In recent months, we’ve laid out some great principles and pointers for property managers. Today we’ll look at the opposite end of being a good property manager by pointing out some of the biggest mistakes you might make and how to avoid them. Doing Reactive Maintenance Only In general, there are two types of maintenance: […]
Deed vs Title
The language of real estate, much like that used in any sort of transaction or activity that necessitates a lot of legal paperwork, can get a bit tricky. Everybody involved will bandy about a lot of phrases and terms, some of which you may have never heard before. Some of them may make absolutely no […]
The Credit Score You Need To Buy A House
We’ve talked about credit scores before here on AHRN, both in general and how they specifically relate to your ability to rent a home or apartment. In this piece we’ll cover the way your credit affects your ability to buy (or not buy) a house. But first a quick recap of what a credit score […]
The Steps to Getting a VA Loan
Most members of the military community have probably heard a thing or two about VA Home Loans. In short, the program provides servicemembers, vets, and some spouses mortgages with zero-money-down loans backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you qualify and want to buy a home, chances are you’ll happily take advantage of such […]
Tips for Property Managers
So, you got hired as a property manager and now tend to the investment property/properties of another person (perhaps some savvy AHRN reader who wisely took last week’s article to heart). Maybe it’s your first gig tending to rented-out homes, maybe you’re an old hand at this sort of thing. Maybe it’s a full-time job […]
Hiring a Property Manager
So, you’ve bought a wonderful house in a great neighborhood with perfect light, ample square footage, and maybe an extra room for an awesome home gym, art studio or entertainment suite. But, for one reason or another, it’s time to move. Maybe you’re PCS-ing. Maybe you need a bigger house. Or maybe you and your […]
What is a Contingent Offer?
The simple answer is: an offer to purchase a home that the seller has accepted, but won’t be finalized until certain conditions are met. That’s the comprehensively brief explanation. But what’s worth digging into are the kinds of contingent offers you may come across as a buyer or seller. Here are some of the most […]
6 Survival Tips for Landlords
Typically every three to four years, active-duty service members find themselves placed on orders to serve at a new duty station. In an unsteady real estate market, it can be difficult for service members to sell their homes with the less than 120 days lead time that most PCS moves afford. In the meantime, it […]
Purple Heart Day: a Brief History
On May 3rd, 1783, Sergeants William Brown and Elijah Churchill of the Continental Army each received a piece of purple cloth in the shape of a heart with the word MERIT sewn on it. On June 10th, Sergeant Daniel Bissell received one as well. The awards were called Badges of Military Merit. Initially announced by […]
A Quick Guide to HOA Fees
If you’re considering buying a home in a gated, planned, co-op, otherwise organized community, or condominium complex you’ll come across the phrase “Homeowner’s Association” (or its abbreviated form: HOA). If you’re unfamiliar with this term, here’s a quick explanation: HOA’s oversee the management, upkeep and community standards of your neighborhood. Most often, real estate developers […]