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Once an obscure option for homeowners in financial trouble concerning home equity and value, real estate short sales are becoming more commonplace nationwide. Short sales allow owners to sell their home at a price below the remaining mortgage balance.

Proceeds from the short sale are paid to the homes lenders. And since it's a short sale (the home will sell for less than what is owed on it) there will likely be an unpaid mortgage balance after the sale, (more on that later.) All mortgage companies and lenders involved must agree beforehand to home short sales. Here is how to qualify for a short sale, the pros and cons of doing so and what to expect during the process.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage

Choosing a home improvement that improves both the enjoyment of the home and the market value, is an important decision for homeowners. What home additions or renovations increase the resale value of a home? or should a seller sell and market the home as-is? One of the most popular, other than kitchens, is a bathroom extension or renovation.

Bathroom Renovation or Extensions

When speaking of bathrooms, the decision is often to either add a bathroom or to renovate or make larger an existing bathroom. In an existing home, the decision of either often relates to the benefit and then potential cost of the work. In the case of an unfinished basement, adding a bathroom where there is none could present quite a bit of convenience and advantage for

Drone technology is continually evolving, and it seems that along with every advancement another clever use for these machines comes to light. However, it did not seem to take real estate professionals long to discover that using drones to sell homes has a number of benefits for both buyers and sellers in the marketplace. In fact, many real estate experts believe that drones are the best tool to come about amid the industry since the Internet. Here are a few ways that modern drone technology is changing the real estate scene in positive ways.

Drones Capture Dramatic Aerial Images with Ease

Not so long ago, aerial shots of properties were generally reserved for million dollar home listings, as the cost of hiring a helicopter and photographer

There are hundreds of articles about curb appeal to make a home attractive to potential buyers, and there are many more about quick fixes homeowners can do prior to or after a home inspection to impress buyers and help finalize a transaction. But some homeowners may find themselves in a position where they are unable to make necessary repairs, whether it be because of time constraints, financial constraints, or any other reason. What can a homeowner do then? Can homeowners sell their home without making repairs?

The process of selling a home without making repairs is known as selling a home as-is. To perform an as-is home sale, sellers disclose in their listing that there will be no concessions made by the homeowner with regards to home

The price a home sells for is ultimately dependent on a variety of factors entirely outside of the owner's control. From the condition of the neighbor's homes, to the state of the economy - and even where the nearest schools and shopping are, some sellers may feel that marketing is unnecessary. But the seller, along with assistance from a qualified real estate agent, should take the time to find and impress the right audience for their home. And this can make a difference in the price the home sells for.

Finding the Sweet Spot

The MLS is usually the first marketing strategy for any home seller, and it's important to hit a sweet spot when it comes to this listing. The price a seller wants for their home creates a powerful anchor for people to

Think about your present home. Depending on how long you have lived in it, the house may now be tailored to fit into your specific needs and desired relaxation level. But could you be doing more? Don't just focus on making the home as comfortable as possible. Homeowners should also seek to make the significant green improvements that will help them save money on their utilities while increasing the value of their homes. So, what is green home improvement?

Increasing value by making energy efficient upgrades to your home can offer a wide range of benefits. If you are looking to take out a personal loan, you can tap the equity from the house to make purchases, start a business and even make home renovations. Also, you can have more money lining

Just as it's unwise to drive a car without a spare tire and working jack, no home should be without basic tools to make simple repairs—whether it's to do simple maintenance around the house or to DIY larger projects. A home repair kit is easy to assemble. Use a collapsible fabric bucket, a plastic tote or a metal lunchbox as a portable tool kit, and buy only necessary items rather than spending big bucks for a coordinated set.

Here are the items every homeowner should have:

Hammers & Screwdrivers

There are many different types of hammers, but a basic clawfoot hammer is indispensable. Use it to hang artwork or pry off an old piece of trim, build a deck or pound a garden stake into the ground. Look for a hammer with good balance and one that

After purchasing a home, the new homeowner will likely be offered a home warranty by special home warranty companies. In other instances, sometimes the previous owner will purchase a home warranty to give the new owners some peace of mind. But many homeowners wonder: is a home warranty worth it?

What Is a Home Warranty?

Like a warranty someone would buy to protect their cell phone or computer, a home warranty does that for a home and it covers most major appliances and major systems such as ovens, furnaces, and hot water heaters. If something breaks, homeowners with a warranty can file a claim with the company the warranty was purchased from and they will send someone to fix it.

How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?

Premiums for a home

Homeowners looking to address drafts and improve the envelope of their home may be looking to add a home insulation product, especially if they live in an older home. While there are many types of home insulation on the market, only a few can improve energy efficiency in a home while being able to be used on irregular or hard to reach areas. Spray foam is one of the products worth considering that may help homeowners address cracks, leaks or gaps in an existing or newly constructed home.

Even those not currently interested in the high return on investment that may be derived from improving insulation in a home may appreciate the additional comfort and lower bills associated with heating or cooling a home with properly installed home insulation.

When the time comes for a homeowner to prepare their home for sale, a fresh coat of paint is often one of the first improvements on the list, and for good reason. Adding a layer of new paint covers many of the signs of wear that make homes feel tired and dated. In addition to making rooms look clean and new, however, painting when staging a home to sell offers even more affordable ways to add value and appeal in home staging.

The Benefits of Painting a Home When Staging to Sell

Should you paint your home before selling? Most homeowners stage homes with the intent of increasing the overall value by presenting it in the best possible light. Since interior painting offers a 107 percent ROI for a home and only costs a few hundred dollars, the