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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Homes

October 18, 2015 By

Wouldn’t it be nice if homes came as “one size fits all” to save you from the decision-making process? Unfortunately, you can’t try on different living spaces as you would jeans or shoes. To help out, we’ve created a list of the advantages and disadvantages of different homes.

Apartment or Condo

An apartment or condo is one unit of a larger building. The difference between them is that you rent the former and buy the latter. Deciding which option is better for you is an entirely other conversation — check out our renting vs. buying calculator for more. Regardless, both options offer some pros and cons regarding physical living space.

Advantages:

– Maintenance and repairs are covered.
– Utility bills can be lower because you may not be responsible for heat or water.
– Amenities, such as security and fitness centers, may be included.

Disadvantages:

– Privacy isn’t promised — sounds can travel through walls, floors, and ceilings.
– Parking can be a hassle if the building doesn’t have a designated garage.
– Space is limited, and a yard will be communal if it exists at all.

Townhouse

A townhouse is a house connected to others in a row, usually with space for a small front lawn or backyard.

Advantages:

– Communities are tight knit due to close quarters.
– Home Owners Association (HOA) covers maintenance through their membership fee.
– Prices are typically lower than standalone units.

Disadvantages:

– Renovations need approval from the HOA.
– Some walls are shared with neighbors, which decreases privacy.
– Space is limited, though more available than when in an apartment.

Detached House

A detached house is a single structure with its surrounding property, though it can vary in terms of architecture, size, and location.

Advantages:

– Privacy, space, and independence are at a maximum.
– Value usually increases over time, making a house’s purchase more like an investment.
– Storage space allows for more material possessions, whether for hobbies or bulk buys.

Disadvantages:

– Maintenance can be costly and time-consuming.
– Cleaning is a bigger job.
– Prices may be higher than other types of homes.

Compare your family’s needs to what’s here and you may be able to find your perfect fit!

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Let the Games Begin: Which District Should You Live In?

November 21, 2014 By

May the odds be ever in your favor!

It’s the time of the year when your favorite movie franchises hit the big screen. Whether it’s vampires, wizards, or victors, you can always identify with one of your favorite characters (even if you don’t agree with their personal aspirations). In this case, you may be able to identify with a particular district because each one is different and unique in its own way.

We’re not saying we’d want to participate in the ever famous Games, but take the quiz and keep track of your answers to figure out which district of Panem you belong to!

1. Which material do you prefer to have in your home?

  1. Marble
  2. Wood
  3. Water
  4. Stone

2. If you could decorate with only one color, which would you choose?

  1. Pink
  2. Brown
  3. Blue
  4. Black

3. What is your favorite food to make?

  1. Caviar
  2. Fish
  3. Chili
  4. Bread

4. What is your favorite activity?

  1. Interior Design
  2. Swimming
  3. Camping
  4. Hunting

 

Now it’s time for your results…

If you chose mostly As, you belong in The Capitol!

You enjoy the finer things in life and are more creative than most of your contemporaries. You love being in control, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

If you chose mostly Bs, you belong in District 4!

District 4 is the fishing district so if you love the water, you belong here! Your parents were helping you achieve their your dream career path since you could walk. You follow along (for the most part) but you have rebellious side that comes out when tested.

If you chose mostly C, you belong in District 7!

You’ve had an ax to grind with people for as long as you can remember. You may have been the tree in your school play every single year. This is the district responsible for lumber and wood. If you adore being outdoors and love nature, District 7 is the place for you.

If you chose mostly D, you belong in District 12!

Well aren’t you a regular Katniss Everdeen! District 12 is the coal mining district but also home to the girl on fire. You may not have had a lot of money growing up, but you know how to make do. You’re decisive and you’re never on the fence (partially because it is an electric fence…).

For entertainment purposes only.

Recommended Reading:

-The Ultimate Home Personality Quiz

-Carrie, Seinfeld, and Friends: NYC Apartments Straight from the Screen

-10 Real Houses Where Your Favorite Scary Movie May Have Occurred

 

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5 Atlanta Homes Worthy of a Real Housewife

November 9, 2014 By

They’re back. There are “real housewives” in Atlanta and they are gracing small screens around the world. We have listings that would be fit for almost every “real housewife”. They have enough rooms to fit their family and their extra-large egos. Don’t be Tardy for the Party, let’s take a look at the houses right now.

1. This sprawling mansion has a ballroom, a cigar room, a theater, two gyms, seven kitchens, a recording studio, an outdoor living area with a magnificent pool, a wellness center, nail salon, and hair salon. Kim could style her wig, get a manicure, and record hits like Google Me, Tardy for the Party, and Love Me First from the comfort of her own home.

2.  This mansion has a movie theater that is perfect for hosting advance screenings of Glee, Dancing with the Stars, and The Celebrity Apprentice 4. This home also has seven bedrooms, a gym, a ballroom, two kitchens, and a spa.

3. It will take a lot of “Bills Bills Bills” to buy this home. There is a walk in closet but Kandi isn’t a doctor so there will be No Scrubs. This home isn’t short of rooms, it has eight bedrooms, a movie theater, a recording studio, a pool, and two gyms.

4. Oh sheesh, Sherre could definitely live in this ten bedroom mansion. This mansion has space for all of her fashion designs, daughters, and enough closet space for any skeletons she may be harboring. We hope her mantra, “Who gonna check me, boo,” is cross stitched on a pillow or two throughout the house.

5. Cynthia could host all the Cosby’s in this eight bedroom home. She can even throw a Cosby marathon in her own movie theater. We wouldn’t be surprised to find a runway or two in this supermodel’s super swanky home. When she isn’t in NYC or Paris for Fashion Week, she can be found lounging in her spa, getting ready in her walk in closet, working out at the gym or spending time at her husband’s bar.

Pass the popcorn and champagne, please! It’s time to catch up with our guilty pleasure.

For entertainment purposes only.

 

Recommended Reading:

-Modern Homes For Your Modern Family

-Worldwide Wanderlust: More Century 21 Homes From Around the Globe

-The Ultimate Home Personality Quiz

 

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Modern Homes for Your Modern Family

August 26, 2014 By

If you love sleek lines, glass walls, steel, and open floor plans, a modern style home may be right for your modern family. According to House Plans, “Modern style designs offer clean lines, simple proportions, open plans and abundant natural light, and are descendants of the International style of architecture, which developed in the 1920s. Flat or shallow-pitched roofs, large expanses of glass strong connections to outdoor space, and spare, unornamented walls are distinguishing characteristics of modern home style plans.” According to iMatchDesigners, modern style interiors are characterized by clean lines, minimal decor, materials like metal and glass, and lack of clutter.

These stunning CENTURY 21® homes are perfect for your modern family.

1. This Miami apartment has sleek lines, minimalist decor, floor length windows, and a great deal of natural light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. This Miami home has an interesting and unique architecture. The inside of the home has straight lines and minimalist decor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. This modern home has a uniquely shaped pool, bright lights, and lots of windows!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. This Austin, TX home is an excellent example of modern style architecture. The interior has clean lines, unique shapes, and minimalist decor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No matter what kind of modern home style you prefer, there’s a place for every modern family to call home.

Recommended Reading:

-Kitchen Design Inspiration from CENTURY® 21 Homes

-Worldwide Wanderlust: CENTURY 21® Homes from Around the Globe

-The 5 Best “Man Caves” For Watching Football

 

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Grill Like a Pro This 4th of July

July 4, 2014 By

July 4th means one thing – BBQ Time! Celebrating with friends and family and creating outdoor memories is truly the best way to celebrate Independence day. If you’re thinking about throwing the perfect BBQ get-together where you can showcase your grilling skills, then Homes.com and CENTURY 21® has you covered. Here are a few simple tips for wowing your friends and showing off your grilling skills!

 

Want more ideas on how to pull off the perfect BBQ this 4th of July? Click here to download our Red and White BBQ Guide!

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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…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here

3. The Cabal meets to discuss Defiance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here

4.Olivia and Fitz conserve water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here

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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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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