told.

For example, although the seller claimed the basement was sealed and watertight, the basement may flood, and evidence shows no water-proofing measures were taken. The Hold Harmless Clause protects the agent from liability when he or she was unaware of the problem.

If the seller neglected to tell the agent of this problem, he or she is not held responsible in cases of law suits.

Period of Protection

When listing your house with an agent, the listing will generally have an expiration date. When you agree to hire a realtor, you will likely agree to a period of protection after the listing expires.

Let’s say your listing will expire in one week, and an individual decides to personally make an offer on your home. The period of protection prevents you from waiting until the listing expires to sell the home and forgo any commission you are responsible to pay to the realtor.

This protects the agent from losing money that he or she deserves.

Solve The Endless List Of Real Estate Jargon 

In order to fully understand all the jargon that goes along with real estate, just ask an expert. Your agent will happily explain all of the terms and conditions of your contract, listing, etc. TalkLocal can find a qualified real estate agent in your area so that you won’t have to ask simple questions, like: What is agent protection? Try our easy service today.