woman in rubber gloves with basket of cleaning supplies ready to clean up her apartment

The Ultimate Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Home Like a Pro

As the winter season fades away, it's time to welcome the freshness of spring into our homes with a thorough cleaning overhaul.
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Renting or Buying a Home: The Pros and Cons

When it comes to finding a place to call home, the decision between renting and buying is a pivotal one with far-reaching implications.
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DIY Home Maintenance for Beginners

Embarking on do-it-yourself (DIY) home maintenance projects can be a rewarding and empowering experience for homeowners.
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From Drab to Fab: Revamp Your Home Decor

Revamping your home decor can breathe new life into your living space, transforming it from drab to fab. Whether you're looking to completely overhaul your interior design or simply add some fresh touches.
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Navigating the Real Estate Market: A Guide to Finding Your Dream Home

Embarking on the journey to find your dream home can be both exciting and daunting. With a myriad of factors to consider and decisions to make, it's essential to approach the real estate market with a clear understanding of your needs and a well-defined strategy.
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Building a Strong Financial Foundation: Maximizing Home Equity

Welcome to the comprehensive guide on building a strong financial foundation by maximizing home equity. In this article, we will delve into the concept of home equity and explore various strategies to make the most of it.
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Designing Tomorrow: Discover the 5 Key Trends That Will Transform Interiors in 2024

As we move towards the future, the world of interior design is undergoing a remarkable transformation. In the quest for innovative and inspiring spaces, designers are embracing new concepts and ideas that go beyond mere aesthetics.
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Unlocking the Secrets: How to Spot a Lucrative Investment Property

Investing in real estate can be a rewarding endeavor, offering the potential for long-term financial growth and stability.
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How to Create an Art Gallery Wall in Your Home

Art lovers no longer have to leave home to appreciate fine art. Thanks to a growing trend, they can create the same experience on one of their own walls.
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Revamp Your Kitchen: 4 Easy Solutions to Update Outdated Cabinets

Spend some time looking at homes and you’ll likely see a wide variety of cabinet styles out there.
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How Real Estate Can Generate Income For Your Retirement

A steady, predictable, and adequate income stream throughout retirement is a must for anyone in their Golden Years who wants to live comfortably long after they’ve said goodbye to their careers.
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Rules of Etiquette You Should Know Before Buying a Home

The truth is, there’s a certain etiquette that buyers should follow throughout the home-buying process, and failure to follow it could actually cost you a lot of money.
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6 Things That Can Drive Your Property Taxes Up

Property taxes are tough to figure out. The federal property tax code alone is thousands of pages long, let alone the local codes all over the country.
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7 Tips For Selling Your First Home

Regardless of how long you’ve lived in your first home, selling for the very first time can be a daunting task if it’s not done right.
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5 Affordable Decor Ideas that Always Impress

You might be taking the holiday season as an opportunity to add some 'cheer' to your interior decor. But the truth is, revamping your interior could probably use some refreshment at any point throughout the year.
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Investing Locally Vs. Long-Distance: What’s Better?

Investing in real estate – it’s been done forever, and it’s one of the tried-and-true ways of building sustainable wealth over the long term.
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6 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas For The Holiday Season

The holidays are typically marked with all sorts of festive decorations, but perhaps none is more prominent and attention-grabbing than a Christmas Tree.
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6 Signs Your Home Has a Drainage Problem

It’s no secret that any water that’s pooled in any part of your home will cause nothing but problems. And if there are drainage issues in your home, you’ll likely experience these problems pretty quickly.
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Private Showings Vs. Open Houses: Which Wins?

Looking for a new home? Before you sign on the dotted line, you’re going to want to have a chance or two to scope out a few homes in detail first.
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5 Ways Real Estate Agents Save You Money When Selling Your Home

It’s understandable – after finally selling your home, it can be tough to fork over the commission fee to a real estate agent. But before you fall into the FSBO trap, consider one very important thing: real estate agents can actually save you money.
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Clever Moving Tips to Cut Down on Time and Hassle

Just the mere thought of having to pack the entire house and move it all to a new destination can seem like a daunting task. And it can be if you don't plan ahead and use simple yet effective strategies to ease the burden.
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The Dangers of Over-Improving Your Home

Is there such thing as having a home that’s too good for its surrounding neighborhood? Sure, most homeowners want their home to be up-to-date and attractive, and often that means making some changes and improvements to it.
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Emergency Tips Every Homeowner Needs to Know About

Owning and maintaining a home doesn’t come with an instruction manual, though it would be great if it did. After you’ve found the home you love and moved in, the real fun starts.
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10 Home Staging Tips Every Seller Should Know

Are you planning to put your Ventura County home on the market? First impressions matter!
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Using Price-Per-Square-Foot Analysis to Price a Home

Listing your home at the right price is critical. Pricing too high or too low can keep your home on the market a lot longer than you’d like, and can even leave thousands of dollars on the table.
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8 Essential Items Your Home Renovation Contract Should Include

It would be nice to be able to trust your contractor’s word when you’re having work done on your home, but a written contract really is the only way to go. Having everything in writing can ensure that every party involved fully and clearly understands what is expected of them.
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Unique Fall Decorating Ideas That Won’t Cost a Fortune

Once the kids are back in school and the long summer days began to grow shorter and shorter, homeowners begin thinking about fall. First comes the change in leaves that completely alters the landscape, followed soon after by Halloween.

Tips For Getting Back to Business After Summer Break

Ah, summer—the season of sandy toes, tan lines, and lazy afternoons. However, it’s time to say farewell to go-with-the-flow schedules now that fall has arrived and school is back in session.
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5 Reasons Why Not Staging Your Vacant Home is a Mistake

The goal of every seller is to sell their home quickly, and for top dollar. Nobody wants to have to pay carrying costs while waiting for the right buyer to come along.
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No Credit? How to Build it From the Ground Up

Having poor credit isn’t a good thing, but neither is having no credit at all. Getting approved for a mortgage – or any other type of loan, for that matter – is pretty much an impossible feat if the lender has nothing to go on.
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These Features Will Help Your Home Sell Faster

If you’re planning on selling your home and moving some time in the near future, you should think about the features in your house, and whether or not buyers want what you’ve got.
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Dorm Room Design on a Budget

It’s that time of year again. High school graduates across the country are packing their belongings into boxes and making the drive to the college campus they’ll call home for the next few years.
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Senior Downsizing Tips

For many seniors, downsizing is the first step toward more freedom and independence, physically and financially. In fact, around 40% of adults move during retirement and about half of those downsize.
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10 Easy Kitchen Projects to Enhance Your Space

The kitchen is the place where we cook, entertain, do homework, and even surf the web. We want it to be functional, but we also want it to be stylish, too.
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Things You Should Never Pour Down the Drain in Your Home

Just because you pour something down the drain doesn’t necessarily mean that it will magically disappear through the pipes.
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Real Estate 101: The Top Terms You Need to Know

Basic vocabulary to advance your knowledge as a seller or serious buyer.
Lovely young woman putting soft pillows and plaid on comfy sofa, making her home cozy and warm

7 Affordable Ways to Give Your Home a Luxurious Feel

Just because you’re not filthy rich, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to have a home that you can call “luxurious.”

7 Common Homebuyer Regrets (And How To Avoid Them)

To avoid buyer's remorse, be sure to consider your future self when shopping for a home.
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6 Signs That You’re Ready to Be a Homeowner

Ready to buy your first home? Join the millions of others out there who are navigating the waters of real estate for the first time.
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Don’t Do These Things Before Closing on a Home

You’ve found the home of your dreams, put in an offer, and the sellers accepted. The agreement to purchase is signed, and the closing date is set.
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Clever Landscaping Ideas for Tiny Front Yards

If you’ve got a teeny tiny front yard, you may have already discovered that landscaping can be pretty challenging. Having limited square footage doesn’t mean you should completely ignore this small piece of land

The Benefits of Xeriscaping: Top 8 Reasons to Transform Your Yard

Have you ever wondered what xeriscaping your yard would look like? The term “xeriscape” means a landscape without water, and there are plenty of ways to establish a yard that’s not only ecofriendly, but also the envy of the neighborhood.
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6 Ways to Make Your Garden More Eco Friendly

A garden is inherently “green” in nature, so how is it possible to make it any more eco-friendly than it already is?

Renovate or Relocate? 3 Questions To Help You Decide

Does your current home no longer serve your needs? If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a difficult choice, and there’s a lot to consider—including potential costs, long-term financial implications, and quality of life.
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Creative Ways to Make Your Home Feel More Spacious

Small spaces certainly pose a set of design challenges, but there are plenty of savvy decor tactics that can be employed to make a room seem larger than it actually is, while keeping it stylish at the same time.

A Guide to Buying a Home to Age-in-Place

If asked about major life changes, most people would probably think of their younger days. While some older citizens are settled since their decades of work and raising children are far behind them, others make significant lifestyle decisions in their golden years, including where they will live if their current home is no longer suitable.
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Grilling Out This Summer? Here’s How To Update Your Backyard

As the weather heats up, homeowners almost always gravitate toward their back yards, inviting friends and family over for cookouts and holiday parties. If you’re lucky, you’ve created an oasis that makes gatherings more enjoyable.
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9 Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid

No matter how amazing and comfortable the rest of your home may be, there’s something about the kitchen that has everyone congregating to it.
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Don’t Assume Your Home Will Sell Itself Just Because it’s a Sellers Market

It’s still high season for sellers out there in the world of real estate. If you just listed your home, you’re probably feeling very confident that your house will garner plenty of attention and sell shortly, right?

Avoid These Biggest Home Purchase Regrets

Buying a home is often the biggest purchase someone will make in their lifetime. However, the housing market can be an intimidating place to be—especially when inventory is low and there are bidding wars.
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Tips for Hiding TV Cords in Your Home

The average American household now has 2.5 TV sets, even when the number of people in that home is only two. Not only is there a TV set in the main living area, but many families have TVs in children’s bedrooms and even kitchens and bathrooms.
2023 Real Estate Market Update Graphic

National Real Estate Market Update for 2023

There’s an old adage in real estate: location, location, location. But ever since the Federal Reserve began its series of inflation-fighting interest rate hikes last year, a new mantra has emerged: mortgage rates, mortgage rates, mortgage rates.
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Big Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Small House

Small houses offer the promise of a simpler life with less material possessions, less maintenance, and a lower mortgage. Despite the benefits there are some tradeoffs that warrant consideration.
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Selling Your House? 4 Tips for Staging Your Home on a Budget

Are you wondering what you need to do to give your house the best chance possible of selling quickly? While there are many things you can do to improve the look of your home, you likely don’t want to spend a fortune doing so. Here are some ways you can spruce up your home without emptying your bank account.
The key was inserted into the door of the new house, inside the room was a cardboard box containing personal belongings and furniture

Just Moved In? 4 Ways to Make Unpacking As Painless As Possible

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, the experience seems to be equally stressful. As difficult as packing and dealing with utility companies are, though, one of the biggest challenges is living for weeks while surrounded by boxes.
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3 Tips for Using Mirrors to Improve Your Rooms

Imagine a world without mirrors. You would have no way to check your appearance before leaving the house every day. You’d be forced to conduct routine grooming activities without the benefit of a clear reflection.

Protect Your Assets: The Benefits of Setting up a Trust

While there’s no harm in living in the moment, planning your finances ahead of time will be beneficial in the long run—especially estate planning. Do you know what will happen to your home, your investments?
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Clever Ideas to Make a Home Gym Attractive

Staying in shape is as important as creating an attractive house. The cost of a gym membership can add up over time, with monthly membership fees adding up to hundreds of dollars each year.
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4 Home Remodeling Projects You Shouldn’t Do Yourself

Nothing can compare to the gratification that comes from successfully completing a home remodeling project yourself. Whether you’re retiling your bathroom or finishing a basement, there are many things you can accomplish yourself with hard work and determination.

The Heat is On: How Rising Mortgage Rates Are Impacting the Spring Housing Market

The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and the spring housing market is heating up—right? Once the market cooled off at the end of 2022, real estate experts predicted the 2023 housing market to warm up in the spring months.
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3 Ideas for Gardening When You Have a Small Yard

As consumer demand for fresh, affordable produce has risen, more homeowners than ever have become interested in growing their own. But with homes so tightly packed together in newer neighborhoods, finding space to design and nurture a garden can be challenging.
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New Home Buyer? 5 Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a house is a huge financial step, and is one you need to take with careful consideration. It’s the quintessential American dream, but can quickly turn into a nightmare if you don’t do your due diligence.
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Working from Home? 4 Ideas for Creating a Home Office in Limited Space

The number of people who work from home is increasing each year, with up to 30 percent of people working from home.
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How Can You Tell if This is the Right Neighborhood For You?

Location, location, location. It’s the crux of real estate. But when it comes to buying a home in a new neighborhood, there are other factors to consider in addition to the location itself.
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The Minimalist Approach: Less is More in Home Decor

It’s much better to have a few quality items than a bunch of clutter. This is what the minimalist approach in home decor is all about. Forget about cramping your space with a ton of little items.
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How To Stick To A Budget

Do you have financial goals but don’t know where to start? Setting a budget is the first step to financial success. However, many people will create a budget and fail to stick to the parameters they’ve put in place.
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Things to Consider Before Switching Your Carpet for Hardwood

In many homes, hardwood has replaced carpet as the primary flooring type, especially in rooms like living rooms and kitchens. New homebuilders are aware of the trend and have shifted their design choices accordingly.
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4 Ways to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

If someone in your household regularly suffers from allergies or sinus problems, there could be issues with the quality of air.
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Avoid These Mistakes When Listing Your Home For Sale

Selling your home involves a heck of a lot more than just planting a ‘For Sale’ sign on your front yard. There are still some considerations to be made, and some work to be done before your home ever hits the market.
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5 Things That May Not Be Included in Your Home Purchase

What stays and what goes when you buy a new home? While it might seem like a no-brainer that the appliances or light fixtures might be staying, making assumptions like these could burn you come closing day.
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Storage Solutions to Make the Most of Small Spaces

Living in a small house or apartment can be challenging, even if you have few belongings when you move in. Over time, you’ll inevitably collect more items, requiring you to creatively store things with limited closet space and shelving.
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8 Things To-Do When You Move Out-of-State

You’ve just finished a mighty game of Tetris with the moving boxes, the family waves goodbye to a house once-called home, and you’ve all settled in for a long road (or plane) trip. It’s official! You’re moving out of state.
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How to Compete With a Cash Offer When Buying a House

After pounding the pavement for what seems like forever, you’ve finally found the place you want to put an offer on. But alas, someone else has already got their fingers on it, and it’s a cash buyer, no less.
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3 Steps to Planning Your Year

Entering a new year can be overwhelming. Just like an artist’s empty canvas or a writer’s blank sheet of paper, it’s hard to know where to begin. But remember, starting fresh also offers an abundance of opportunity.
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Creating a Luxurious Bedroom Retreat on a Budget

Considering how many hours of the day are spent in your bedroom, it makes sense to pour a little focus and budget into this often-overlooked space. After a busy day, it would be nice to come home and retreat to a comfortable, soothing, esthetically-pleasing bedroom.
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Improve Your Living Space With Color

Without realizing it, we’re affected by the colors that surround us throughout the day. While the walls of your home may be plastered with the same neutral tone while it’s on the market, part of making it your new home is customizing it to your own preferences.
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Houseplants: Why, What and How?

Houseplants scrub the air in your home, they lend a tranquil vibe to any room, and as a design element they’re super versatile, adding color, texture, and shape for great interest and appeal
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4 Simple Practices to Improve Your Personal Finances

The downward spiral of debt is a dangerous one, especially when that debt is attached to extremely high interest rates, typical of credit card debt. With rates as high as 36%, it can be very challenging to climb back out for air.

New Year’s Resolutions for Home Buyers and Sellers

The start of the new year is the time when many people make resolutions to themselves to improve their lives in some form or fashion. Losing weight, finding a better job, or traveling tend to be among the more popular New Year resolutions, but if buying or selling your home is on the agenda for 2023, there are other specific resolutions that should be on your list, and that you should stick to.

Easy Ways to Make Your Bathroom Feel Larger Than it Really is

Designing and decorating a tiny bathroom can be a daunting task. Combining both style and function is a lot more challenging when you’re working with a small space.
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Bathroom Remodeling Do's and Don’ts

It’s a small, unassuming space, but it’s a crucial one nonetheless. Bathrooms are one of the more important rooms that can add a great deal of value to a home if they’re modernized and up-to-date.
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Prep Your Home for Holiday House Guests

Is your home is the hub of the holidays this season? If so, you’ve got some work to do before your guests knock on your door. Luckily, it doesn’t have to take weeks of hard labor to get your home ready.
Home buyers with a real estate agent signing a contract

Rookie Mistakes Home Buyers Should Avoid

Think about all those past purchases that you’ve later regretted. And while you may have wasted your money on these items that were seldom used, they pale in comparison to the amount of money you’d be spending on a home.
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3 Ways to Reduce Your Interest Rate When Buying a Home

Are you kicking yourself for not buying when mortgage rates were lower? You’re not alone! With the housing market slowing, sellers reducing prices and interest rates peaking at the highest level in 20 years, many would-be buyers have put their plans on pause.
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4 Modern Decorating Ideas for the Holidays

For decades, homeowners have covered their homes in the same two colors during the last month of the year. Greenery has long been used as the base color, with bold splashes of red to provide contrast.
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The Pros and Cons of a Home Addition

Whether your family is growing, or your home simply isn’t meeting your needs in terms of space, you’ve got a couple of options: either move to a larger home with more square footage, or add it to your existing home in the form of an addition.
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Fun Ways to Spice Up Your Table for Thanksgiving Dinner

Across the country, households are preparing for one of the biggest holidays of the year. Thanksgiving revolves around one big meal, whether that meal is for only a couple of people or an entire extended family.
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6 Ways to Boost the Resale Value of Your Home

Regardless of whether or not you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, it pays to make a few updates in order to add value to it. But don’t start dumping hoards of money on major home renovations.
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Easy Upgrades That Will Make Your Home Safer for Young Children

As much as you love your home, you look at it completely differently when a young person is around. Whether you’ve just had a baby or your sister is bringing her kids around for the holidays, you’ll instantly see all the dangers that lurk in your bathrooms, kitchen, and living areas.
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What’s Involved in Building a Green Roof?

Homeowners are typically open to any efforts that will effectively help to reduce their utility bills as well as their imprint on the environment, and green roofs can help do exactly that.
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Top Tips for Selling With Pets in Your Home

Whether you’ve got dogs, cats, hamsters, or bunnies running around at home, they’re part of the family. We love our pets, but that doesn’t mean potential buyers necessarily want to see them – or any evidence of them – when they’re scoping out your home for sale.

How to Renovate Your Kitchen in the Right Sequence of Phases

If you’ve got a new kitchen on the mind, you likely want to dive head first into the job and get it done as quickly as possible. After all, you’ve got the budget, the vision, and the desire, so all that’s really holding you back is the swing of the hammer, right?

Should You Expand Your Present Home, or Move to a Larger Home?

Should you move or improve? That is the million dollar question. When your family is growing, or you begin questioning whether or not those little quirks in your home are still charming, you may start to wonder whether you should move to a larger home or simply invest in renovating it.

Ways to Customize Your Rental Unit Without Picking Up a Paint Brush

Just because you don’t own the place you’re currently living in doesn’t mean you have to put up with boring neutral forever. While rentals can pose a number of challenges – from the ugly floors to the outdated light fixtures – there are plenty of ways that you can customize your space and really make it your own, even with stark white or barely beige walls.

6 Features Homebuyers Will Love

When it comes time to sell your home, take a close look around and see if your place has the goods that buyers are looking for. Considering the magnitude and expense of such a purchase, buyers want to fall in love with the home they plan to buy, and certain characteristics can help make that happen.

7 Qualities of an Excellent Neighborhood

Location, location, location. The phrase may have become somewhat of a cliché in the world of real estate, but it still remains the most important factor in determining the true value of a property.

Simple Ways to Save Money and Energy at Home

It costs a lot of money to maintain a home, but you might be spending more than is necessary. Your utility bills can be lowered significantly by reducing the amount of energy used in your home, and doing so may be much simpler than you believe.

What You Need to Know Before Tearing Down a Wall in Your Home

Looking to open up your interior space to create a more spacious and functional layout? If so, you might be considering tearing down a wall or two to achieve your goal.

Common Code Violations Made When Renovating

Homeowners who are trying to cut costs frequently attempt to handle their home renovation projects on their own. While that might work just fine for simpler tasks, it might go horribly wrong for more challenging ones.

Stylish & Budget Friendly Furniture Ideas for First-Time Homeowners

It's a major transition from renting to buying a home, especially if it involves moving from a small, crowded apartment to a larger home. A new homeowner must deal with furnishing every room with chairs, couches, tables, and beds in addition to the endless stretch of blank wall space that needs to be filled.

6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

No matter how new your house is, window problems could arise at any time. They'll eventually need to be entirely replaced. Windows don't endure forever, even if they can last up to 20 years when they are of great quality and are maintained properly.

8 Simple Ways to Update Your Home

There's probably something in your home that needs updating especially if you can't even recall the last time you switched things up. What could have been hip back in the day is undoubtedly displeasing today.

5 Tricks to Make Your Small Kitchen Feel Bigger

For the majority of homeowners today, having a large, bright kitchen could be a dream come true, but tight budgets and small kitchen spaces can be quite challenging to overcome.

How Solar Lights Can Light Up Your Exterior & Save You Money

Exterior lights have a variety of uses for a home. They light up pathways to help residents and guests see at night. They add to the ambiance of a home, casting light on landscaping and illuminating the front of a home.

Most Frequent Regrets of First-Time Homebuyers

When looking at houses, first-time homebuyers have a lot in common. They frequently fall in love with a house right away and become overly emotional. When they lose a bidding war, they feel overwhelmed and devastated.

Common Reasons Why Your Houseplants Are Dying, and How You Can Save Them

While some people are excellent at keeping plants healthy and happy, others are equally adept at killing them. We all have good intentions when we bring a plant home, but unless we learn a little about them, their demise is almost certain.

Upgrade Your Front Door Color for Instant Curb Appeal

Your front door is the first thing people see when they visit your home and should serve as a welcoming point for your guests. Repainting your front door is an easy and affordable upgrade that will instantly increase your homes curb appeal.

Easy Money Saving Tips That Will Help Reduce Your Monthly Expenses

How we spend our money has changed a great deal over the past few years. Whether you've saved more or depleted your savings, we all need some financial inspiration to help us save where we can. Check out these tips, and you'll be amazed at just how much money you can save with very little effort.

Creating A Sustainable Home Garden

It's nearly impossible not to be bombarded with news and information about how much safer and healthier organic food is for our bodies. Although, we also know how much more expensive organic produce can be.

8 Interior Design Trends To Look Out For In 2022

The current interior design trends are wide-ranging and diverse. There are new colors, textures, and materials, but the most important thing is that there are new moods. The way we desire to spend our lives has changed gradually over the past couple of years.

Be Wary of Timeshare Resale Scams to Avoid Getting Ripped Off

There’s a certain appeal of having guaranteed access to a vacation property in a spot that you enjoy visiting frequently on your holidays, which is precisely what timeshares offer.

How to Sell Your Home to Family Without Making it Complicated

If you’re planning on selling your home, you might have a relative who might be showing interest in buying it off of you. That could potentially make things a lot easier for you...

Boost the Value of Your Property With These 10 Simple Home Improvement Tips

Want to boost the overall value of your home? It's a lot easier than you might imagine. In fact, a few key updates and changes can really hike up your home's value with minimal work and investment up front. Consider the following tasks to help increase the value of your property and build instant equity.

The Danger of Over-Leveraging in Real Estate Investments

Leveraging is one of the biggest advantages that real estate investors have at their disposal. In fact, real estate investing is designed with leveraging in mind.

What to Consider When Deciding Between New Home Construction and Resale

If you’re in the market to buy a home, you’ve got choices. Aside from the actual type of property - condo, townhouse, detached, etc - you need to decide whether to take the resale or new construction path to home ownership.

Building a Deck? Consider These Things First

Extending your living space to the outdoors is a great way to infuse an added dimension to your home and allow you to enjoy it to the fullest. In fact, outdoor living is really getting popular these days, with more and more homeowners adding decks to their homes as a means of enjoying Mother Nature.

Understand a Few Things Before Buying an HOA Home

If you want to live in a community where your property is taken care of without you having to lift a finger, or where you have a variety of amenities to use at your disposal, then a homeowners’ association (HOA) might be perfect for you.

Simple Ways to Boost Privacy in Your Yard

Whether you’re playing with the kids, enjoying a family meal, or even just catching some rays, the last thing you want is to be put on display in your own backyard. The demand for outdoor living space among homeowners has grown over the years, making privacy that much more important.

Tips to Decorating an Odd-Shaped Living Room

An odd-shaped living room can be a decorating nightmare. Whether you’ve got harsh angles, recessed walls, or columns in the middle of the room, it can be tough to arrange furniture, decorate, and create a functional space.

Spring Cleaning Checklist: Don't Forget To Clean These 6 Things

Most homeowners dread spring cleaning, but it's a necessity when you think about how many things typically get overlooked as part of everyday cleaning. You might vacuum, wash dishes, and do laundry regularly, but there are plenty of other chores that get overlooked.

Budget Projects With Big Value

Not all home improvement projects are created equal. Some renovations may cost a lot but not add significant value to your home. Here are some inexpensive home improvement projects that will not only increase your enjoyment of your home, but will also increase the home’s value.

Taking Interior Design Online

The internet is forever evolving how we access goods and services, so why should home décor be any different? Homeowners have a plethora of resources they can look too when searching for décor inspiration online, including blogs, online magazines, and YouTube channels, but the newest fad is online interior design consultants.

5 Features Millennial Homebuyers Are Looking For

Millennials continue to be the largest segment of homebuyers according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Here are five features that tend to entice millennials who are looking to buy.

5 Amazing Smart Kitchen Products

As technology continues to evolve year after year, new products hit the market that help make our lives easier. Check out these five amazing innovations that can assist you in the kitchen!

Five Tips For Funding Your Next Vacation

There’s nothing quite like some well-earned time off in a cool new place, but vacations certainly don’t pay for themselves. Here are a few ideas for funding your next getaway.

Choose The Right Paint Finish

It can be intimidating to stand in front of the paint swatches at the paint or hardware store and try to make a decision. Picking a color can be difficult enough—and then you have to choose the finish.

Five Home Repairs To Budget For

You’re going to have to do some regular repairs and maintenance on your home—it’s just a fact of home ownership. So that you’re not caught unprepared, it’s a good idea to keep a budget and set aside some funds for when the following repairs inevitably come up.

The Ins And Outs Of Home Inspection

Home inspection is a crucial step in the homebuying process. After finding the perfect house, you will want to ensure that there are no hidden faults that may require lengthy and expensive repairs or renovations down the line.

How Do HOAs Work?

When you purchase a home, there’s a good chance you’ll have to pay a homeowners association fee, especially in gated communities, townhouses, condominiums, and other similar planned neighborhoods.

Five Ways You Can Get Earnest Money Back

Earnest money is a deposit you pay when you make an offer on a home—it’s a way to show the seller that you mean business. Usually you can’t get it back, but there are several circumstances that allow you to recover your earnest money.

What You Need To Know About Refinancing Your Mortgage

Refinancing your mortgage can have many financial benefits when done at the right time in the right way. Here’s what you need to know about this type of transaction.

The Best Smart Home Features

Home technology has greatly improved over the last few years, helping to increase convenience and energy efficiency. But some smart home features carry more value than others.

Five Things That Factor Into Comps

You may think that sale price is the only factor when you’re looking at comps and trying to set a price for your listing. But it’s actually a bit more complicated.

How An Agent Can Help Alleviate Stress

Purchasing a home can be a stressful experience, whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve been through the process before. But that’s one of the reasons that working with a real estate professional is so worthwhile.

Types Of Mortgages You Need To Know About

Before you purchase a home, it’s important to educate yourself of the various types of mortgages you can get so you can make the right decision when the time comes to choose yours.

Investment Properties: How You Can Make Money In The Short And Long Term

You’re probably well aware that there’s more to real estate than just owning your home. There are countless success stories of people who made a fortune, or even just a comfortable extra income, by investing in real estate.

Easy Upgrades: Tackle These Projects In A Single Day

It’s easy to get stressed out just hearing the word “renovation.” You’re instantly thinking of having your home life disrupted by construction debris, cluttered rooms, and loud noises.

Calling In A Professional

Renovating your home can be a stressful and expensive endeavor. How much should you spend? Who should you trust? Who’s the best contractor/architect/designer/etc. in town?

Five Tips For Reducing Clutter

It doesn’t take much time to go from a perfectly organized room to a cluttered, chaotic mess. Papers pile up on surfaces, coats and bags end up on furniture, shoe boxes and shopping bags get stuffed in the first place you can find. But if you’re proactive, you can avoid the common clutter traps.

How To Keep Your Utility Bills Low

As a homeowner, costs can really start to add up, so it never hurts to take measures to help you reduce your monthly utility bills. Here are a few ways to do just that!

How To Make Small Spaces Seem Bigger

It may seem inconvenient or difficult to decorate a small space in your home, but there are a variety of strategies to make that smaller area seem much bigger. Here are some ideas to help you maximize the space in smaller rooms in your home.

Renovate Vs. Relocate

Is it worthwhile to improve your property, or is moving a better choice? Unless you built a custom home, you probably have a long list of things you’d like to improve in your current home.

Tips From Interior Design Experts

Interior design is no walk in the park. In fact, many people build their entire careers on their keen eye for making each room in a home flow beautifully.

Three Ways To Ease Your Fears About Making A Move

With low inventory in many markets throughout the country, many homeowners are afraid to sell their homes because they’re concerned that they may not be able to find a new one.

Top Tips For Staging Your Home

A recent survey from the National Association of Realtors® revealed that 77 percent of buyers’ agents said staging a home makes it easier for potential buyers to visual it as their own. That’s why staging is not to be overlooked! Here are some top tips.

Fixing Common Gas Grill Problems

Summer may be officially winding down, however there are still many BBQs ahead, so you need your grill in tip top shape. Here are some of the most common gas grill problems and how to fix them!

How To Plant A Tree In Your Yard

Have you ever wanted to change the landscape of your yard by adding a tree or shrub? Whether you have a green thumb or are a green dud, with proper preparation and some good tips, you can successfully do it yourself.

Ideas For Closet Organization

A chaotic closet is a recipe for disaster when you’re trying to get ready. But a nice, organized one can help ensure you’re on time for any occasion with an outfit that’s sure to impress. These organization tips and ideas can help!

Tips For Hanging A Large Painting

Found a stunning, large painting to perfectly complement your home? It's important to follow a few rules of thumb while hanging it to maintain the integrity of your wall and your painting.

What To Repair Before You List

When you’re getting ready to list your home, it’s of the upmost importance to ensure you are showing it in the best light. Taking time to highlight its strengths and fix up some of its possible weaknesses can make a big difference in how fast it sells.

Find & Clean The Dirtiest Places In Your Home

We all strive to keep our homes clean, but dirt and grime always seems to build up in certain places. It may be impossible to keep every area completely polished, but it helps to know which places accumulate the most germs and are commonly overlooked in our cleaning routines.

The Best Things About Home Ownership

If you own a home, there was certainly a lot that went into your decision to buy rather than continue to rent. Now you’re enjoying all the advantages of homeownership. Here are the top five.

Stay Healthy This Summer

A few simple tips for improving your personal health. Summer is the time for family vacations and road trips, backyard barbecues, and days at the beach.

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Before You Take The Plunge With A Fixer-upper, Think About Resale Value

We’ve all watched the HGTV programs that show a run-down old house transforming into a dream home. Tackling a big renovation project on an outdated property can indeed pay off big—both with the home of your dreams, and with a return on investment.

5 Simple Ways To Keep Your Home Cool This Summer

Summertime is here and it’s bringing the heat! It’s always an option to blast the air conditioner all summer long, but there are ways to keep your home cool that are better for the environment and won’t double your energy bill.

Top Tips For First-time Homeowners

Owning your first home is one of the biggest milestones in an individual’s life. Once it’s finally all yours, you want to make sure you avoid common rookie mistakes.

Avoid These Two Big Mortgage Mistakes

We all know that searching for and viewing potential homes is the fun part of the home-buying process. The not-so-fun part? The mortgage.

What Affects Property Values?

Some the features that increase property values are obvious—like a remodeled bathroom, a modern kitchen, or a sought-after neighborhood. But here are a few features and circumstances you have not have realized can affect property values.

Quick Tips To Sell Home Items Online

Whether you are looking to make more room in your home or planning to redecorate, selling some of your lightly used home items is a great way to make a few bucks. Below are some tips to sell your items quickly and safely online.

How You Can Finance Your Home Renovation

Outdated kitchen. Overrun backyard. Unusable basement space. If you have a home renovation project on the mind, the first thing you have to consider is how you are going to finance it. Here are the most common options to make your dreams become a reality.

Tips For Making Your Home More Peaceful

Many things in our world are out of our control, but one thing you can control is your home environment. There are many simple changes you can make to instill some much needed peace into your living space.

Backyard DIY Projects

Summer is just around the corner so it’s the perfect time to start planning some fun projects for your backyard. Whether you are looking for new ways to entertain and host friends or you want to surprise your spouse or family with an improved aesthetic, here are some DIY projects that can help make your backyard even more spectacular.

How To Curate Art For Your Home

The right artwork can transform any room in a home, plus it has the unique ability to display the homeowner’s personality, character, and energy. Because of that, choosing the right pieces can feel a little overwhelming sometimes. Use these guidelines to help you get started.

Benefits Of Houseplants

Houseplants are great natural decoration pieces to occupy a corner, window sill, table, or shelf, but they also offer many health benefits that can enhance your physical well-being.

Minimalism Ideas For Your Home

Minimalism has been a dominating theme in design and architecture over the past few years. What started as an art movement in the 1960s has become a mainstay for interior designers that creates peaceful, eye-catching spaces with limited furnishings and selective decorative pieces.

If You’re Selling, Improving Your Curb Appeal Can Make A Huge Difference

Curb appeal is a big factor for home buyers. The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see when they come to a showing or open house, and you want to make a great first impression. And even if you’re not selling your home, these are low-cost, low-time investment fixes that can make a big difference.

What Do First-time Homeowners Want?

As a first-time homebuyer, it’s understandable that you would be very selective about the home you purchase. This is likely the largest financial investment you’ve made in your life so far so you want to ensure you’re going to get exactly what you want.

Your Guide To The Home Appraisal

You’ve found your dream home and now it’s time to cross all your Ts and dot all your Is before it’s all your own. And one of the first items on your closing checklist is the home appraisal. So, what exactly is that?

Entertaining At Home

One of the joys of homeownership is getting to host your friends and family on various occasions. Here are a few hosting tips for your next party!

Save Or Pay? Which Route Should You Choose

The balancing act between paying more than the minimum payment to rid yourself of debts and building solid savings can be a difficult one for some. Here are some things to consider when making this decision.

Mortgage Interest Deductions 101

Purchasing a home comes with many tangible and intangible benefits. One that is commonly overlooked until the start of the year rolls around is the deductions you get on your taxes.

Mortgage Interest Deductions 101

Purchasing a home comes with many tangible and intangible benefits. One that is commonly overlooked until the start of the year rolls around is the deductions you get on your taxes.

Put More Money In Your Pocket Each Month

Reviewing your monthly expenses once a year is a great practice to get into. As you look at your monthly budget, you will find some expenses that are fixed, like your rent or mortgage, car payments, and child care expenses.

Tips To Light Your Home

Lighting is such a crucial aspect of your home and can affect the ambiance, energy, and vibe in each room. However, sifting through the various styles, bulbs, and placement options can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to get you started!

Common Home Issues Inspectors Uncover

Before finalizing your home purchase, one crucial step in the process is the home inspection, during which a licensed inspector looks at the structure, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. Here are 5 common home issues inspectors keep an eye out for.

Grocery Shopping On A Budget

As a homeowner, it’s never a bad idea to look at different ways to cut costs and one of the easiest areas to tweak is your grocery budget. Take a look at these tips to help you tighten it up.

State Of The National Real Estate Market

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the real estate market continues to trend upward. According to analytics firm CoreLogic, in November, home prices were up 8.2% year over year. Interestingly, Idaho (15.7%), Maine (15.4%), and Indiana (13.6%) were the states with the highest increases.

Your Guide To Recycling

Recycling has a positive impact on the environment for many reasons. It helps conserve natural resources, prevent waste from piling up in landfills, and protect nature.

Credit Scores & Buying A Home

Before you jump head first into searching for your dream home, you need to ensure your finances are in order. This includes reviewing and strengthening your credit. Here’s what you need to know!

Tips For Hiring A Moving Company

The process of moving can seem daunting, but with a little help from a reliable moving company, a lot of stress can be relieved. Here are some tips to make sure your belongings are in safe hands.

Organic Food 101

You’ve seen the label ‘organic’ for years now, but what does this really mean and what are the benefits to you and your family?

Bring Some R&R Into Your Home

Your home is your oasis. A place to kick back and relax from your day. So, why not invest in some items that can boost the zen in your home? Check out the tips below to help you achieve ultimate bliss!

Tips For Maximizing A Small Kitchen

Does your dream home come with a small kitchen? Not to fear! There are plenty of ways to get the most out of the tight space. You just have to get creative. Check out these tips!

Closing Costs 101

When purchasing a home, there are several fees you have to understand and factor into your budget before you hit the closing table. Here’s what you need to know.

Moving On A Budget

Purchasing a new home is likely one of the largest financial investments you will make in your lifetime. And on top of the home cost itself, there are additional expenses that come along with this life milestone, like moving costs.

How To Save Water (and Money!) At Home

As a homeowner, if you don’t maintain good water-saving habits, you could be sending more money than necessary straight down the drain every year. Start saving by trying out the tips!

Build Your Ideal Home Office On A Budget

If you work from home full-time or even part-time, having a dedicated space in your home to sit down and focus is crucial. It should be a comfortable, organized space and everything you need should be easily accessible.

Must-haves For Your First Home

You’ve just purchased your first home and it’s time to start filling it up. But, where to start? Below is a list of must-haves for each room in your home!

How To Use Mirrors To Feng Shui Your Home

Feng shui is the practice of using spatial arrangement and orientation to create synergistic, harmonious surroundings in a room or home. Mirrors of many shapes and sizes are often used to achieve this because they help bring light and movement into space and move energy throughout a room.

5 Harmful Homeowner Habits To Break

Being a homeowner is one of the biggest milestones in your life. You feel excited and proud to take care of your new house and truly turn it into a home for you and your family. To keep your house in the best shape possible, here are five bad homeowner habits to avoid.

Why You Should Invest In A Rental Property

Investing in real estate can be a great alternative to traditional investments and many owners choose to rent out their property. Here are some of the top benefits for getting into this line of business!

Dealing With Scratched Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are highly desirable for most homeowners, but they come with their share of challenges when it comes to cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. After a few months or years of heavy use from kids playing with toys and chairs being shuffled around, it may be time for some DIY fixes.

Reconsider These Choices When You’re Designing Your Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the areas of a home that sees the most wear and tear. All the water, heat, and food spills add up quickly, so it’s important to focus on quality and lasting appeal if you’re choosing materials for a kitchen remodel.

From Decorating To Staging

There is a difference between the two and here's how to get your home ready to sell. Once you've decided to put your home on the market you're looking to sell quickly for the best possible price.

How To Vet An Offer

Many sellers may be tempted to select the highest offer they receive, but there are several other factors to consider. Here are five areas important to evaluate.

Going Green Starts In The Kitchen

Living an environmentally-friendly lifestyle and helping to keep our planet clean isn’t as difficult as you may think. All it takes is a few small tweaks. To start, here are five great tips for going green in your kitchen!

Organize Your Closet Like A Champ

Do you desire a closet that looks like it’s straight out of a magazine? Then we have you covered! Follow the tips below to masterfully organize your closet and give yourself peace of mind.

How Big Of A Home Do You Need?

When buying a new house, it’s easy to get distracted by size and think that bigger is better. However, depending on your situation, the opposite may be true.

Ready To Go Rustic?

Rustic and farmhouse interior design are still in, and it isn’t going anywhere any time soon! If you’re ready to hop on board this trend, try introducing some of these favorite ideas into a room in your home.

How To Save Money While Landscaping

Revamping your landscaping can be a huge undertaking. It takes a lot of time, effort, and money. So how can you give the exterior of your home a facelift without breaking the bank or taking out a second mortgage. There a many ways to cut costs on landscaping, including some of these tips!

Prepping To Buy Your First Home

One of the biggest milestones you will reach in your life will be deciding to become a homeowner. But before you take the leap, make sure you set yourself up for easy transaction and a good homebuying experience. Check out the tips below to ensure it!

How To Get Ready For Retirement

For most people, retirement feels like a long way off. But, if you don’t start preparing as early as possible, you may find yourself in a place of financial insecurity when the time does come.

Prep Your Pets For The Big Move

Your moving day is set and it’s time to start preparing. As you’re making your lists and checking them twice, don’t forget to factor in your furry friends. Here are some tips for making sure the process goes smoothly.

Top Tips For Disinfecting Your Home

In the current world we live in, it’s incredibly important to put a focus on finding strategies to keep ourselves and our families safe and healthy.

Boost Your Internet Speeds

Nothing is more irritating than carefully selecting the perfect amount of bandwidth for you and your family just to experience spotty and oftentimes slow internet speeds while at home.

Is Downsizing Right For You?

Downsizing your home is not just for empty-nesters. There are numerous reasons and situations where this path could be the right one for you and your family!

Reasons To Maintain A Phone-free Bedroom

In this day and age, our smartphones have become just another limb, permanently fixed to our bodies. So, the idea of keeping phones out of the bedroom seems like such a foreign concept.

Value-boosting Renovations For Your Home

Buying a home is likely one of the largest purchases you will make in your lifetime. So why not maintain and grow that investment so if or when you decide to sell, you can reap maximum return? Below are a few value-boosting ideas to get you started.

Why You Need To Work With A Buyer’s Agent

The home buying process can be exciting and fun, but also complicated, stressful, and overwhelming. Maximize your chance of success and minimize the amount of time spent trying to keep track of all the details by working with a buyer’s agent.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT: What You Should Know About Pricing Your Home

One of the most daunting parts of selling your home is deciding what to price it at. You don’t want to price too high and get little to no traction but you don’t want to price too low and undervalue your home.

Eye-catching Ways To Decorate With Plants

Using plants as décor is a great way to add a little color and a natural, bright feel to any room. There are endless types of plants to choose from and various ways to display each one.

Happier Hardwood Floors

Tips for cleaning your beautiful hardwood floors and keeping them looking great. Hardwood floors make for a beautiful, stunning addition to your home.

Five Tips For Selling Your Home In A Hurry

There are a lot of factors that will determine how quickly your house is sold, and it’s important to tackle the factors you can control. If you’re still living in your home while trying to sell it, these are a few simple ideas that can help speed up the home sale process.

Revamp Your At-home Workspace

Nothing ruins a workday like not having a designated, comfortable place to work from. And when you are working from home, whether it be temporarily or indefinitely, setting up a great workspace gets even tougher.

Give Your Deck A Facelift

Hanging out with your family or hosting friends on your old, dingy deck is not very appealing. Lucky for you, refreshing it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.

Homebuyer Incentives: A Few Do’s And Don’ts

When you’re selling your home, adding some extra perks can help you find a buyer quickly. An incentive is essentially a marketing spend for your home sale. But you want to make sure your marketing dollars are being used effectively, so consider these do’s and don’ts...

Upsizing Your Home

Unfortunately our homes don’t always grow with us. What may have initially worked fine for a single person, a young couple’s starter home, or a family with a newborn can quickly become too small as families expand and multiple generations live under one roof.

New Home, Better Living

When you're house hunting, focus on the things that will improve your quality of life. There are so many factors that go into a home buying decision that it can make your head spin—especially if you're in a competitive market where time is of the essence.

Need-to-knows For Smart-home Technology

Homeowners have the ability to automate anything from locks to lights to air conditioning and more. With new technology popping up every day, it’s hard to stay up to date on the smart-home trend.

Five Steps For Organizing Your Garage

For many people the garage is the place you mindlessly store stuff just to get it out of the way, and before you know it, you’ve got a cluttered mess on your hands. Here are five steps toward organizing your garage for good.

The Difference Between Home Warranty & Home Insurance

When purchasing a new home, it’s important to do in-depth research on all facets of the homebuying process. One thing you’ll need to understand is how to best protect yourself and your investment if anything were to go wrong.

Ideas For Accent Walls

An accent wall can totally transform a room, taking it from boring and drab to bold and exciting. Accent walls create a new focal point for your space, add liveliness and contrast, and are typically a very inexpensive DIY project.

Maximizing Your Outdoor Space

You’ve found the perfect home and it has everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Spacious, modern kitchen. Gloriously open floor plan. Giant bedrooms. Great location and neighborhood. The only downside is the backyard is slightly smaller than you’d hoped.

Feng Shui With The Best Of Them

Feng shui is the Chinese tradition of balancing your home to achieve benefits and advantages associated with your health, finances, career, relationships, and more.

Staging Strategies For Your Home

Staging your home is all about putting the best foot forward for potential buyers. By highlighting its most desirable features, you can draw more interest for your home and leave a lasting impression that is sure to help you sell it more quickly.

How To Decide If It’s Time To Replace Your Windows and Where To Get Started

Before you dive into replacing your windows, the first step is to carefully evaluate the pros and cons. Replacing your windows is no small investment.

Spice Up Your Kitchen With A Pop Of Color

In the past few years, the biggest kitchen trends revolved around stainless steel appliances, bright white or light gray cupboards, granite countertops, and minimalist decor, maintaining a clean, sleek look.

Create A More Energy-efficient Home Without Breaking The Bank

any homeowners would love to invest in making their property more energy-efficient. Going green can save you a lot of money over time and is great for the environment, but the up-front costs can be significant.

Reliable Tactics For When The Appraisal Is Low

Few things in the home buying process are more frustrating than having your offer accepted, only to have the appraisal fall below your offer. But all is not lost!

Analyze The Little Things Before You Fall In Love With A Home

It’s easy to be wowed by a house. You’re anxious to discover your dream home and accomplish a big goal. You can’t wait to cook in the brand new kitchen or relax in the spa-style tub.

Five Hidden Renovation Costs

Renovations never seem to go as planned. There’s always a cost you didn’t anticipate, or a problem that didn’t reveal itself until the project was underway. Here are five common costs to look out for.

Five Hidden Renovation Costs

Renovations never seem to go as planned. There’s always a cost you didn’t anticipate, or a problem that didn’t reveal itself until the project was underway. Here are five common costs to look out for.

Tips For A Better Closing Day

Buying a home can be a long process. The last thing you want after all your time spent searching for homes and getting the best mortgage rate is to have everything go wrong on closing day. Here are five tips that’ll ensure it goes smoothly.

A Little Extra Preparation Goes A Long Way Toward A Better Paint Job

Painting is one of the most inexpensive ways to give your home a makeover. Whether it’s updating an old bathroom paint scheme or adding a bold accent wall, painting can totally transform a room.

Tips For Maintaining Houseplants

Adding plants to your home will give it a fresher and brighter feel and will also improve your home’s air quality.

Need-to-knows For Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life, but it can also be a scary and stressful process.

How Your Daily Drive Time Can Factor Into Your Mortgage

It's easy to overlook some of the things that can affect your budget and purchasing power when you're considering a home, and one of the biggest factors that buyers overlook is the cost of their daily commute.

Wallpaper: Don’t Call It A Comeback!

Guess who’s back, back again? Wallpaper has risen to the top of homeowners’ favorite ways to spice up a room again and its easy to see why.

Tips For Speeding Up Your Home Sale

Selling your home is a huge undertaking to begin with, but if the process drags on for months and interest trickles in much slower than expected, it can be frustrating and stressful.

Mortgage Rate Math

Shopping around for the best possible mortgage terms is an important part of the home buying process. A few percentage points can make a difference of thousands of dollars over the life of the mortgage.

New Home? Here's How To Save

Here are a few things new homeowners can do to save on energy and maintenance. When you’ve just purchased a new home, there’s a ton on your mind.

Create The Gallery Wall Of Your Dreams

Creating a gallery wall in your home is an easy, do-it-yourself way to bring your personal style into any room. There is no right or wrong way to create one and no limit to the possibilities.

Big Ideas For Small Spaces

Smaller rooms can be difficult to decorate, because if you don’t know a few important tricks, the space can end up feeling a little claustrophobic. Here’s how you can keep a room feeling airy and spacious, even if it’s just a studio apartment or an attic.

What Affects Your Home Insurance?

Research suggests that about 1 in 20 homeowners will make an insurance claim each year. So while it may seem that your monthly home insurance expenses aren’t worthwhile, the chances of needing your insurance are higher than you might think.

Thinking About Buying Soon? Make Sure Your Credit Is In Order

There’s no more important time to work on your credit score than when you’re about to apply for a mortgage. Improving your credit can save you a ton of money—we’re talking about thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

Things You Should Not Throw in the Trash

Most of us fall into the habit of disposing of all of our household items when they’ve broken, expired, or simply are no longer useful.

5 Hot Home Trends

When selling a home, it is incredibly important to consider who you are selling to and what they are looking for. Fixr recently surveyed influencers in the industry to discover who's in the market to buy and what home features are most attractive to them.

5 Simple Steps For A Better Home Appraisal

If you’re looking to refinance your home or possibly sell, you’ll need a killer appraisal. A bank will not refinance a home for more than it is worth, and a potential buyer will not pay more than the recognized value of the home.

Prep Your Budget For Buying A Home

Choosing to enter the home buying process is likely the largest financial decision you will make in your lifetime, so it is not one that should be taken lightly.

Top Tips For Decorating With Area Rugs

Looking for a fun way to bring an additional pop of color or design to a room with minimal time or money investment? Consider trying out an amazing area rug! Check out these tips for revamping your space with this fun decor piece.

4 Things You Need To Know About Making An Offer

You’ve narrowed down your wish list, viewed many homes, and finally found your perfect fit. Time to take the leap and make an offer! This can be both incredibly intimidating and exponentially exciting.

What You Should Know About Using Home Equity

One of the huge benefits of owning property is the home equity you can build. But with equity comes the temptation to dip into it if a large expense or possible investment arises.

Hidden Fees To Be Aware Of When Purchasing A Home

Purchasing a home is arguably one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. As you start your hunt, don't forget there will be other costs associated with your purchase then the price of the home.

Create The Home Office Of Your Dreams

Whether you work full-time at home or occasionally need to conduct business in the evenings or on the weekends, a home office a great way to utilize an extra room.

5 Fall Design Ideas The Will Boost Your Creativity

As homeowners pull out Halloween decorations, however, they often take the opportunity to look around their homes and make some more permanent changes.

5 Fall Design Ideas That Will Boost Your Creativity

As homeowners pull out Halloween decorations, however, they often take the opportunity to look around their homes and make some more permanent changes.

Remodeling Mistakes You Should Avoid

Remodeling your home? If so, there’s some planning required on your part before you dive into whatever project you’re working on. Keep in mind that while certain things you do will help the project in a positive way, there are also things that you might do that could totally sabotage your efforts.

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting Approved For A Mortgage

Roughly 8% of all mortgage applications are denied by lenders. But as challenging as it can be to get approved for a mortgage, it’s not impossible, as long as you’ve got all your ducks in a row. Here are a handful of reasons why borrowers are denied mortgages, and what can be done to offset them.

Should You Paint or Stain Your Kitchen Cabinets For an Easy Upgrade?

If you’re looking to change or update the look of your kitchen on a budget, simply changing the face of your cabinets can work wonders. Not only is this a cost-effective option, it can completely alter the look and feel of your kitchen.

Types of Inspections a Property May Need Besides the Typical Home Inspection

A home inspection is one of the most common contingencies to be included in a real estate contract. Even if a home is only a couple of years old, anything can happen, which is why it’s important to take the opportunity to have the home inspected before your purchase agreement goes firm.

Affordable Ways To Enhance Your Bathroom On A Budget

Accessories can never be underestimated, no matter what room you're using them in. You can easily create a luxe look by sprinkling your bathroom with opulent accessories such as candles, perfume bottles, soap dispensers, and others to make your bathroom look fit for royalty.

4 Ways to Give Your Home A Fresh New Look

Perhaps the easiest and most cost-effective way to give your home a fresh new look is to simply give the walls a fresh coat of paint. Newly painted walls can give a home a new and updated look, which can go a long way.

What You Need To Know About Home Warranty Plans

Many purchases that you make come with the option to buy a warranty in the event that the product is damaged, such as small appliances and electronics. This helps cover the cost of repair should they break down so you're not paying out of pocket.

Top Tips For House Hunting Online

Hunting for a new home online is a great place to start your search, but it should not be your end all be all. Good listing agents are excellent at highlighting the best features of the home, but keep in mind there may be more than meets the eye.

Finding The Right Mattress

You’ve got more options than ever when mattress shopping these days with no shortage of brick-and-mortar and online-only retailers to choose from.

Dispelling Refinancing Myths

"Refinancing" is a scary word for many people, but that shouldn’t be the case for you. For many homeowners, refinancing can not only lower your monthly payments and help with your monthly budget, but it can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

5 Negotiating Tactics That Can Hurt A Sale

Negotiation is a subtle art in real estate, but skilled negotiators can usually find some common ground that satisfies all parties. On the other hand, using the wrong negotiation tactics can sink a deal pretty quickly.

8 Must-Have Tools For Every Homeowner

From replacing cabinet doors, to burned-out light bulbs, to everything in between, all sorts of scenarios will sneak up on a regular basis in your home that will require your handiwork. Even things like hanging a picture on the wall or measuring rooms for furniture require some type of tool to get the job done.

8 Must-Have Tools For Every Homeowner

From replacing cabinet doors, to burned-out light bulbs, to everything in between, all sorts of scenarios will sneak up on a regular basis in your home that will require your handiwork. Even things like hanging a picture on the wall or measuring rooms for furniture require some type of tool to get the job done.

Short Sale And Foreclosure: What Sets Them Apart?

As unfortunate as it can be when homeowners fall behind on mortgage payments and must face the possibility of losing their homes, short sales and foreclosures provide them options for moving on financially.

4 Ways To Eat Organic Food On A Budget

Organic food usually tastes better, and is better for you, but it can also be very expensive compared to non-organic products. Organic food can cost nearly 50 percent more, thanks to the extra labor required to produce it and consumers’ demand exceeding supply.

Priority Tasks For Your Move In

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first.

5 Criteria For Pricing A Home

When you put your home up for sale, one of the best ways to determine the asking price is to look at comparable sales. There’s rarely a perfect apples-to-apples comparison, so a pricing decision often relies on comparisons to several recent sales in the area.

Consider This: When To Refinance

Refinancing your mortgage is something most homeowners consider at least once throughout the lifespan of their home loan. It allows you to pay off your previous loan by applying for a new one that has better financial advantages. While there are many good reasons to refinance, here are five common ones.

These 6 Things Can Cause Water Damage in Your Home

Water might be a necessity in life, but it can also wreak havoc in your home when it's not properly contained. Water can cause mold, mildew, and major damage to surfaces in your home. It can even compromise the integrity of your home's structure.

What's the Purpose of a Building Permit When Renovating Your Home?

Improving your home is a great way to not only improve its aesthetics and functionality, but it's also an effective way to add value. Certain projects can bring in a high ROI, adding more value to your property compared to what you spend on the actual project itself.

What Are the Different Liens That Can Be Found on Title?

There are plenty of terms to agree to when you sign a real estate contract to purchase a home. But one thing you likely would never agree to take over are liens on title. Unfortunately, liens can derail real estate deals and cause headaches for both buyers and sellers.

Turning An Ordinary Bedroom Into A Luxurious Bedroom

For most of us, our bedroom is little more than a place to sleep and relax. However, just because it’s always been that way doesn’t mean that we have to settle for drab and dreary.

Which Down Payment Strategy Is Right For You?

You’ve most likely heard the rule: Save for a 20-percent down payment before you buy a home. The logic behind saving 20 percent is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal. It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders.

How To Become A Morning Person

Ever wish you could become one of those rare morning people? The ones that wake with a start, feeling refreshed and energized. The ones that get in that morning workout or wrap up some work before many of us even hit the snooze button for the first time. Here are five tips to help you achieve that early bird status!

What To Negotiate When Buying A Home

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, the negotiation part of the transaction can be a little daunting and stressful. However, it is necessary to ensure you are getting the best possible deal for your money. So, what should you negotiate when buying a home?

4 Repairs To Make Before You List Your Home

When you’re getting ready to list your home, it’s of the upmost importance to ensure you are showing it in the best light. Taking time to highlight its strengths and fix up some of its possible weaknesses can make a big difference in how fast it sells. Here are our top five recommended repairs to make before selling your home.

IS IT TIME TO UPSIZE YOUR HOME?

Unfortunately, our homes don’t always grow with us. What may have initially worked fine for a single person, a young couple’s starter home, or a family with a newborn can quickly become too small as families expand and multiple generations live under one roof.

Create An Evacuation Plan For Your Pets

An evacuation plan is a necessity for every home, especially if you live in an area where fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, and other disasters are a possibility.

EASY LANDSCAPING DIY PROJECTS

Ever get the itch to do a DIY project? Whenever we do, our favorites involve getting outdoors and mixing up our landscaping features. Whether it's as simple as installing some lighting or a little more time-consuming like re-plotting plants, a fresh look for the lawn always gives your home a fresh look as well. Here are our top five easy landscaping projects!

Should You Test For Radon in Your Home?

Imagine something dangerous lurking in your home that you can't see, smell, touch, or taste. That's what radon gas is, and it can be hazardous to your health and that of your family. But it's virtually impossible to detect without the proper tools.

Should You Test For Radon in Your Home?

Imagine something dangerous lurking in your home that you can't see, smell, touch, or taste. That's what radon gas is, and it can be hazardous to your health and that of your family. But it's virtually impossible to detect without the proper tools.

Should Sellers Bother Staging a Vacant Home?

There's a lot to do when it comes to getting a home ready for sale, and staging it is one of them. Obviously, a home that's properly furnished with pieces that are appropriate for the size of all rooms and decorated with tasteful accessories and neutral colors will show a lot better than a home that looks disheveled.

Are You Subject to Paying Capital Gains Taxes When You Sell Your Home?

There are so many perks to homeownership, including certain tax breaks. For instance, if you own a home, you may be eligible to deduct interest expenses on up to $750,000 of mortgage debt, which can save you some cash come tax time.

How to Ensure a Vacation Home Purchase is a Good Investment

If you've been thinking about investing in real estate and buying a property to rent out over the long haul, you might want to consider a somewhat unique investment opportunity: vacation rentals. In fact, renting out vacation properties has become all the rage lately thanks to sites like Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway.

Should You Buy the Best House in the Neighborhood?

A gorgeous house in a great neighborhood is definitely something that will catch buyers' attention. And the best house on the block will certainly stand out from the rest. But is purchasing the best house in the neighborhood a sound investment? It's safe to say that many buyers want a home that's move-in ready.

These Home Improvements Could Hurt Your Home's Value When You Sell

Every seller wants to snag the highest possible price for their home when they sell, which is why certain measures should be taken to prep a home and craft a solid listing for buyers to see. And one of the recommended things that sellers should consider is making improvements that will help garner more attention from buyers.

Should You Refinance Your Home?

If you own a home and have some equity built up in it, you may have the opportunity to refinance your current mortgage. And there may be some good reasons why may want to consider refinancing, depending on your situation.

Short-Term or Long-Term Amortization Periods: Which One is Best For a Mortgage?

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a particular mortgage product. While the interest rate and fees associated with a home loan are certainly important factors to consider, so is the amortization period.

8 Best Paint Colors For Your Front Door

Curb appeal speaks volumes. It not only creates a welcoming vibe to your home, but it also plays a key role in its value, too. Given this, it's important to keep up with your home's curb appeal and spruce it up if need be.

8 Best Paint Colors For Your Front Door

Curb appeal speaks volumes. It not only creates a welcoming vibe to your home, but it also plays a key role in its value, too. Given this, it's important to keep up with your home's curb appeal and spruce it up if need be.

6 Ways to Boost Security in Your Condo, Even Without a Concierge

All homeowners want to take measures to make sure their homes are secure and that all occupants within their homes are kept safe at all times. When it comes to condos, there is usually an added level of security in the form of a locked main entrance, security cameras, or 24-hour concierge.

How Do Appraisers Determine the Value of a Home?

Sellers are obviously interested in knowing the value of their homes so they can figure out roughly how much they can potentially sell for. But buyers also want to know the value of homes they're interested in and may put an offer on, as it will help them determine an appropriate and competitive offer.

What Landlords Need to Know About Rent Control Law

If you've invested in the right property and your rent is easily covering all your expenses - and then some - you can make a decent profit and build sustainable wealth over time, especially as the property appreciates in value.

How to Stage Your Home For Airbnb

Listing your property on vacation rental sites like Airbnb can be a great way to supplement your income.

INFOGRAPHIC: California Sales Report For January 2019

Home sales in the Golden State dropped to a level not seen in over a decade, according to the California Association of Realtors (CAR).

What Homeowners Should Know Before Putting Up a Fence

Everyone needs their own space, and fences can provide homeowners with just enough privacy to enjoy their homes without feeling like they're constantly on display.

What Does it Mean When a Deal is "in Escrow"?

You've found the house of your dreams, put in an offer that was accepted, and are ready to make the big move.

Thinking of Selling Without an Agent? 6 Reasons Why You Shouldn't

You wouldn't try to rewire your home, give yourself a root canal, or replace the engine in your car on your own without the help of a professional, would you?

INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Most Affordable Places to Rent in the US

Rent doesn't come cheap in many centers across the US, particularly in places like LA, San Francisco, and New York City where rent is well over the $2,000 mark.

Investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): 101

Investing in real estate is a great way to build wealth over time and even make a very handsome income as a career.

How Do Short Sales and Foreclosures Compare?

No buyer wants to pay more for a home than they have to.

What Buyers Should Know About Buying a House at an Auction

The more common way to buy a home is to peruse listings on the MLS and make an offer with the help of a real estate agent.

INFOGRAPHIC: California Sales Report For December 2018

The California housing market closed out 2018 on a low note, as sales slumped and prices dipped.

Are You Ready to Move? 11 Signs That the Answer is 'Yes'

Moving is a big deal. Think of all the things that you've likely accumulated over the years and have stored all over your home, not to mention the process of selling your home and looking for a new one that will suit your lifestyle - and your budget.

How to Snag a Low-Interest Rate on Your Mortgage

Out of all debt payments that you may have on the books, a mortgage payment will likely be one of your biggest.

10 Things All Homeowners Should Know About Home Security

Your home is your haven.

Should You Accept the First Offer on Your Home?

When it comes to real estate transactions, sellers may often hold out for a better offer and might not necessarily take the first offer too seriously.

Tips to Creating an Efficient Home Office

There are definitely perks to working from the comfort of your own home.

INFOGRAPHIC: Expected Trends For Buyers and Sellers in 2019

In 2019, many buyers may be priced out of the market with rising prices and mortgage rates, though there will be more inventory and less competition.

How to Create a More Sustainable Home

The average household wastes 51 MMBtu's every year, and a typical home wastes about 30% more energy than an energy-efficient home does.

What Are Fintech Lenders and Should You Consider One?

If you're thinking of applying for a mortgage any time soon, you really don't have to go any further than your computer, tablet, or even your smartphone to get one.

Myths and Facts About Selling Your First Home

Everyone will give you their own piece of advice when it comes to successfully selling a home.

INFOGRAPHIC: California Sales Report For November 2018

The housing market across California slowed down in November, with prices and the number of sales dipping from October.

Things Buyers Should Never Do When Negotiating on a Home

Negotiating a real estate deal requires a lot of skill, know-how, and a check on your emotions.

8 Reasons to Speak With a Lender Long Before Buying a Home

You might not be entirely ready to start shopping for a home just yet, but that doesn't mean it's too early to speak with a mortgage lender.

8 Affordable Ways to Improve Your Kitchen

Your kitchen is the hub of your home.

INFOGRAPHIC: 15 Easiest House Plants to Care For

Houseplants are one of those things that breathe life into a home and add a natural element of decor.

Why Do Mortgage Lenders Require a Home Appraisal?

There are so many factors that go into finalizing a mortgage for a home purchase.

Should You Get a Mortgage Online?

Unless you've got a lump sum of cash to put down, getting a mortgage is part and parcel of buying a home.

9 Home Cooling Mistakes That Are Costing You

Air conditioners are a homeowner's best friend, and these systems work hard to keep your indoor air cool and comfy.

What's the Difference Between Foreclosures and Short Sales?

Short sales and foreclosures were rampant a decade ago when the housing market crashed and millions of homeowners found themselves underwater on their mortgages.

What Repairs Provide Sellers With the Highest ROI?

Updating and upgrading your home is a great idea if you plan to sell any time soon.

INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Most Expensive Places to Rent in the US in 2018

Buying a home might be an expensive endeavor, but renting can also be incredibly pricey, especially in specific parts of the country.

7 Tips For Buying a Retirement Home

It's quite common for people who are nearing retirement age to consider moving from their family home and into one that better meets their newfound needs.

What Happens to Your Deposit if a Condo Developer Goes Bankrupt?

Lots of buyers consider purchasing pre-construction condos for a variety of reasons, but perhaps the biggest one is to lock in at the current price per square foot before prices start to rise.

What Exactly is a "Second Mortgage"?

When you buy a home, you normally take out a mortgage to finance such a huge purchase. That's considered your first mortgage.

INFOGRAPHIC: California Sales Report For September 2018

The housing market in California appears to have cooled somewhat over recent months, with the number of home sales continuing to dip in September.

Is a Rent-to-Own Program Right For You?

What if there was a way to pay rent and not have to come up with a massive down payment for a home, but end up owning your home at the end of the day?

Things to Consider Before Deciding on a Resale or Pre-Construction Condo

Condos are great options for buyers who may be looking for something more affordable than traditional single-family homes.

How to Decide Between a Conventional or FHA Home Loan

When it comes time to apply for a mortgage, which avenue should you take?

INFOGRAPHIC: Habits of a Successful Seller

Some homes are sold in a matter of hours, while others tend to take forever to find a willing buyer. If you want to avoid the latter situation, consider adopting the following habits.

How is the Housing Market Influenced By the Economy?

A healthy economy is certainly a good thing when it comes to demand for housing, but how much can the economy actually impact the real estate market?

These Are Things That Millennial Buyers Look at When Searching For a Home

Millennials are a unique demographic. They're well-informed and are very sophisticated when it comes to what they want, particularly when it comes to the home they plan to buy.

Should You Hire Movers or Move Yourself?

Planning on moving sometime soon?

Why Did the Home Appraisal Fall Through? These 5 Things Could Be the Reason

Appraisals are an important part of the real estate transaction, especially when a mortgage is involved.

What to Ask a Potential Home Stager Before Hiring One

If selling your home quickly and for as much money as possible is what you're after, then hiring a professional home stager can be the secret sauce that you're looking for.

INFOGRAPHIC: NAR’s Existing Home Sales Report For August 2018

After a steady decline in existing home sales throughout the summer, sales across the US have leveled off in August.

Strategies For Pricing a Home in a Hot Seller's Market

If there's ever an ideal time to list a home for sale, it's during a seller's market.

INFOGRAPHIC: California Sales Report For August 2018

Here is the data surrounding the housing market in California for August 2018, as compiled by the California Association of Realtors (CAR).

Should You Buy an Old House Versus New?

Thinking of buying a new home?

What Should You Do if Your Home Isn't Selling?

It can be pretty frustrating to sit around waiting for a buyer to put in a solid offer after you've listed your home for sale.

How to Make the Most of a Small Space

Your home may be tight on square footage, but that doesn't have to mean that it's totally unusable.

INFOGRAPHIC: Most Challenging Tasks For FSBO Sellers

Here are some of the most common issues that FSBOs have when attempting to sell on their own, prompting them to end up seeking the help of a real estate agent to finish the job.

Home Equity Loan Vs. Home Equity Line of Credit: What's the Difference?

Did you know that you can borrow money against the equity you've got built up in your home?

Why Sellers Should Never Let Buyers Take Early Possession

It's not very common, but it can and does happen from time to time: buyers will sometimes ask sellers if they can move into the home early before the actual closing date arrives.

Why a Lower Interest Rate Might Not Make Your Mortgage Cheaper

The amount of money you borrow to finance a home purchase is obviously the key factor in how much your mortgage payments will be.

INFOGRAPHIC: California Sales Report For July 2018

Here are some stats surrounding the real estate market in California, as compiled by the California Association of Realtors (CAR).

How Quickly Can Your Credit Score Increase?

If your credit score is on the low side, you could find it pretty tough to get approved for a mortgage.

When is the Right Time to Lower My Listing Price?

No seller starts off the selling process with the thought of having to reduce their listing price in mind.

All About the 1031 Exchange For Avoiding Capital Gains in Real Estate Sales

Home sellers usually don't have to pay any capital gains taxes on profits made upon the proceeds of a sale because they are typically using those proceeds to be put towards another home to move into.

INFOGRAPHIC: NAR’s Existing Home Sales Report For June 2018

June sales across the country dipped from the same time last year, but prices are on a steady climb.

7 Tricks Home Stagers Use to Attract Buyers

As a seller, you want to pull out all the stops to get buyers to notice your listing.

What's it Like to Have Your Home Improved on a Reality TV Show?

You've probably watched your fair share of Trading Spaces, Fixer Upper, or Love It Or List It. And you've probably learned a thing or two or have at least been thoroughly entertained by them.

Should You Fix Up Your Home Before Selling it?

You might be eager to sell your home, but is it really ready for the market?

INFOGRAPHIC: 12 Listing Keywords That Can Help Get More Attention From Buyers

Your listing's description plays a key role in attracting buyers and piquing their interests.

These 7 Home Buying Mistakes Can Cost You

Thinking of buying a home in the near future? Keep in mind that there are several things that you should do, and a number of others that you shouldn't.

INFOGRAPHIC: 8 Real Estate Buying Hacks All First-Timers Should Know

Buying your first home can be overwhelming, but going into the process prepared and armed with information and the right people can help ensure a smooth, streamlined process.

Thinking of Buying on a Golf Course? Here Are 6 Things to Consider First

What's not to love about the vast greenery, meticulously maintained grounds and rolling hills of a golf course?

INFOGRAPHIC: Annual Salary Needed to Buy a Home in These California Cities

Median home prices in California remain some of the highest in the country, and the respective salaries required to support a mortgage in these cities are also relatively high.

Should You Build an Addition to Your Home?

Are you beginning to outgrow your home? Is your house not providing enough space for you and your family?

Common Reasons Why Homeowners Insurance Claims Are Rejected

You pay good money to have your home covered with a homeowners' insurance policy, so when damage is done to it, you expect your claim to go through and a check to mailed to you soon after.

Should You Buy Mortgage Insurance?

As a homebuyer, you're already paying expenses left and right.

INFOGRAPHIC: California Sales Report For April 2018

Housing inventory in California may have shrunk slightly in May, but the statewide home price has reached new heights in over a decade.

Should You Take Your Home off the Market?

Every seller hopes for the best when they first put their home on the market. Getting a great offer shortly after listing and selling for top dollar are obvious goals for sellers.

7 Things That Sellers Should Leave Behind When They Sell

You've successfully sold your home and are ready to pack up all your belongings to haul over to your new abode.

Should You Renew Your Lease?

You've lived in your rental unit for a while now, but your lease is coming due. Now's the time to start thinking about whether or not to continue on with your current landlord and remain in the premises, or move onto something else.

Should You Leave Your Home Vacant When Selling?

A clean, clutter-free home obviously shows better than a home that's messy and not appropriately decorated or furnished. But does that necessarily mean that a home is better off being completely vacant when it's on the market?

Sellers: How to Effectively Handle an Offer

When an offer comes in from a buyer, the first component that sellers will typically look at is the offer price.

INFOGRAPHIC: Top 12 Questions Home Buyers Ask Their Real Estate Agents

Buying a home - especially for the first time - can be an overwhelming experience. It's not surprising that buyers tend to have a plethora of questions to ask their agents before they take the plunge.

Can Your Mortgage Application Be Rejected After You've Already Been Pre-Approved?

If you plan to make a home purchase sometime in the near future, one of your first steps should be to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Myths and Facts About Home Staging

As a seller, you've got a lot of things to consider in order to ensure a successful transaction, and one of them is prepping your home for prospective buyers.

11 Tips For First-Time Homebuyers Breaking Into the Housing Market

Are you finally ready to get into the housing market? If you so, your first time can be pretty exciting yet daunting.

INFOGRAPHIC: California Sales Report For April 2018

Here are some pertinent stats surrounding housing market activity in California in April, as compiled by the California Association of Realtors (CAR).

What's the Difference Between 'Exurbs' and 'Suburbs'?

City living is ideal for many people, especially those who work in the downtown core or who simply like to be in the center of the action. But living in urban centers is typically expensive, especially when compared to homes located in the outskirts.

What Documents Are Needed to Get a Mortgage?

Getting a mortgage is a crucial part of the home buying process unless you've got the funds to make an all-cash deal.

What is a "Proof of Funds" Letter in a Real Estate Purchase?

If you were selling your home, would you want to be absolutely certain that the buyers are able to secure a mortgage to make the real estate deal go through? Of course, you would, and that's exactly what the purpose of a "proof of funds" letter is.

INFOGRAPHIC: Sellers: Your Complete Open House Checklist

Selling soon? Then an Open House might be on your agenda in the near future. To help ensure that it's a success, this checklist will help you tick off all the boxes so you leave no stone unturned.

Title Insurance 101: Everything You Need to Know

Buying a new home can certainly be an overwhelming and sometimes frightening thing, especially if you're completely new to this game.

Should Buyers Consider a Probate Sale?

Just about every home buyer is looking for a good deal on a home purchase. After all, why pay more for a home than necessary?

What is the MLS and How Does it Work?

Whether you're a newbie buyer or seller or have bought and sold homes a few times over the years, you've most likely heard of the MLS, or Multiple Listing Service.

INFOGRAPHIC: California Sales Report For March 2018

The spring season is off to a strong start for the housing market in California, with home sales inching higher and median home prices hitting 8-month highs in March. Here are some stats regarding California's real estate market as compiled by the California Association of Realtors (CAR).

Sellers: Before You Finalize Your Taxes, Here are 5 Write-Offs

Paying taxes is never fun, but you may be able to find ways to keep a little extra money in your pocket when filing. If you've recently sold your property, there are several different tax deductions you'll want to be aware of, including the following.

9 Considerations to Make Before Buying in a Rural Area

The idea of having a ton of space outdoors is really nice, as is the tranquility and greenery that typically comes with acreage. But as pleasant as living on a large piece of land may be, there are certain factors that could make this type of living arrangement a bit of a hassle.

What Exactly is a Mortgage Transfer?

With the typical sale of a property, the new owners usually apply for a mortgage to finance the purchase. When the sale is finalized, the new owners begin paying their new mortgage with the set of terms and interest rate that were agreed upon with their lender. But in some circumstances, a mortgage may be transferred from the sellers to the new owners.

INFOGRAPHIC: What do Today's Home Sellers Look Like?

What do today's home sellers look like? According to statistics gathered by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), they're living in their homes longer before selling and are more likely to use a real estate agent to sell. Here are some interesting facts about home sellers of today.

Why Should Buyers Sign a Buyer's Representation Agreement?

Buying a home is a big deal, and buyers are highly advised to have representation when they search for a home and negotiate a deal. Having a real estate agent represent you when making this massive purchase is certainly beneficial for many reasons, but the details of this professional relationship should ideally be outlined in a contract, known as a Buyer's Representation Agreement.

Bridge Loans: What Buyers Should Know

If you are already a homeowner and are looking to buy a new home, you have the distinct benefit of being able to use the proceeds of the sale of your property to be used to make a new home purchase.

Pros and Cons of Buying in a Gated Community

A gated community is basically a neighborhood of homes that can only be accessed by residents and their invited guests. Before you decide whether or not a gated community is right for you, consider the following pros and cons first.

INFOGRAPHIC: NAR’s Existing Home Sales Report For February 2018

Here are some stats surrounding existing home sales in February, as compiled by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Is it Possible to Buy a Home With Bad Credit?

Getting approved for a mortgage can be pretty challenging these days. Lenders are rather stringent with their lending requirements and aren't in the business of loaning out money to just anyone. Nowadays, you've got to meet strict criteria in order to get approved for a conventional mortgage, and that includes having good credit.

What Can Happen if Your Remodel Without a Permit?

If you're thinking of renovating your kitchen, expanding the living room, or adding a completely new addition to your home, you'll need to apply for a permit before any work begins.

What is an 'Alienation Clause' in Real Estate?

If you're buying or selling a home that still has a mortgage on it, you'll likely be dealing with what's known the lending world as an 'alienation clause'.

INFOGRAPHIC: 8 Stats on Today's Millennial Homebuyer

Millennials are not only the largest demographic in the US at over 75 million, they also make up the biggest share of buyers in the country. Here are some stats on the demographic that's heavily influencing the real estate market.

How to Get Rid of That Unsightly Popcorn Ceiling

Does your home still have popcorn ceilings that were popular decades ago? If so, it's probably time for a change. Odds are, you've probably already been thinking about getting rid of your popcorn ceilings but just haven't gotten around to it.

How Much Does Selling a House Cost?

Many sellers make a profit when they sell their home after factoring in appreciation and any improvements made that add value. But selling is not an expense-free endeavor. It costs money to sell property, and sellers should be aware of the expenses in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises when the deal closes.

8 Crucial Things Your Real Estate Landing Page Should Have

A real estate landing page can be a powerful tool to help you generate more leads for your business, but how it's designed makes all the difference. Landing pages are basically any web page that visitors arrive at from another source, such as an advertisement.

INFOGRAPHIC: N.A.R.’s Existing Home Sales Report For January 2017

While the median sale price of existing homes rose in January from the same time in 2017, the number of sales has dipped. Here are some statistics that have characterized the existing home sales market in January 2018, as compiled by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

What's the Difference Between "Assessed Value" and "Fair Market Value"?

Property values play a key role in the world of real estate. Buyers are always looking to get a deal on a home, while sellers are always seeking the highest price.

What's the Difference Between a Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure?

As a consumer, you want to be able to make informed purchasing decisions, especially when it comes to big-ticket items like a house. That's exactly why Loan Estimates and Closing Disclosures exist, which essentially help provide buyers with details about their mortgages before they formally commit to them.

8 Neighborhood Features Homebuyers Should Steer Clear of

When you buy a home, you're also buying the neighborhood. The area you purchase into has a direct impact on the value of your home, both today and into the future.

INFOGRAPHIC: Realtor Perspective on How Home Staging Affects Homebuyers

What exactly do real estate professionals think about home staging and how much it influences a real estate deal?

How Much Notice Should Sellers Request Before Showings?

How much notice is appropriate before you allow buyers to show up? Not enough time will leave you with a very tight window to clean up and get out, while too much time can frustrate buyers and even result in a lost lead.

9 Ways to Sell Your Home Faster Than the Neighbors

In a way, it's a competition: you and your neighbors are essentially competing for the same buyers. It's anyone's game, but there are things you can do to gain an edge over the other listings in your neighborhood.

7 Red Flags of a Moving Scam

The moving process is stressful enough; the last thing you need is to wind up dealing with a shady moving company.

INFOGRAPHIC: California Sales Report For December 2017

Here are the stats for the California housing market in December 2017 as gathered by the California Association of Realtors (CAR).

Can You Sell Your Home With a Lien on it?

If you're planning to sell, you'll want to find out if there are currently any liens on your home. The question is, can you still sell your home if there are any outstanding liens on title?

Red Flags Buyers Should Be on the Lookout For

You're dropping a lot of money on your home purchase, so you want to make sure that your dollar is being well spent. To help you make a more informed purchasing decision, here are some red flags you should be wary of when you're on the hunt for your next home.

8 Factors That Play Key Roles in Determining Your Mortgage Rate

If you're planning to buy a home in the near future, you'll want to get the lowest interest rate possible on your mortgage. That's why it's important for you to understand all the factors that impact the rate you're offered.

INFOGRAPHIC: Interesting Stats on the Relationship Between Real Estate and Social Media

Social media is undoubtedly a staple for both businesses and consumers alike. And when it comes to the world of real estate, both real estate professionals and buyers/sellers are increasingly depending on social media channels to ensure a successful deal. Here are some interesting facts about how social media is being used by both realtors and the clients they serve.