archiveJosephine Nesbit

Luckily for homebuyers, house hunting apps are growing in number and sophistication. As the online real estate marketing industry becomes more competitive, mobile apps are getting better at helping consumers find accurate housing information while offering features to help users narrow down their search. “My clients often use StreetEasy, Zillow and Redfin,” says Nicole Beauchamp, associate real estate broker of Sotheby’s International Realty in New York. Some apps are also collaborative or have extra features for real estate agents. “I really like to be able to see the history on...

The process of buying a home can feel intimidating, whether it’s your first real estate purchase or your third. The housing market we’ve experienced over the past several years doesn’t help either, as buyers struggle with unaffordable home prices, higher mortgage rates and limited inventory.The key to making it less scary is to know what’s ahead and surround yourself with knowledgeable professionals who can help guide you. Here’s a step-by-step checklist for buying a house:1. Understand the Current Housing MarketThe housing market has been extremely volatile over the last several...

Moving to a place with a lower cost of living can improve your retirement finances. If you sell a home in an expensive city and buy or rent in another city with more reasonable housing costs, you may be able to boost your retirement savings, retire sooner or enjoy a higher quality of life.A recent U.S. News analysis compared the 150 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. as potential retirement spots. The study included data about housing affordability, happiness, desirability, retiree taxes, the job market and access to quality health...