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Myth vs. Fact: Home Buying

June 17, 2014 By

Buying a home is a big commitment, and it’s important to get the right information before making such a big decision. Like anything else, do your research beforehand. There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to real estate and where you should spend your money but we are here to help.

Myth 1: You should get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan after closing on your house.

Fact 1: Early in the process, you’ll want to get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan. It enables you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious and can afford to buy the property. A pre-approval is a simple calculation done by a mortgage lender that tells you the amount you’ll be able to finance through a loan and what your monthly payment will be. Another figure that lenders use to evaluate how much you can afford is the housing expense-to-income ratio. It is determined by calculating your projected monthly housing expense, which consists of the principal and interest payment, property tax payments and insurance premiums on your new home loan (also known as PITI). Use our Mortgage Calculator, Refinancing Calculator, and Amortization Calculator for insights.

Myth 2: You need at least a 20% down payment.

Fact 2: A common myth is that the more money you put down, the less you’ll have to borrow and the easier it will be to get a loan. While this is ideal, there are other options as explained in The US News article, Alternatives to Putting 20 Percent Down on a Home. Each buyer is unique, and a mortgage professional can help you find out just what you can afford. Your income and debts will typically play the biggest roles in determining your price range. It’s simple to make an estimate – just run the numbers for yourself using our Affordability Calculator.

Myth 3: Buying is always better than renting.

Fact 3: Some people argue that renting is throwing away money. However, there are instances where it would be better to rent. You have to consider the housing market, the price of repairs and maintenance, property taxes, school taxes, mortgage, and more. Compare your options with the Renting vs. Buying Calculator.

Agents affiliated with the CENTURY 21® System are ready to make a commitment to help you capitalize on current market opportunities and assist you in making an informed decision. A CENTURY 21 Agent can help ensure you make the right choice for the long term, get a better understanding of different neighborhoods, schools, and market conditions, find a mortgage specialist, and more. Get started now!

Recommended Reading:

-Buying Advice

-5 Tips for First Time Homebuyers

-We Asked, You Answered: Tips for First Time Homebuyers

-3 Powerful Real Estate Investing Rules for Regular Folk

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6 Simple SEO Tips for Real Estate Agents

March 31, 2014 By

Use blogging and basic SEO tips to grow your real estate business.

SEO seems overwhelming but there are simple steps you can consider taking to increase site views and,  potentially, leads.

Here are six key tips:

1. Keywords: Keywords are the terms that people will search to get to your blog. Use popular real estate terms such as: home, selling, buying, real estate, homeowner, home buyer, and real estate agent.

2. Titles: Your blog posts should have titles that make people want to click and read your post! Write catchy and intriguing blog post title and use keywords so that people know what the post will be about. A good title might be: 10 Expensive Mistakes First-Time Homeowners Make. Make it clear what the person will find when they click the link – you will be rewarded for having people stay on your site instead of leaving right away.

3. Links: You should use both internal and external links. Internal links direct readers to other blog posts or sections of your website. You will be rewarded for having a site that is seen to be relevant and useful – one way to do this is to link to external sources because doing so provides more information and context for the reader.  Be sure the reader knows they are going to an external source that you did not author.  You are also rewarded when other sites list your blog as a source and link to your posts. A permalink is a link to an individual blog post. You should have a keyword early in the title. The permalink is optimized for SEO not readers so it can be something simple like real-estate-mistakes. Put hyphens in between words.

4. Images: When people do a Google Search for images your images may come up in results. Increase your chances at coming up in search results by having detailed image titles and alt text. Your image title should be a good description of the image. For example, instead of naming the image File 1 or something generic, name it with the same name as your blog post or something descriptive about the subject matter of the image. If people Pin directly from your site the title of the image will be the caption on Pinterest. Alt text provides Google with more information about the image. Your Alt text should be a short description of the image, for example, blue house for sale.

5. Be social: Set up social media profiles for your blog or company and publicize your posts on your social media channels so that people can find it and start reading!

6. Content: The most important SEO tips don’t involve titles, tags, or links. The best way to increase your SEO is to consistently write original content that provides value to your readers. You will have more information that will come up in search results and you will create a loyal following of people who come back over and over to read your posts and learn from you!

 

What are your favorite SEO tips?

 

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10 Secrets for Making Your Bedroom Feel Larger

March 25, 2014 By

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In the words of David Bowie, you can make a few small “ch-ch-ch-ch-changes” to make your bedroom feel much larger with these ten tips.

1. Use Light Colored Paint: When Women’s Day author Kim Fusaro interviewed Sabrina Soto, one of Target’s Home Style Experts, she learned to paint rooms light colors because, “light colors reflect and multiply light, while dark colors absorb it.” Colors like “cream, beige, light grayish-blue and lavender” are good choices for making small spaces feel larger. (Women’s Day)

2. Incorporate Mirrors: Wall mirrors help to make a room feel larger, and making an entire wall a mirror, will make a room feel like it is double the size! (Lowe’s)

3. Use Sheer Curtains: Interior Designers at Pottery Barn recommend using sheer curtains to, “create an airy sense of openness.” If you would like opaque curtains for privacy and controlling brightness, “use a double rod to layer opaque drapes over sheers.” (Pottery Barn)

4. Combat Clutter: Clutter makes a room look smaller – combat clutter for once and for all!

5. Use Multipurpose Pieces: Use multipurpose pieces such as an ottoman with built-in storage. Other multipurpose pieces include beds with built-in drawers and benches with space for storage boxes. (Nest)

6. Add Extra Lighting: The team at Lowe’s recommend enhancing a small space by using recessed spot lighting, a torchiere light, skylights, and solar tubes.

7. Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme: According to the experts at Lowe’s you should, “use a monochromatic color scheme on the furniture, rugs, and walls.” They recommend using, “different shades and textures of your single color.” (Lowe’s)

8. Paint the Ceiling: The team at Apartment Therapy suggest painting ceilings a light color because, “Generally a light ceiling will allow your eye to pass upward without distraction and give the impression of a larger space, so a light ceiling will make your room seem bigger.” (Apartment Therapy)

9. Buy Large Furniture: Although it seems counterintuitive, having one large piece of furniture as opposed to a lot of tiny pieces will make the room seem airier. (Nest)

10. Utilize Vertical Space:Style at Home’s expert, Lynda Felton, recommends using vertical space. She explains that, “Whether you’re hanging art or shelves, or placing furniture, don’t let vertical space go to waste. Using it is practical, providing a display space for art, for example, and it also draws the eye up, making a space feel more expansive than it actually is.” (Style at Home)

We want to hear from you! What are your tips for making a room seem larger?

 

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10 Benefits of Working from Home

March 13, 2014 By

10 benefits of working from home as told by man’s best friend.

1. Go ahead and press snooze. You’re not commuting today!


 

 

 

 

 

2. When you finally muster the courage to get out of bed, you can work in pajamas.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. That’s right. You don’t have to suit up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. You may be able to sneak out and go to a hideous sweater convention during your “lunch break.”


 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Or squeeze in a quick session with your personal trainer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. You don’t have to hide how you really feel about your co-workers presentation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. You don’t have to pretend to be enthusiastic and peppy for the meeting. It is a conference call. They can’t see you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. You can wear your sunglasses inside. Like a boss.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. You won’t be stuck in traffic so you’ll definitely make it home on time for Poker Night with your bros.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. You still bring home the bacon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What benefits would you add? What is your favorite thing about working from home?

For entertainment purposes only.

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Worldwide Wanderlust: CENTURY 21® Homes from Around the Globe

March 5, 2014 By

One word, ten letters: wanderlust. This seemingly never ending winter has left us with a major case of wanderlust. Do you feel the same?

Get your daily dose of wanderlust by looking at these homes around the world. Looking to make a commitment? The houses are all on sale at CENTURY 21® Global.

 

Australia:

This incredible home is an architectural triumph of unrivalled quality wrapped in spectacular harbor panoramas. The postcard style views create a sense of seamless extension of this substantial home’s multi-level layout. The exceptionally private home has an open vista to the world’s most beautiful harbor, cutting edge security, and a no-expense-spared approach to luxury and personal comfort. The streamlined residence captures the essence of flowing indoor/outdoor open plan living, with the main living and dining areas flowing onto the fabulous sundrenched terrace-garden. All principal rooms have balconies or terraces and views of Australia’s most prestigious peninsula. Framed by clipped hedges and low maintenance garden areas, the generously proportioned home includes secure garage with space for twelve cars and a private elevator to all levels of accommodation. This exquisite home is dressed to impress!

 

 

This incredible seven bedroom, six bathroom home is a surfer’s paradise. The modern home includes: a helipad, a guest house, five garages and four car parks, a tennis court, Miele kitchen appliances, a home movie theater and more.

 

London

This bright 2,888 sq ft penthouse apartment features spectacular views over communal gardens, London’s skyline, and Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. The stunning home has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, three receptions, a kitchen, an entrance hall, a utility room and a guest cloakroom. The apartment boasts opulent grandeur throughout, which is of particular prominence in the principal receptions and in the dining room. Kingston House North is a desirable purpose built apartment block on Hyde Park with 24 hour porters, a lift, visitors parking, and beautiful communal gardens. With the park a stone’s throw away, the amenities of Knightsbridge and South Kensington on your doorstep, including fashionably restaurants and cafes, world class shopping such as Harrods and excellent transport links, this most desirable location is second to none.

Canada

This custom built luxury home sits on 1.3 ac backing onto Blue Springs Golf Club near Acton. The 13,000 sq ft home has: five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a balcony, a separate guest suite, custom walnut millwork, two laundry rooms, a main level master suite with large walk-in closets, a fitness room, an office nook, a heated flooring system, above grade windows, a walkout, custom wine cellar, walk-in fridge and freezer, den and outstanding games and entertainment room with billiard and ping pong rooms as well as a custom bar ideal for entertaining. The grounds have been impeccably landscaped with concrete and stone walls, a large gunite pool with waterfall feature and wading area, a huge concrete deck and a patio with stone privacy walls, outdoor kitchen with built-in grills, wood burning pizza oven, sink and more.

We hope that you enjoyed this dose of wunderlust. If it has inspired you to go away, bon voyage!

Which home is your favorite? If you could move anywhere in the world where would you move?

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The Best Movie Home Awards

March 2, 2014 By

You like me. You really like me! The Biggest Night in Movies is finally here and we think that the academy should add the category Best Movie Home. We found CENTURY 21® listings that are doppelgangers for the beautiful homes in movies nominated for Best Picture.

Over the past week, we’ve presented our nominees for Best Movie Home on our Facebook page. Our fans voted and we have our winner.  Tonight’s winner received more Likes than any other nominee!

And the winner is….

Our own “Nebraska” look-a-like! Woody would be right at home in this classic Billings, Montana house.

Now that we’ve determined the Best Movie Home, what do you think will win Best Picture?

For entertainment purposes only.

 

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Oh, That’s Scandalous: Dirty Little Secrets

February 26, 2014 By


We didn’t think it would be possible to “cope without Pope (Scandal)” but we’ve gotten this far. It has been too long since the last episode, so we’ve put together a refresher course full of the most scandalous moments so far, and the CENTURY 21® homes where the Scandal could have occurred.

SPOILER ALERT: If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t seen the first three seasons of Scandal watch them before you read this. Seriously. Shut it down. Go watch.

It’s handled? Read on.

1. Olivia turns on the TV only to find that Jake has surveillance videos of her – a dramatic end to an otherwise perfect date. Hate when that happens…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2. The Rose Garden scene where Fitz professes his love to Olivia and says that he belongs to her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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3. The Cabal meets to discuss Defiance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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4.Olivia and Fitz conserve water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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5. Olivia Pope and Associates, aka where the gladiators live and everything gets handled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6. Fitz flies Olivia to Vermont so that she can see the home that he built for her and their future children. As he says, “This was going to be you and me raising a family and growing old together in this house.” Their romantic rendezvous proves that Vermont really is for lovers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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7. Olivia storms the Oval Office to set the record straight with Fitz. She tells him what she wants, “If you want me, earn me.” Olivia goes back to her apartment (possibly to try on yet another beautiful coat or drink wine out of one of her unusually large wine glasses) and Fitz shows up so that she can watch him earn her. They sit for 22 minutes so that she can watch him choose her – risking both his presidency and his marriage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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8. Sally Langston, aka the vice president, tells the president she quits and plans to run against him as an Independent. She then goes home, kills her husband, and calls Cyrus to tell him that she has committed a sin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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9. Mama Pope hijacks a plane en route to Hong Kong then shows up at the White House (an amazing place for someone on the FBI’s Most Wanted List for a traitor to visit) to call her daughter to tell her, “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll see you real soon.” We also learn where Olivia Pope got her fantastic taste in white coats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10. The president puts Rowan behind bars and Jake becomes Command of B613. We may be seeing Jake in Wonderland this upcoming season, and, Nobody Comes Back From Wonderland. Either Olivia and Jake’s relationship is over or she’ll be saying Welcome to Wonderland this season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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We will be watching to see how the Scandal unfolds.

What are your favorite moments from Scandal?

For Entertainment Purposes Only

 

 

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Home Decor 101: How to Style a Nightstand

February 24, 2014 By

Style your nightstand to reflect your personality and streamline your morning and evening routines.

how-to-style-a-nightstand

A nightstand is an important component of your bedroom. It is the last thing you see when you turn off your light and fall asleep and the first thing you look at when you turn off your alarm and turn on the light before getting out of bed.

Here is our list of essential items for your nightstand:

1. Reading Lamp: Choose a lamp that fits with the decor style of the rest of your room. For example, if your room can be defined as Art Deco choose a modern lamp and if your room includes Coastal elements choose a lamp design that is inspired by the ocean.

2. Clock: Regardless of your morning routine a clock can help insure that you are on time.

3. Accessory: Add an accessory such as a tray to store the jewelry you wear every day, your favorite candle, or a vase of freshly cut flowers.

4. Picture Frame: Style your nightstand with a picture of loved ones to make you smile when you fall asleep and when you wake.

5. Books: Who doesn’t love reading in bed? Keep a few books at arm’s length.

6. A Notebook and a Pen: You never know when inspiration will strike! Be prepared.

7. Art: Hang your favorite print, photo, or painting above your nightstand to tie the look together.

What recommendations do you have for styling a nightstand? How have you styled the nightstands in your home?

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Getting Local with the USA Women’s Bobsled Team

February 19, 2014 By

CONTRIBUTED POST BY: Brittany Boyce, Homes.com

The Olympics are in full swing, and to celebrate the Winter Games in Sochi, CENTURY 21® Real Estate, a proud sponsor of  USA’s Bobsled team, and Homes.com, a leading online real estate destination, wanted to bring you ‘up to speed’ on the U.S. women’s bobsled team and take a look at the real estate market in each of their hometowns. Using data from Homes.com’s Local Market Index and Rebound Reports, we’ll see just how their cities are faring by taking a look at how much they have rebounded back from peak market values.

Katie Eberling

Formerly a volleyball player in college, Katie Eberling from Palos Hills, Ill. was approached by Olympic medalist and teammate Elana Meyers about trying bobsledding in 2010. While the suburbs of Chicago are not necessarily known for bobsledding, the weather certainly is cold and snowy enough to prepare an athlete for the conditions they might face on the course! If you’re into winter weather and would like to live near the big city of Chicago, the Pallos Hills area is ideal – it has rebounded 21.13%, a 10.27% YOY increase in home values.

Aja Evans

Olympic bobsled brakeman Aja Evans, of Chicago, Ill., is no stranger to athleticism – her brother and cousin are professional athletes and her uncle was a former coach for the Cubs. Not only is Chicago a fantastic location if you’re interested in pro sports teams, but it’s a hub of business, education, and lifestyle activities. The city’s real estate market has rebounded 26.37% – a 9.56% YOY increase.

Jazmine Fenlator

Wayne, N.J. native Jazmine Fenlator has been involved with the sport of bobsled since 2007, but before that, she was a track star at Rider University. Her track coach encouraged her to try bobsled, and the rest is history! Living in Wayne is ideal if you like the closeness of the suburbs, but the excitement of the city – after all, NYC is a mere 20 miles away. The good news for those interested in this location: the real estate market has rebounded 22.85%, a 6.30% YOY increase.

Jamie Greubel

Known as one of the nation’s most promising women’s pilots, Jamie Greubel joined the U.S. bobsled team in the 2007-2008 season. Like several other bobsled teammates, Newtown, Pa. native Jamie formerly ran track in college and was encouraged by fellow runners to transition to the ice. Surrounded by parks and located just west of Philadelphia, Newtown provides the best of both worlds with its recreational and cultural opportunities. The real estate market has rebounded 44.60% – a 5.10% YOY increase.

Lolo Jones

Already a track and field sensation, Lolo Jones, of Des Moines, Iowa, was recruited to the bobsled team after the 2012 Olympic Games in London. While growing up in Des Moines might not have exactly prepared Lolo for the ice, her prior Olympic experience is sure to have an influence on her competitive nature! If you’re interested in living amongst a certain hard-working Olympic athlete, consider Des Moines. The city’s real estate market has rebounded a whopping 118.14%, a 5.48% YOY increase.

Elana Meyers

Elana Meyers from Douglasville, Ga., a city 20 miles west of Atlanta, began the sport of bobsled in 2007. Along the way, she has gained superstar status in bobsled while also playing professional softball. Growing up near Atlanta provides plenty of opportunities to excel in sports – from amateur to professional, this area has it all! Channel your inner Olympic athlete and consider Douglasville – the real estate market has rebounded 48.19%, a YOY increase of 13.64%.

Lauryn Williams

While Miami, Fla. isn’t the first place you think of when it comes to bobsledding, Lauryn Williams didn’t let her warm and sunny hometown prevent her from excelling in the sport. She attended her first Olympic Games in 2004 as a track and field athlete, and transitioned over to the bobsled team in 2013 to train for Sochi. Lauryn may be on to something – living in Miami does have its advantages, especially if you are trying to escape the frigid winter temperatures! If warmer weather sounds ideal, consider a move to the South – the real estate market in Miami has rebounded 22.19%, a 12.36% YOY increase.

Are you feeling inspired to consider a move to one of these athletes’ hometowns? Visit Century21.com to find your next home in one of these great locations. To learn more about the real estate market in the U.S., be sure to check out the latest Local Market Index and Rebound Report. When you’re ready to begin your new home search, visit Homes.com to get started!

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90′s Nostalgia: Doppelgängers to our Favorite ’90s Television Homes

February 18, 2014 By

Do you still have Baby One More Time stuck in your head or are you still Clueless about who was Saved by the Bell and why Ross and Rachel keep breaking up and making up?

Don’t worry, a CENTURY 21® Agent is in the house with your Guide to the ‘90s: Television Homes Edition. These CENTURY 21® homes are all on the market so Shop ‘til You Drop.

Beverly Hills, 90210: Beverly Hills, 90210’s heartthrobs, Brandon and Brenda Walsh would be right at home here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sabrina the Teenage Witch: We could picture Sabrina, Hilda, Zelda, and Salem brewing up spells here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buffy: Before there was Edward and Bella there was Angel and Buffy. We could picture Buffy and Angel having romantic dates in this doppelganger to Buffy’s Sunnydale home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fresh Prince of Bel Air: “I pulled up to the house about seven or eight. And I yelled to the cabbie ‘Yo homes smell ya later.’ I looked to my kingdom. I was finally there. To sit on my throne as the Prince of Bel Air (Fresh Prince of Bel Air Theme Song).” This home looks like the Banks’ family’s mansion where we would be able to find Carlton, Will, and Geoffrey dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friends: When they aren’t at The Central Perk listening to live renditions of Smelly Cat, you could expect to see Rachel, Monica, Phoebe and their friends here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full House: “Everywhere you look, when you’re lost out there and you’re all alone, a light is waiting to carry you home, everywhere you look. Everywhere you look (Everywhere You Look, Full House).” If you’re looking for a home similar to the one Danny, Joey, Jess, D.J., Stephanie, and Michelle lived in, well, “You got it dude (Full House).”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dawson’s Creek: You don’t have to wait for your life to be over. A CENTURY 21® Agent is in the house. We would not be surprised to find Joey rowing to this dock before climbing the ladder to Dawson’s bedroom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It’s like you’re always stuck in second gear. When it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year (a CENTURY 21® Agent will) be there for you (I’ll Be There for You).”

We want to hear from you! What is your favorite 90’s television show? Which of these homes would you want to live in the most?

For entertainment purposes only.

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