Posts made by author 'Denny Brandt'

If you're looking to sell your home during prime house-shopping season this spring, you'd better get cracking now. After all, it's not as easy as slapping an ad on Craigslist; if you want your humble abode to stand out from the competition, that could take months to do right. So, here's how to whip your place into shape by fixing any problems and upgrading the eyesores. Because like it or not, your home has sustained some wear and tear over the years. Here's how to assess the damage and find out which renovations will pay off down the road.

1. Tally the age of various items

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Buying Secret #10: Keep Your Money Where It Is

It's not wise to make any huge purchases or move your money around three to six months before buying a new home. You don't want to take any big chances with your credit profile. Lenders need to see that you're reliable and they want a complete paper trail so that they can get you the best loan possible. If you open new credit cards, amass too much debt or buy a lot of big-ticket items, you're going to have a hard time getting a loan.

Buying Secret...

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If you can afford it, it might be simple to pay off your mortgage earlier. But should you? That's a complicated question.

Homeowners with low mortgage rates may be better off putting extra money in a Roth IRA or 401(k), both of which might offer a higher return than paying off the mortgage.

Then there's the college aid factor. If you're applying for need-based aid for your kids, that home equity could count against you with some colleges because some institutions view equity as money in the bank.

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Moving can be a daunting task for many people. There is a lot of packing involved and unpacking once you get to your new home; however, with proper planning, you may even find yourself enjoying the moving process...unless you get stuck. This guide serves to offer you simple ways to move into your new home.

Get Prepared

It is advisable to plan at least eight weeks before you're going to relocate. A last-minute rush can bring a lot of confusion and stress. To plan this far ahead, though, you need a list of tasks to do. Select...

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Considering all the blood, sweat and tears (not to mention money) it takes to make your dream renovation a reality, you'd expect to be handsomely rewarded with a boost in your home's value. Unfortunately, not every remodeling project will bring a handsome return on investment -- and some might even repel future buyers. You might want to think twice about springing for these so-called upgrades.

Over-the-top improvements.

When it comes to renovations, bigger isn't always better. While bringing your post-war bathroom...

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