How To Buy A Duplex: The Ultimate Guide

Have you ever thought of buying a duplex?  Finding a good deal on a duplex can be a great way to springboard your way into the world or real estate investment.  It isn't as easy as it may seem and finding the right deal is crucial to a return on your investment.  Here is a great article by BiggerPockets.com that goes over the basics of buying a duplex.

How To Buy A Duplex The Ultimate Step By Step Guide

Richmond Is the Nation's 4th Hottest Housing Market

Richmond is the Nations 4th Hottest Housing Market 

These houses at 616 N. 31st St. and 618 N. 31st St. in Church Hill are each on the market for $414,950. Church Hill was among the hottest neighborhoods in Richmond, according to a Zillow prediction, with a forecast of 6.7 percent in home value growth in 2016.
Richmond scored as the nation’s fourth-hottest housing market in 2016 in a prediction released Tuesday by Zillow, a real estate and rental data firm.

By CAROL HAZARD Richmond Times-Dispatch  

Denver, Seattle and Dallas-Fort Worth top the list, based on home value appreciation, current unemployment rates and recent income growth. All are major tech towns, ideal for job growth, according to the prediction.

Richmond scored lower in the forecast for home value appreciation — 2.2 percent this year — than the 10 hottest markets but strongest in income growth at 1.2 percent and lower than three other cities with an unemployment rate of 4.4 percent.

A strong and diverse economy is the driving force behind Richmond’s high-income growth, with government, finance, education and manufacturing strong and expected to continue in 2016, according to the report.

The hottest neighborhoods here, according to the prediction, are all in the city: Church Hill, with a forecast of 6.7 percent in home value growth; followed by Carytown with a 5.3 percent home value growth; the Fan District at a 4.8 percent growth; northern Barton Heights with a 4.7 percent growth; and Forest Hill Terrace at 4.6 percent.

“Trendy tech centers like San Francisco, Seattle and Denver hogged the spotlight in 2015. But this year, the markets that shine brightest will be those that manage to strike a good balance between strong income growth, low unemployment and solid home value appreciation,” said Zillow’s chief economist, Svenja Gudell.


“As the job market continues to hum and opportunity becomes more widespread, the best housing markets are no longer limited to the coasts or one-industry tech towns. This year’s hottest markets have something for everyone, whether they’re looking for somewhere to raise a family or start their career.”

Rounding out the top 10 housing markets by Zillow for 2016 are Boise, Idaho; Ogden, Utah; Salt Lake City; Omaha, Neb.; Sacramento, Calif., and Portland, Ore.

Omaha has the lowest unemployment rate of the 10 hottest markets, at 2.9 percent. Denver saw home values rise 16 percent in 2015, and Zillow is forecasting them to rise an additional 5 percent in 2016.

Boise, Ogden, Salt Lake City and Sacramento all have high home value appreciation forecasts, with values expected to appreciate an average of about 5 percent this year.

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7 Ways to Increase Your Home's Value

                                         

7 Small Home Improvement Projects That Will Add Value To Your Home

We all want to add value to our homes.  However, we do not all have the time or money to do all of the potential projects we would like.  Here are a few easy and budget friendly home improvement ideas for increasing your home's value without breaking the bank.

Replace a showerhead-  Your daily routine begins here and it is an important place to most homeowners.  Switch out old fixed shower heads for something adjustable or handheld.  This will make sure everyone no matter what size can enjoy getting ready in the morning

Minor landscaping- A little well-placed greenery can go a long way in adding value to your home.  Try lining your footpath with perennials from the local greenhouse.  It will add texture and make your house look more inviting

Restore crown moldings-  The crown molding and trim work on your doors, windows, and walls make a lasting impression. You can completely change the look of a room with beautiful off-the-rack moldings from Home Depot or Lowe’s in just a weekend.  For a stylish traditional look layer pieces around ceilings.

Have your carpets professionally cleaned- Dust mites, grit, and allergens live in dirty carpets.  A good professional scrubbing not only lifts stains and renews the carpets look, it will also keep your family healthy

Accentuate your entryway- Dress your entryways up with small accessories.  Outdoor lighting, unique letter boxes,  and address numbers will add polish and character to your house.

Paint your cabinets-  With a simple coat of paint you can change the hue of your kitchen cabinets and make them look brand new. 

Lay a footpath-  Just a small amount of hardscaping goes a long way.  Pick up some flagstone from your local landscape supplier.  Footpaths are great for connecting features in your yard or as a walkway through your garden.

                                                Photo provided by CNN  original article