Oscar season is in full swing and Housecall is here to celebrate some of the biggest stars nominated this year! Our 2020 Oscar Contest is NOW OPEN, so don't miss your chance to cast your vote for which nominee you'd most like to see join your brokerage. Here's how to enter: Step 1: Like RISMedia and/or Housecall on Facebook. Step 2: Comment on this Facebook post...

Posted on Jan 30 2020 - 4:01pm by Jameson Doris
Comments Off on Ranking the Fictional Homes That Adults Want to Live in Most

As children, many of us dreamt of living in the homes of the fictional characters we saw on screen and read about in books. From Spongebob Squarepants' pineapple-shaped home to the Lars Homestead in "Star Wars," there are plenty of residences that we'd move into, even today, if given the chance. It's for this reason that outdoor furniture manufacturer FarawayFurniture.com...

Most real estate reports tell you where to move—those locations that have the highest affordability levels, low crime rates, great education, etc. But how about looking at the places where people are sticking around? That's got to be a good sign that it's a nice place to live, right? 55Places.com recently released a report that found where homeowners stay planted...

Posted on Jan 28 2020 - 2:51pm by Housecall
Comments Off on RISMedia’s 2020 Real Estate Newsmakers: Meet the Influencers

This month, RISMedia is honoring some 300 real estate professionals as RISMedia's 2020 Real Estate Newsmakers. Each of these individuals—separated into eight categories—was either nominated by you, the RISMedia reader, or chosen by our editors. These folks made newsworthy contributions within their own communities or the industry as a whole. They have dedicated...

By Meghan Belnap Even if you have a beautiful home in a great location, you should still consider carrying out a few fixes and upgrades before you put it on the market. Minor fixes might seem like a hassle at first, but they could appeal to potential buyers, possibly increasing the price of your home by a considerable amount. Replace the doorknobs. Outdated and damaged...

Posted on Jan 24 2020 - 3:35pm by Jameson Doris
Comments Off on (Really) Great Spaces: Jennifer Lawrence Lists Her Manhattan Penthouse

Jennifer Lawrence, A-list actress famous for her roles in "The Hunger Games" and "Silver Linings Playbook," has listed her three-bedroom, four-bathroom Manhattan penthouse for $12 million. Originally listed last July for $15.45 million, the star has subsequently lowered the price of the property twice as she tries to sell in the midst of a downturn in the New York...

Posted on Jan 23 2020 - 3:37pm by Housecall
Comments Off on Looking to Start Investing in Real Estate? Leasing May Be a Good Place to Start

By Meghan Belnap Investing in real estate is a great way to ensure that you have a strong source of passive income. Unfortunately, getting started can be full of expensive pitfalls. Related: 4 Top Modern Methods of Investing in Real Estate As you begin your investing journey, a good way to kick-start your income-earning potential is by leasing a property or two....

It's a crucial question, especially for first-time homebuyers: Should I buy a home, or rent one? As is the case in real estate, it comes down to location. In 53 percent of the country's housing markets, you're better off buying than renting, according to ATTOM Data Solutions' 2020 Rental Affordability Report, newly released. For the report, ATTOM compared 855 counties,...

Curb appeal really does have a major impact on the return you'll see at resale. Among the top 10 home improvement projects with the highest return on investment (ROI) in Remodeling magazine's newly-released Cost vs. Value Report, nine are outdoor projects. Related: 4 Resolutions for Home Improvements to Make in 2020 Topping this year's list is Manufactured Stone...

Posted on Jan 20 2020 - 3:02pm by Housecall
Comments Off on A Host’s Guide to Social Gatherings in a Small Space

By Brentnie Daggett Living in a smaller home, or an apartment or condo, may make hosting a party or event seem overwhelming. A small space definitely presents some challenges, but a little creativity and planning will go a long way to create an atmosphere that is both inviting to your guests and manageable for your space. Related: 4 Reasons Your Smaller House Can...