National Day of Unplugging Starts at Home

A new trend is trickling into real estate decisions, but it’s not just a popular shade of paint or pattern of wallpaper. People around the world are choosing to “unplug” their digital lives and, in the process, redefine the home. Read more

Moving With Fido

We love our pets. In some households they’re our “children.” In others they are dear members of the family. How can you make the stressful time of moving an easy transition for your furry friends?

Pets are routined creatures, not unlike their human counterparts. Unlike our independent selves, however, pets look to us to provide them with safety, affection, and nourishment. This means it is our responsibility to plan ahead so that moving time is low stress for our pets. Read more

Become your kid’s mortgage lender

Between slumping prices and low mortgage rates, it’s a good time to look for real estate bargains. But thanks to tightened lending standards, legions of young would-be homebuyers aren’t exactly in a position to take advantage of the opportunity. That’s where their parents come in: One in three first-time buyers received either a gift or a loan from their families to help buy a home in 2011, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Such a move can provide significant financial benefits to child and parent alike. But you need to proceed carefully to maximize the tax and estate-planning advantages and avoid unpleasant family conflicts.

The most straightforward way for a parent to lend a hand is to simply give your child some cash. There is a limit, however, to how much money the federal government will let you give away tax-free in any one year. In 2012, a taxpayer can give $13,000 to an individual without triggering so-called gift taxes. Married couples may underwrite their child to the tune of $26,000 a year. Read more

New Home For Sale in Forest Acres! This is a Must See!

6609 Dare Circle
Columbia, SC 29206

(Map)

Listing Price: $169,900
Square Footage: 1,809
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2

This home is in a highly sought after neighborhood and has lots of upgrades. Great size home with 3 large bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, formal living room, family room, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, plus a bonus room that makes for a great office, gym, playroom etc… The kitchen has been renovated and has very high end cabinets with all the wow features, including stainless steel appliances. In addition, this home has a double car garage which is hard to find downtown. Award winning schools, minutes to Trenholm plaza, and a move in ready home. This is a great find!

For a video and more pictures of this listing, please click here.

Boomers More Willing to Help Kids With Down Payments

Two-thirds of baby boomers say they want to help their children or grandchildren with a home down payment, according to a study of more than 1,000 baby boomers age 45 and up conducted by Meredith Research Solutions for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.

In fact, one in five boomers surveyed say they’ve already loaned their children money, cosigned a mortgage, or given a cash gift for a down payment on a home.

Even baby boomers not considered wealthy are willing to offer help on down payments. While baby boomers who make more than $75,000 a year were found to be the most willing to offer help, 46 percent of baby boomers who make less than $75,000 per year say they also plan to help their child with a future home purchase, according to the survey. Read more

Baby Boomers Seek Smaller, Affordable Homes

Baby boomers who plan to move for retirement are looking for smaller, affordable homes that are easily accessible to medical care and near their family, finds a new poll of more than 1,000 adults born between 1946 and 1964 conducted by Associated Press-LifeGoesStrong.com.

Baby boomers who make more than $100,000 a year are the most likely to say they plan to buy a new home during retirement. For boomers who plan to purchase a new home, the most Read more

Make Moving Fun: 10 Tips for Families

Are you getting ready for a big move? It can be one of life’s most stressful events. For children this effect is amplified. It can be intimidating, confusing, and even scary.

Here are 10 things you can do to make moving fun for the family.

1. Movie night: Watching one of your family’s favorite movies can make your new house feel familiar. Order pizza and have root beer floats! Forget about the day’s stresses and enjoy each other’s company, along with a meal that is easy to clean up.

Read more