One of the arguments for renting instead of buying is the fact that you don’t have to pay for repairs and maintenance. Unexpected home expenses is one reason why many in the personal finance space recommend homeowners have an extra-healthy emergency fund. “Small” unexpected expenses of $100-$300 can add up quick, and big expenses […]
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Most first-time home buyers have entertained the idea of buying a fixer-upper. This trend is partially due to the fact your money can go much further when you buy a home that needs work. I also blame HGTV and their numerous shows with mind-boggling number of episodes showing homes being renovated. My wife and […]
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Housing costs are one of the most expensive parts of any budget. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person spends 37 percent of their take-home pay on housing-related expenses – ouch. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for retirement, or simply more wiggle room in paying the […]
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With dozens of different television shows based on the subject, it seems like just about anyone can handle a fixer upper. But before you dive right in and purchase the worst house on the block, there are some things you should consider. Fixer uppers are a lot of work – more work than most people […]
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Home ownership is viewed as a rite of passage for many in North America. But for many the path to home ownership can be confusing. After all, buying a home isn’t something people do that often, so there are many first-time home buyers. As the housing market fluctuates, the importance of having a solid foundation […]
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Buying a house is a goal for a lot of people. Sure, there is the whole rent vs. buy debate, but at the end of the day, many people want a place to call their own. A place where you don’t have to ask someone if you can put a nail in the wall. It […]
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Moving can be frustrating. Nobody likes having to deal with packing, carrying heavy stuff, and having to adjust to a new setting. I’ve moved several times in the last few years and each time has been a learning experience of what to do and what not to do. As I’ve learned from relocating to different […]
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Housing is probably one of the highest monthly expenses you’ll ever have. While owning a home one day is a common goal for many of us, sometimes it difficult to tell whether renting or buying a home will actually be better for our finances now and in the long run. Personally, I was always told […]
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If you’re like most millennials, you think a lot about buying a home. And if you’re reading this blog, you’re probably already convinced that before you buy, you want a hefty down payment saved – ideally 20% of the home’s purchase price. That will save you from PMI and let you deal with all […]
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