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When a seller gets a contract on their house, they have one more hurdle to clear - the home inspection. The way they respond to the inspection might determine whether the sale goes through, or sinks. If a seller won’t, or can’t, fix issues in the inspection report, they probably will have to take a lower offer - if they don’t lose the deal altogether. When a sale is contingent on the results of the home inspection, 17% of deals fall apart. 

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When looking at homes for sale, buyers are likely to hear the term “fixer-upper.” While they may have a general idea of what that means, they might be less clear about how that house might differ from one described as “needing some TLC” or one that is advertised as “perfect for flipping.” 

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Residential homes with solar panels are becoming more commonplace than they were even just a few years ago. Companies that sell panels are popping up across the country, and homeowners who want a greener, cheaper alternative to traditional power sources are having them installed. Buying or selling a home with solar panels can be a little more complicated than a routine sale. There are some things to consider on both sides of the transaction.

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If you live in an older home (and there are many of them in St. Louis) it might have knob and tube wiring. Knob and tube (or K&T) was the standard method of electrical wiring when electricity was first used in homes in the 1880s. New innovations in cable and wire came along in the 1920s, but K&T was still common up until the 1950s when more modern methods took over.

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Smart home lovers likely rejoice at the continued flood of smart house accessories on the market, one of which are video security doorbells.

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Whether buying or selling a home in St. Louis, finding the best realtor will involve some work. You’ll want to ask people you know for referrals, do some research, and finally, interview the best candidates. (Read Follow These 3 Steps to Find a Real Estate Agent.) Sales statistics and experience are important, but you need to feel confident in your decision on a more personal level, too.

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Winter is on its way and you know what that means... soon, you'll need to turn on your furnace. In fact, if you live in a colder climate, you might have already done so. Keeping your home warm while keeping your electric bill low is the goal for most homeowners. If it seems like your home is always chilly but your energy bill is high, you may be losing heat. Here are some of the most common places your home can lose heat:

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Buying a house is one of the largest investments you'll ever make. It's crucial that you make wise decisions when purchasing a house to protect your investment. Here are five criteria to consider to ensure this:

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After the real estate bubble burst in 2008, it seemed like foreclosed houses could be found in almost every neighborhood across the country. The number of foreclosed homes reached an all-time high in 2010 but has steadily decreased each year since. Nevertheless, as long as there have been mortgages, there have been people unable to pay them. Buyers can get a bargain buying a foreclosed home. But if they’re not cautious, they can get more than they bargained for.

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You’ve made the decision to sell your home and you want to do it fast. Selling a house is stressful, and every day it’s on the market can ramp up the anxiety. You just want it done so you can move to your new home and get on with your life.  

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