Buy Owner Blog

This year, instead of purchasing another pesticide, try these natural pest control tips. [...]

With builder sentiment dipping lower, newer homes may be harder to come by. What does this mean for you? [...]

In a previous post, you read that it is still possible to sell your home after you have filed for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. But once you have received an approval from the courts, closed the sale of your property and allocated the proceeds to your trustee/creditors, what do you do now? How do you go about buying a house when you have filed for Chapter 13?

First things first: you will most likely not be able to qualify for a home loan if you are still in debt, under an active Chapter 13 payment plan. Filing for bankruptcy puts a huge damper on your credit score for a few years. However, keep in mind that other factors go into acquiring home loans besides your credit score.[...more...]

There are many reasons why people choose to file for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy instead of Chapter 7. For one, if you had already filed for Chapter 7, you may not do so again for another eight years. Also, if you want to make up missed payments on a mortgage, you may only do so via Chapter 13. Whatever the reason, many homeowners that file for bankruptcy find themselves concerned with how they will make enough money to pay their debts over time. Moving to a smaller home/condo or renting an apartment might be a great plan for the budget, but the ultimate question most people find themselves asking is, “Can I sell my home while I’m under Chapter 13?” [...more...]

By adding a fire pit to your backyard, you won’t only get to enjoy more time outdoors while keeping warm, but you will also add an impressive feature to your home when it’s time to sell! [...]

A new type of composting is available for you: Bokashi composting. [...]

As part of a special feature at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ll be highlighting cities, profiling their attractions and conveniences, as well as pointing out some currently for-sale homes!

Today’s city: Clearwater, Florida!

A paradise peninsula on Florida’s west coast, Clearwater is more than a top vacation getaway with award-winning beaches; it’s a wonderful place to call home! White sandy shores stretch for 35 miles along the Gulf. Fantastic sporting and recreational activities abound, and you can enjoy fresh seafood and great shopping all around you! [...more...]

If you’re not spending the day at Clearwater Beach, Busch Gardens or one of the other numerous year-round attractions found in the Tampa area, head to one of these unique festivals, sporting events or concerts! Whether you want to test your luck at animation, learn more about Ybor City’s history with cigars, taste new seafood favorites or celebrate Halloween with a worldwide crowd, you’re in luck!

Sports

National league and college teams are geared up to entertain and hopefully awe their fans this fall season, which marks the start to months of football and hockey in the Tampa area. Purchase tickets in advance for the best chance at seeing live action!
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With seasonal changes comes seasonal upkeep. Each season presents new chores to keep up with, especially outside. When your house is for sale, it’s vital that you keep up with the curb appeal of your home. When potential buyers see the Buy Owner sign in the front yard, all they have to go off of is the external appearance. When potential buyers visit for an open house, the external appearance is what they judge first. In your ads, the first picture potential buyers will view is usually of the front exterior.

• In order to keep up with the curb appeal as much as possible, consider the natural elements. Fall means raking up leaves and trimming bushes. Winter means shoveling the snow off the driveway and the walkway. Spring means cleaning out the gutters, planting flowers and fixing paint chips. Summer means planting more flowers and mowing the lawn.

• Every couple weeks, stand in front of your house and just look at it. It’s often hard to judge your own home, so consider asking a neighbor or friend for advice too. By stepping away from the home and looking at it from the view of potential buyers, you’re more likely to notice little nicks, cracks or stains that you would otherwise pass right over.

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Because they can be such a costly purchase, deciding on window treatments can be overwhelming. You want to be sure to choose something with staying power. [...]