Homeownership comes with its perks but it also comes with its own set of responsibilities. Mainly all of them. If you’ve been used to having a landlord or property management company handle household maintenance, you may be in for a surprise when a leak appears or your toilet won’t stop running and you’re the one who has to deal with it. But don’t worry. W...
When you begin thinking about buying a new home, your first thought may be about the down payment. But what exactly is a down payment and how much do you need? Why are down payments even necessary? We’ve covered everything you need to know about down payments so you can be better prepared. What is a down payment? A down payment is the portion of the pu...
No one enjoys moving – it’s the means to an end. While every move comes with opportunities to create new memories in a new place, it can also be stressful; especially for kids when they didn’t make the decision to move in the first place. Taking time to openly talk to your kids about your impending move can make the transition more palatable. Here are a few mor...
If you’re thinking of buying a new home this year, sorting out your finances before you start shopping is a smart move. Not only will it give you ample time to find the right lender and loan package, you’ll also reap plenty of other benefits. Here are 4 reasons why it’s a smart move for buyers to get preapproved for a mortgage first. Know your price rang...
Whether it’s a grand foyer or a compact space inside the door, it’s the first part of your home they see. The entry or foyer gives guests a small preview of your home – it reflects your personal style and vibe of your home. A good entryway design is both functional and beautiful, making everyone who walks through your door immediately feel welcomed. Here are so...
You’ve navigated the home buying process once before so this second time around should be a breeze, right? Not quite! Depending on when you first bought your current home, you may be surprised by how things have changed. While second-time homebuyers generally have the benefit of experience, there are some new challenges that are unique to the second-time buying pro...
Plants are one of the easiest ways to bring fresh life into a space. Not only are they beautiful and affordable, but they also bring a bit of nature into your home. With the right touch, you can bring depth, color, and texture into your space with plants. Here are some ways you can decorate with plants. Place plants on a bar cart Transform a drab bar cart w...
Selling a home with pets can be challenging. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the home, not your family or pets. To appeal to the widest range of buyers, you’ll need to reduce the signs you have a furry family member. Here are our top tips for selling your home when you have pets. Deep clean and deodorize the house A good deep clean is an impo...
If you’re feeling a little ‘meh’ about your home, it may be time for an update. But what can you do if you don’t have the budget, time, or patience to undergo a full remodel? Short answer: a lot! There’s plenty you can do to refresh your home that won’t cost you an arm and a leg or force you to live in a construction zone for weeks on end. Even better,...
Do you ever feel like your real estate agent or mortgage broker is speaking a different language? Jargon like ‘ARM’ and ‘BOM’ can make a complicated process feel more confusing. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are the common real estate terms you’ll encounter so you can better understand the process and feel more confident when searching for yo...