Posts from February 2019

We've decided to remodel the upstairs bathroom this weekend. I'm writing this on Tuesday, so we will have a few more days to hem and haw about the paint color, the vanity, the mirror and all the other decisions. One thing we decided already is we don't want to have to mess with the existing tile or wainscoting (Yes, it's in the bathroom!). Our primary objective is to get a vanity where you don't have to bend over and touch your toes just to use the sink. If you haven't discovered "adult height" vanities yet, run-don't-walk to your local building supply store and bask in the glory of them. They are almost as cool as "adult height" commodes.

There's a bunch of different projects you can tackle to not only increase your enjoyment of your home while you are there,...

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So, I've never actually done something like this, but I'm seriously thinking of trying my hand at open-heart surgery this weekend. I mean, how hard can it be? It's all just plumbing, right?!
Before you get all excited and email me wanting to be the first patient, I'll probably just stick to building websites (that's my "day" job). My obviously silly point is that when taking on a large, serious task (such as heart surgery or buying a house) you really should have a bit of training and education behind you before making that first cut.

When I purchased my first home, I contacted a friend's wife who was in the mortgage business. She went way above and beyond the "call of duty" for a mortgage broker. She educated me on various loan programs for my income bracket, found me some government pr...

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Meet the Agent – Nubian Duncan

Nubian (Nubi) Duncan is as authentic and knowledgeable to the Mt. Washington Valley and Maine real estate as they get. Commitment to making things right shines through in much more than just his sales. Throughout his 33 years as a real estate broker, Nubi has seamlessly combined his expansive residential real estate knowledge with a passion for harboring lifelong relationships to create the perfect balance for his clients. Take one look at Nubi's smiling family, clients or friendships with colleagues and it is immediately clear just how much love and care he genuinely puts into each of his relationships.

Read all about Nubi's journey and the mentors who've helped guide him along the way, as well as his own advice to future realtors in this week's Meet the Agent.

At work with Nubi

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I'm not 100% vested in devouring all of the real estate news that's happening around the world, but rumor has it, this is a good time to buy! (Stop me if you've heard this before.) But seriously, for those of us considering purchasing a new home or even an investment property, the rates are still enticing and inventory is about to get its annual boost for spring. This past weekend I took myself out to dinner on Saturday night and then ordered pizza (and a big chocolate chip cookie!) for the "big", albeit super-boring, game on Sunday. Thankfully the pizza was better than the Pat's offense, but a win is a win. The lesson in that last sentence is I'm not doing a very good job at saving money for my real estate venture. Let's look at a few ways we (I) can do better to prep for buying a home.

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There are some people who haven't purchased homes because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. However, everyone should realize that unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord's.

As Entrepreneur Magazine, a premier source for small business explained in their article, "12 Practical Steps to Getting Rich":

"While renting on a temporary basis isn't terrible, you should most certainly own the roof over your head if you're serious about your finances. It won't make you rich overnight, but by renting, you're paying someone else's mortgage. In effect, you're making someone else rich."

With home prices rising, many renters are concerned about their house-buying power....

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