Moving Out Of Your Rental Unit? How to Get Your Security Deposit Back
So you are moving out and want your security deposit back! Doesn’t it feel like some impossible feat?
But in truth, it isn’t!
Your security deposit is your money and if you’ve taken care of the property well enough while fulfilling your contractual obligations, don’t lose the hope of getting back your deposited amount when you move out.
If you are moving to a new rental unit then you might need this money for the down payment or to make a deposit on the new rental. But it is a common observation that landlords often drag their feet when it comes to returning the security deposit. In some cases, you may wrongfully withhold a portion of the money from the deposit.
However, a landlord is required to follow state law at the time of depositing the security deposit. This means that the money should only be used for particular expenses and must be returned to you as per the contractual deadline. That is why; tenants m. ...

Get a Good Real Estate Deal During the Off Season with these Tips
During the holiday season, travelling, shopping sprees, baking, gift wrapping, and other festive preparations are in full swing. And for many potential buyers and sellers, buying or selling a home is not top of the list so it is a great time to get a good real estate deal.
Nonetheless, for some of the sellers, selling their homes may be important because they’re relocating, have a better investment opportunity or simply for any other reason. So in other words, active sellers during the off season actually want to sell their homes quickly. And as a buyer, you can use this to your advantage, and get a really good real estate deal.
Here are some great tips that can help you buy during the off season. After all, inventory levels are low during the holiday season, and somehow, you may just be able to turn the limited home supply in your favor.
Negotiate confidently
The off season is the time when you, as a buyer, usually! ...

Closing Costs in Detail: What do You Pay as a Buyer or Seller?
Closing costs are paid when a real estate deal has been finalized and is moving towards closure.  This is the time when your chosen home is transferred from the seller to you.   So how much are these closing costs and who pays them? Let’s take a look.
What fees and charges do closing costs comprise of?
Closing cost depend on a number of factors including the type of your purchased property, location and loan type.  Generally, they include the following fee, but confirm the same from your real estate agent.
Application fee – to cover the costs of application processing. Talk to your lender and find out which charges are covered; these may include the costs of appraisal, running a credit check on you and other similar expenses. Application fees can often be negotiated, and isn’t always charged by every lender
Appraisal fee – to pay an appraiser who then confirms the market value of the home you’re interested in
At; ...

Simple Ways for Generating Greater Curb Appeal
How well have you maintained the exterior of your home? How is your home's curb appeal? A polished and gleaming appearance can attract a crowd or potential buyers.  So does that mean that you have to spend money on various home improvements?
Partly, yes. But then there are so many other ways as well in which you can improve curb appeal.  Let’s take a look at some low-end ways that guarantee a more attractive home.
Clean up
Surprised to see this on the list? As obvious as this may be, many sellers hardly pay any attention. One of the best ways to improve your home’s appearance is through a deep cleaning session. So dedicate an entire weekend to the task, and when you’re done, your tiles, windows and other components should gleam in the light.
Invest in renting a power washer for the day, and use a mixture of detergent and water or a glass cleaner to ensure that your windows sparkle.  Wash the roof if you want, but make sure that you do. ...

Questions to Ask Your Landlord Before Signing the Lease Agreement
Are you searching for an apartment?  There are tons of things to find out before you select a suitable apartment so go over the lease agreement from front to back.
Before signing any document, read through the lease agreement thoroughly and make sure answers to the following questions are clearly stated.
What is the rental amount and do you have to pay any fees?
Some landlords require you to pay bills separately, whereas some of them bundle all the utility expenses as part of the rent. So, find out the total rental amount and if any bills are included or not beforehand.
Generally, most of the landlords include sewage and water in the rental amount. All other bills like heat, electricity and internet have to be paid on top. For some of the apartments, you may also have to pay an additional administration fee.
Also find out which services will be under your name. In that case, there might be a deposit which is requir. ...