Category: real estate blog

Choosing a city to live in can be easy, but it can be a little more difficult to narrow it down to a neighborhood. Without leaving your couch, however, you can explore a neighborhood through these three social media sites on a computer or with smartphone apps: FacebookFacebook’s City Guides are a hidden feature that…

Investment in home improvements can produce great returns, if you put your dollars in the right place. How should homeowners invest to reap the highest returns? Start with projects that cost relatively less, as illustrated in this infographic. Published with permission from RISMedia.

Looking to attract homebuyers? Boost your curb appeal. The first thing buyers see is the yard, so spruce up the landscaping and make necessary repairs. Prune overgrown bushes and trees to avoid looking neglectful. In flower beds, remove weeds or dead plants, add flowers in sparse areas, and apply fresh mulch. Line your walkway with…

When youre buying a home, one of the worst possible scenarios is a dream house that turns out to be a lemon. While the term usually refers to a home that looks great but is hiding some internal, serious flaws, there are actually red flags you can watch out for”that will show up way before…

Heres everything you need to know about maintaining your timeless soapstone. Apply Mineral Oil Applying Mineral Oil will help speed up the development of your soapstones famous patina. Use Cutting Boards Soapstone is prone to scratching, so make sure you use cutting boards. Easy Cleaning Soapstone is a nonporous material that wont stain. You can…

Paying off your mortgage early and living mortgage-free so you can use the money for other things”such as travel and an early retirement”can sound like a pipe-dream thats impossible to get to, but it doesnt have to be. If you have a 30-year mortgage, there are a few ways to cut that time in half,…

In determining your asking price, you need to consider why you have chosen to put your home on the market. In most cases, the higher the asking price, the longer it takes for the home to sell. As your local real estate professional, I thought you’d benefit from this infographic illustrating how to make sure…

Just as you want to put your best financial foot forward when applying for a mortgage to buy your first home, you also want to prepare your finances before refinancing a home loan. A mortgage refi can pay for a kitchen or bathroom remodel, for example, or for something as simple as replacing a homes…

These five features ensure your master suite leaves nothing to be desired. Dressing Room Equipped with vanities, islands and full-length mirrors, these rooms are more luxurious than walk-in closets. Sitting Area A sitting area can make a large bedroom feel more intimate while providing a space to enjoy downtime. Spa-like Bathroom Multiple sinks alongside a…

If you’re overwhelmed by the cost of your mortgage or the amount of time you spend cleaning and maintaining your home, or if your kids have moved out and you have more space than you need, you may be thinking about downsizing. While there are many advantages associated with moving to a smaller house, there…