Joseph Pettinella's blog

How to Win a Bidding War

You've just found the home of your dreams, but unfortunately there are some other buyers who feel the same way! In a seller's market, competition among buyers for the relatively small number of available homes means that bidding wars can become the norm rather than the exception. When you find yourself locked in this financial battle, what should you do? Keep reading to get a game plan together and win this war!

Home Sales Surged Nearly 12% in February

The number of monthly existing-home sales took a massive jump up from January to February, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors. In fact, February's 11.8% increase to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.51 million was the largest month-to-month spike since December of 2015! Although existing-home sales are still down by just under 2% year-over-year, the gains made last month go a long way toward reversing the sluggish start to the year's housing market.

The Inaugural Hudson Valley Tattoo Fest Starts March 29

Are you tired of doing the same old things? Looking for something a little bit different? You're in luck! In just two short weeks, Poughkeepsie will be hosting a brand-new event, the 1st annual Hudson Valley Tattoo Fest! This three-day show will bring over 200 tattoo artists from around the globe together in one spot. Plus, there will be tons of live music, delicious food & drinks, vendors, contests, prizes, ice skating, and more! It all starts on Friday, March 29th at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center.

Save Money by Shopping for the Best Mortgage Rate

When shopping for a particular item, everyone is always on the lookout for the best deal, especially if it's an expensive purchase. This rule holds true for things like shoes, appliances, and cars, but many home buyers fail to shop around when it comes to the most expensive item of all: a mortgage. Freddie Mac recently analyzed just how much money buyers are losing out on over the course of their loan by failing to get multiple quotes, and the number wasn't cheap! In fact, they found that getting just one extra quote saves the average borrower over $1,400!

 

High Heating Bill? Here Are Some Potential Culprits

Does your heating bill seem unreasonably high? Many factors, such as the size of your home, heating source, and daily habits, all play major roles in determining how much energy your particular home requires to stay warm; that being said, if you find that you're paying more than comparable friends are, there could be some issue with your home that's costing you heat (and money). Keep reading to learn about a few of the likely culprits!

Is an Open Floor Plan Right for You?

Everyone knows that open floor plans have come to dominate home design in the last several decades, but not everyone is a fan of the now-common layout. When looking for a new home or considering a major remodel to your current home, you may assume that open is the way to go; however, before you commit, consider whether open is right for you. As with any decision, there are advantages and disadvantages to both options!