A survey has found that, in 72 percent of the country’s 50 largest cities, it is cheaper to rent instead of buy. The study by Trulia.com calculated home price to monthly rent ratio in each city to determine if homeowners are paying less than renters. The top ten cities to buy vs. rent: Miami, FL Las Vegas, NV Arlington, TX Mesa, AZ Phoenix, AZ Jacksonville, FL Sacramento, CA San Antonio, TX Fresno, CA El Paso, TX There are a couple of reasons we’re finding buying cheaper than renting in some places. More homeowners have had to sell their homes and need to rent, thus increasing the... [more...]

By Molly Eynon Buyer Specialist Just because you had a home inspection done prior to buying your home doesn’t mean that you can move in and forget about it!  There are a couple of tests that you might want to consider doing right away or at least every couple of years to keep your family and your investment safe. 1.  Radon Test - Radon, a radioactive gas, is one of the deadliest home problems, causing about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.  This odorless, colorless gas, formed from the decay of uranium found in virtually all soils,... [more...]

(We’ll be posting a few baby-themed blogs in honor of the new baby!) Every baby is different! (So is every parent and every household dynamic.) Bringing a baby home for the first time can be very exciting and challenging for everyone. Here are a few things future parents can try around the home to make the transition for all family members a little easier. Presumably you already have your baby’s room ready, and all of the other things your baby needs, like diapers, clothing, etc. And you’ll have the car equipped with the newborn safety seat before you leave for the hospital. Before... [more...]

We are proud to announce a very special new addition to the AmyBSells Team! Dexter Charles Habegger Born January 21, 1:14 p.m. 9lbs, 5oz 22 inches long Born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Clifton with Dr. Choi, greeting the world 8 days past his due date! _____ I will not be taking a traditional leave from Real Estate. You can still reach me by phone or email any time — rest assured that I’ll still be receiving your messages. I have great support from my partner Molly Eynon, and she’ll be available to you in the event that I am not. Thanks for all the well-wishes I have received... [more...]

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Each year [some of us] set resolutions for ourselves for the coming months. For many, it involves getting healthy. Your home deserves some healthy resolutions, too! Here’s some ideas for getting your home healthy in 2011. 1.) Air quality: Improving air quality is one way you can keep your home healthy. Replace your heating/cooling unit’s air filter every three months with a high-quality air filter, keep the home free of moisture (use a dehumidifier in moist areas if necessary), and avoid as many airborne chemicals as possible. This can even include chemicals that come from particle-board... [more...]

Nearly 80 percent of Americans live side-by-side in urban and suburban areas, sometimes separated only by one wall, according to Findlaw.com, an online source of legal information. With so many people living so close to one another, disagreements can easily crop up about everything from excessive noise and pets running loose to unmaintained properties and trespassing. To prevent these conflicts from occurring — and to avoid costly and difficult lawsuits — Findlaw.com provides some helpful tips on how to be a good neighbor. Get acquainted and show courtesy. Learn why your neighbors chose... [more...]

There are many reasons to buy a home, and incase you’ve been living in a cave you may be aware it is a buyers’ market. Realty Times listed just 10 of these reasons in a recent article. If you’re a renter with the financial means to buy, consider these reasons among the many benefits of home ownership. 1.) Low Interest Rates: Interest rates are still hovering around historical lows. This means that you’ll be paying less interest over the entire course of your loan on that home. This can make your monthly payments lower. 2.) Mortgage Interest Deduction: It’s possible... [more...]

2010 was an eventful year in Real Estate! Even though we’re already rolling fast in 2011, let’s take a moment to review the helpful info in our favorite blogs of 2010. #12: Five Reasons You Still Need a Realtor #11: Five Creative Ways to Go Green #10: Tylenol Recall and Home Medicine Safety #9: Sellers: Avoid These Pricing Mistakes #8: Overpricing Can Attract Fewer Byers #7: Financial Gifts and Homebuying #6: Top Ten Things to Consider When Buying a Home with Pets #5: Molly Eynon: New Buyer Specialist #4: The Post Tax-Credit Real Estate Market #3: How to Get Money in an Emergency #2:... [more...]