In today’s busy market, many home buyers have found themselves weighing options they would normally pass by. One of the more common compromises is to consider a home that needs some work. On the plus side, fixer-uppers often come with lower prices, less competition and a lower-pressure sale on the whole. Still, they’re not without […]

Home equity is a powerful thing. As you pay off your mortgage, your equity — or the stake in the home you actually own — increases. And the more equity you build, the more you stand to gain when you sell. But even if you aren’t planning to sell your property, equity can be used […]

Are you thinking about selling your home?  Supply is low and demand is high right now, which means many sellers are seeing quick turnarounds and healthy profits. Still, despite the hot market, selling a home isn’t easy. If you want the experience to be as smooth as possible, prepping early and enlisting help are key.  […]

Summer is a great time to improve your home’s exterior.  And whether you’re interested in enjoying your space a little more or you want to boost your home’s value, it makes sense to find inspiration by taking a look at what other homeowners are doing. Are you thinking about updating your yard or patio this […]

When the market is competitive, many homeowners opt to renovate their properties rather than sell or buy. This can be a smart move for many reasons, but as you know, home projects can often end up being expensive and time-consuming. Don’t want to make a costly mistake or even regret a renovation altogether? Take a […]

HGTV and home renovation shows may be entertaining, but they’re not always accurate. In particular, most of them skip over the important ways real estate agents can help homeowners. In the real world, agents play a huge role in home purchases, sales and even flips. Are you planning to make a real estate move this […]

Backyard playgrounds have become a big-ticket item for many families. Keeping kids safely at home but also giving them a place to play outside is essential. And if you’re not looking for a basic swing set, what can you build to take your playground to the next level? Here are a few ideas. A Climbing […]

Remodeling your bathroom can be a great investment. It immediately makes your home more usable and enjoyable, and in the long term, an upgrade could increase your home’s value by thousands of dollars. And a remodel doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or costly event. There are quite a few small, low-cost projects that can […]

Summer is a great time to improve your home’s exterior.  And whether you’re interested in enjoying your space a little more or you want to boost your home’s value, it makes sense to find inspiration by taking a look at what other homeowners are doing. Are you thinking about updating your yard or patio this […]

Whether you’re thinking of buying a home soon or months down the road, you’ll need a carefully considered wish list when the time comes to start your search. Identifying your needs and wants will help you narrow your options and make your home buying journey — which we all know can be stressful —  as […]

You’re probably well aware that the real estate market is more competitive than ever (due to low inventory, among other things). Still, it’s not a bad time to buy a house. Mortgage rates are low, home values are on the rise and, in many cases, buying is still more affordable than renting. Are you considering […]

How often do you use your deck? Do you host parties with wine or cocktails? Do you have birthday gatherings for a dozen or more small children? Do you serve dinner for your family when the weather is nice? However it is used, every homeowner who takes advantage of their deck must maintain it to […]

If you’re getting ready to buy a home, you’re probably focused on saving as much as you can for the down payment. But don’t forget: You’ll need to cover closing costs, too.  To create a realistic home buying plan, make sure you factor in this additional upfront expense so that you can set yourself up […]

No matter how much you prepare and how excited you are about your new home, moving will always be a bit stressful.  There are endless to-do’s and tiring tasks, and once you’re finished, there’s still unpacking and organizing to be done. Even so, you can take steps to streamline your relocation and minimize problems. Are […]

Clean Up the Yard You never get a second chance to make a great first impression, so make the most of your home’s first impression by cleaning up the yard. Clear away fall and winter debris such as fallen branches and leaves. Pick up and put away toys and other items that are not lawn […]

Housing decisions are never small. Where you choose to live impacts your budget, your job prospects and your social life.  And in the future, your home plays a major role in what your retirement might look like (financially and logistically).  For these reasons, housing decisions require plenty of careful consideration. Want to be prepared to […]

A bathroom designed exclusively for your kids will make them feel special. It keeps them out of the adult bathroom, giving you a private and relaxing space. Choosing the decor for a child’s bathroom can be difficult with so many fun themes available. If you’re looking for inspiration to design a kid’s bathroom, the following […]

Dog parks can be the best, or worst, places for your dog. Dog owners and their best buddies tend to love dog parks. They can be  terrific places for dogs to socialize, from learning how to be part of a pack to learning doggie social graces. Dog parks are also great places for exercise. However, […]