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,...
According to leading analysts in the industry, the housing market is showing signs of cooling. While housing prices are still higher than two years ago, demand is beginning to wane, and sellers are beginning to reduce their prices, which could be signs of relief for weary buyers. Here are the latest market predictions from the pros: Price Appreciation and Mortgage Rates “Homes are still...
There are quite a few costly myths surrounding home buying, some of which can easily confuse first-time buyers. Don't be fooled by these common misconceptions before you begin house hunting. To help you navigate this complex process, I've decided to debunk some common home buying myths so you can find a home the right way. You Need A 20% Down Payment Large down payments are no longer the only...
Homeownership can get expensive, especially as first-time buyers navigate the summer months. Not only are homeowners responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their property, but also bills, insurance fees, property taxes, and even HOA fees, in some cases. And as the summer heat drives up your bills and your home requires more maintenance, learn how you can reduce some of these homeowner costs with...