A home warranty is a service contract, normally for one year, which helps protect home owners against the cost of unexpected repairs or replacements on their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear.  Coverage is for systems and appliances that are in good working condition at the start of the contract. Some things you'll want to consider in a home warranty policy is if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item and which of the following items are covered under the... read more

If you're considering putting your home up for sale you might be wondering if it's worth it to make those updates you've been putting off or just list your home as it is.  There are some small projects you may profit from and will want to consider doing that will give you added value to your home.  The following are some of the updates real estate professionals recommend to get the most out of the money you'll be putting in. Kitchen: Upgrade your countertops is a great way to update and ... read more

Are you trying to decide between renting or owning a home?  The following are 7 reasons you should choose owning over renting: 1. Tax breaks.  The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home. 2. Appreciation.  Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value.  While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing home sale prices have increased 17 percent over the last 10 years, ... read more

Home maintenance might sometimes feel overwhelming.  Sticking to a maintenance schedule will minimize the work and help to keep track of what should be done.   The following is a schedule you should consider: Annually: Service furnance and A/C Drain hot water tank Check weather stripping for drafts and leaks Replace and test batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors Inspect for pest infestations Change or clean kitchen exhaust, ventilation system, fur... read more

You might be wondering what the first steps are in becoming a real estate agent.  The following are the steps to becoming a real estate and some frequently asked questions to help you decide if starting this career is right for you. Step 1: Register for Course I This would also be a good time to register for the License Exam Preparation course and Courses II and III if you know your schedule. Step 2: Register for Your License Exam Register for the MN Real Estate Salesperson Combined General and State exam ... read more