A home addition can be a fun project to take on for Gulch homeowners who need the extra space (and a change of pace). The promise of an extra bathroom, bedroom, or story can feel like a literal dream come true. But before taking on the work, there are a few things to consider before calling a contractor or taking a sledgehammer to the nearest wall.

Look Around the Home

Space in a home has a tendency to be underutilized, either because it is inconvenient or largely forgotten. Is there an old utility closet that would make the perfect third bathroom? Can the garage be converted into a playroom? Can the attic be insulated and then turned into a guest bedroom? Can extra space in the hallway or under the stairs be turned into a small home office?

Are you buying a Portland home sometime soon? If so, then you'll need to know about interest rates. Home interest rates can have a long-lasting effect on how much you have to pay on a monthly basis after purchasing your new home. The more you know about interest rates, the more informed you'll be as a consumer when the time comes to borrow money. Here's what you need to know about interest rates before buying a house.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

What Are Home Buying Interest Rates?

An interest rate is the percentage of the principal charged by the lender and passed on to the borrower as a fee for borrowing money. Interest

A new deck can bring immeasurable joy to residents during any season, but the complex installation process can make it difficult to get started. Here are a few tips for a smarter approach, so Green Hills homeowners can get to it.

Research the Zoning

The zoning restrictions of any given neighborhood may have a lot to say about the steps of a deck installation. Some areas may give their residents free rein, but others may require all work to be approved by city officials. Homeowners may also be required to hire approved professionals to put in their deck, and schedule regular inspections as the deck is being completed.

These rules are made to protect both private property and city infrastructure. If homeowners accidentally damage a pipe when

Many home buyers pursue conventional financing as a way to get a mortgage. In some cases, East Nashville home buyers need to apply for a different kind of loan. Jumbo loans are intended to offer financing to home buyers in areas with a higher cost of living, or who need a loan for a more expensive home. Jumbo loans can be quite similar to conventional mortgages, but there are a few differences. Borrowers should understand these distinctions before they apply.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

1. What Is a Conventional Loan?

In order to know what a jumbo loan is, home buyers should have a basic understanding of conventional

Virtual reality may well be the next big thing in technology. Companies are pioneering developments to the real estate industry with virtual reality experiences like never before. They make it possible to have guided 3D tours of Franklin properties, access virtual staging to appeal to a broader audience, and have built applications for digital interior design. Technologies such as these have the potential to revolutionize residential and commercial real estate as well as short-term and vacation rentals.

Virtual Reality Home Tours

Not everyone can visit each property in person depending on scheduling, times of open houses, and other factors. Open houses themselves can be limited by weather, ability to stage an area attractively, and may be

Modern families prefer open floor plans, large windows and bright interiors, great kitchens with eat-in space, and a private back yard. But, without the need to renovate, what home styles offer these features?

Statistics show modern Crieve Hall home buyers often anticipate spending money to update or remodel, but is it always necessary? Some home styles boast plenty of appeal just as they are. Although it might take some effort to find one, the search can be rewarding and cost-effective.

Mid-Century Modern

The mid-century aesthetic features unrestricted interior view lines, often integrating living, dining and kitchen space with soaring ceilings and few walls, or perhaps half-walls to delineate room function. Characterized by large expanses of

Real estate building technology has made leaps and bounds in the last few decades. The invention of tablets, smart software and even new construction tools has improved efficiency for contractors who build homes. Residential structures are constructed faster and easier than ever, and they're made to be more efficient for homeowners. If you're thinking about building a home sometime in the next few months, here's what you need to know about new real estate building technology.

Communication Software for Contractors

One of the reasons the home building process has improved in the last few years is because of communication software available to contractors. Home builders now have access to powerful communication tools, which enable them to track

Septic tanks are very different from sewer systems. They function differently and are maintained differently. Old Hickory home buyers who have never had a septic tank before should be aware of the differences before they purchase a house with a septic tank. Here's what you need to know.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Understand How Your Septic Tank Functions

A septic tank is a giant underground tank that can hold hundreds or thousands of gallons of waste water at any given time. Any time someone in the home flushes a toilet, runs the dishwasher or does the laundry, that waste water enters the septic tank. All waste water from the home

Unless a Nolensville homebuyer is prepared to put down the total cost of the home in cash, they'll need to visit a lender to see how much they can borrow. While traditional banks may be the more well-known lenders, buyers can apply for credit at any number of institutions (e.g., credit unions, online banks, brokerage firms, etc.). See how the lending process works, and how preapproval and prequalification letters can help or hurt the search.

There are distinct differences between the two types of letters a buyer can receive from a lender. A home seller may not know the difference prior to putting their home on their market, but their real estate agent will almost certainly give them an education on the process.

For informational purposes only.

Applying for a mortgage can be stressful, especially if it's your first time. It's common for people to make mistakes in the mortgage application process, and sometimes those mistakes can have long-lasting effects. If you're thinking about buying a Belle Meade home, here's what you need to know to avoid serious mistakes.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

1. Borrowing Too Much

Most lenders will approve borrowers up to a certain amount. Sometimes, the maximum amount that a lender will approve is more than the borrower can realistically afford while maintaining their preferred lifestyle. Buying a home that is too expensive could result in the