Stephen LaPorta's Blog

Posted on 11/29/2020

Starting from Scratch: How to Find the Capital for Your First Investment Property

Photo by Jonathan Rolande via Pixabay Dipping your toes in the real estate investing waters can feel intimidating--especially when it comes to making a large up-front investment. Although there are ways to get started in real estate with lower up-front costs (low- or no-down payment VA and FHA loans, for instance), it's smart to have some savings to...

Property

Investment

+ 3 more

Posted on 11/22/2020

Home Equity Explained

Buying your first home is a big decision; one that involves a lengthy process of saving money, building credit, and planning the next phase of your life. However, owning a home comes with one major payoff: home equity.Simply put, home equity is the amount of your home that you’ve paid off. However, it does get more complicated when we...

Home Equity

Buying A Home

+ 1 more

Posted on 11/15/2020

Determine If a Home Is Right for You

The definition of a "dream house" varies from homebuyer to homebuyer. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to determine if a residence is right for you. Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you evaluate a home so you can decide whether to proceed with an offer to purchase. 1. Review a Home's Features...

Buying A Home

Buyer Tips

Posted on 11/08/2020

Key Factors to Consider Before You Reject an Offer to Purchase

If you receive a "lowball" offer to purchase your house, your first reaction may be to respond with an immediate "No." However, it is important to evaluate any offer to purchase your house closely. Because if you weigh the pros and cons of rejecting an offer to purchase your home, you'll be better equipped than ever before to make...

Selling Your Home

Offer To Purchase

Posted on 11/01/2020

Are You Ready to Address Homebuying Hurdles?

Purchasing a home may prove to be a long, arduous process, particularly for individuals who fail to prepare for potential house buying hurdles. Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to put yourself in position to enjoy a successful homebuying journey, such as: 1. Establish Realistic Expectations Much in the same way that Rome was not built...

Buying A Home

Buyer Tips

Posted on 10/25/2020

How Many Home Showings Should You Schedule?

A home showing is a valuable opportunity for a property buyer. In certain instances, buyers will set up dozens of showings to review a wide range of residences. Meanwhile, a buyer sometimes finds the perfect residence during his or her first home showing. Ultimately, there is no set number of showings that you will need to attend before you...

Showing

Buying A Home

Posted on 10/18/2020

5 Ways to Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal

Image by Pexels from Pixabay You’re getting ready to put your house on the market and scurrying to make everything look perfect for potential buyers. While it’s important to focus on readying your home’s interior for viewing, remember not to neglect your exterior. According to some estimates, 81% of real estate agents believe curb appeal is one of...

Curb Appeal

Selling Your Home

+ 1 more

Posted on 10/11/2020

Ways to Incorporate Blank Walls in Home Design

Photo by: Allie Smith via Unsplash During home decoration, it is natural to have one or more blank walls that leave you asking yourself: "What am I going to do with that?" You may get frustrated, but don't worry, you are not alone — barren walls are likely driving other homeowners crazy, too. What’s the solution? A fresh...

Decor

Interior Design

+ 7 more

Posted on 10/04/2020

Should You Submit an Offer to Purchase a Home?

Deciding whether to submit an offer to purchase a house may prove to be difficult. Fortunately, we're here to help you weigh the pros and cons of submitting a homebuying proposal so you can make the best-possible decision. Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you determine whether now is the right time to submit an...

Offer To Purchase

Buying A Home

Posted on 09/27/2020

What Criteria Determine If You Should Buy a House?

Photo by Athitat Shinagowin via Shutterstock You’ll often hear it stated that paying rent is throwing money down the drain. As a motivation to buy a home, however, that might not be the best idea. A rule of thumb is that if you can purchase a home for fifteen times what you currently pay annually in rent, buying...

Buyer Tips

Renting

+ 7 more

Posted on 09/20/2020

How to Design an Indoor Pool

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels When you have an indoor pool, you don’t have to wait for the weather to cooperate in order to go swimming. Indoor pools offer a convenient way to swim for exercise or relaxation whenever you want. These pools can also add even more luxury to your home with the right features and design....

Luxury

Swimming Pool

+ 1 more

Posted on 09/13/2020

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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