According to a recent study, contractor scams are rising as home improvement demand increases. Plenty of scammers are looking to take advantage of folks, and about one in ten Americans fall victim in some way. Baby boomers are often targeted because scammers believe older homeowners are wealthier and more trusting. Here are a few tips to avoid home improvement scams. Most Common...
With temperatures rising well above 100 degrees every day, air conditioning is essential here in Texas! So the burning question is, how long should your air conditioner last? A well-maintained central air conditioner should last between 10 and 15 years. But even with regular maintenance and keeping your usage in check, the time will come when replacing your old unit will be more efficient and...
What is a CMA, exactly? A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is an evaluation of the value of a property. The evaluation is based on the prices of similar properties that have recently sold in the same area. Real estate agents and appraisers use CMAs to help determine a reasonable and fair listing price for a property. To conduct a CMA, a REALTOR® will find properties with a comparable number of...
As we move into spring and summer, it's time to prepare your home for the warmer months. Here are a few general upkeep reminders and spring cleaning tips to make sure everything in and around your home is in good shape. Inspect roofing: look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and signs of any leaks. Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Inspect the chimney for...
If you're unsure about the market right now, you're not alone. It's hard to know what's happening while the housing market emits so many mixed signals. As supply begins to mirror pre-pandemic levels, we need to recognize that it's the result of rising interest rates. Is our market at a stalemate? Are sellers choosing to sit tight with their locked-in low interest while buyers stand by to 'wait and...
Kitchens are typically the heart of a home and often the first room homeowners choose to upgrade or renovate. Whether it’s a smaller-scale project, like painting the cabinets, or something bigger, like opening up the floor plan, there are several options that can make a kitchen look more modern and up-to-date. The popular design inspiration site, Houzz.com recently surveyed over 2,000...
“Happy Valentine’s Day!” Today is February 14th, and that simple phrase will echo through households, workplaces, and schools across the US. Folks will exchange candy, flowers, and gifts, and the chances of eating out without a reservation this evening are slim to none! But why? St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains remnants of both Christian and ancient Roman...
While home staging is primarily designed to highlight a home's best features, it can also hide potential problems. A quality REALTOR® will not allow clients to hide significant issues that a home inspector will ultimately find. Here are some common home staging tricks that buyers should know. Curtains Stagers can use curtains or curtain rods to hide small, cracked, or damaged windows. They...
In a competitive housing market, buyers are pulling out all the stops. While you may have saved enough money to purchase a house with cash, there are several things to consider. Here are the pros & cons of a cash offer. PROS Interest Rates Paying cash will save money on the overall cost of a new home. The amount paid in interest over a 30-year mortgage will most...
While it’s the main space that welcomes guests into your home, entryways are often forgotten or neglected. Creating a space that offers functionality and looks welcoming and well maintained is doable. Here are some entryway decor ideas that will make a great first impression. Lighting Lighting plays a significant role in making a great first impression. Your entryway must be well lit,...