T H E B L O G
Prepping for Your Move
Moving Day You’ve nailed down the day you close on your home. Now to start packing. But where do you start? Moving can be stressful, so let’s look at some tips for making it easier. Start with purging. Decluttering is a good way to start preparing for your move. If you don’t use an item there is
Update Your Bathroom in a Weekend
Are you looking for a quick and relatively inexpensive way to update your bathroom? It's pretty easy to do on your own. Here are some simple tips: Change the paint color. Paint your bathroom walls or vanity a fresh new color for an instant updated feel. Stick with neutral colors that won't "age" a
Air Conditioning and Fans - How Much Do You Know?
It's that time of year when our thoughts turn to fans and air conditioning, and many homeowners have questions about which is best and how to use each most beneficially in the home. Here are some tips and general information about both fans and A/C. Whole-House Fan. Whole-house fan is a large vent
Which Are Better: Decks or Patios?
Many people are drawn to one-floor homes because the accessibility they offer in terms of outdoor space is plenty. However, if you want outdoor space, you don’t necessarily have to move into a single-story home. If you move into a multistory home, yet there isn’t already a deck or a patio in place,
How PMI Can Help You Buy a Home
What is PMI? It is Private Mortgage Insurance, and it may be your savior when it comes to buying a home in this market. With home prices at the highest levels ever, and limited inventory to choose from, competition for affordable homes is fierce - especially with recent mortgage rate increases reduc
Things to Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage Loan
So, you're offer on your dream home has been accepted and you've applied for a mortgage loan. Before you get too excited and go shopping for new furniture and electronics, keep these things in mind. Otherwise, you could jeopardize not only your loan, but your chance at living happily ever after in
Saving Money While Prices Are Rising
Are inflation's prices causing you concern over your budget? Here are some tips from Nerdwallet to help keep your budget in check - and in the black. - Reduce discretional, non-essential spending. If you're able to postpone weekend travel and skip a few drive-through meals and pricey coffees, you'l
Some Common Cooling Problems and How to Fix Them
Summer is here, finally! Will you be using your central air conditioning? If so, there are some common issues that crop up with the systems. Here are some tips to try before calling for service. - Not Powering On. Check to see if your a/c breaker has tripped or the fuse has blown. If so, turn th
Factors That Impact An Appraisal
There are many parts of an appraisal, all of which are taken into account by a licensed appraiser. - Condition of the home. The appraiser will take note of the general details of the home, ranging from the materials used throughout the house to the property's overall condition. If anything is un
What is the Purpose of an Appraisal?
What is the Purpose of an Appraisal? A home serves as collateral for the mortgage loan, so the lender needs to make sure that the home is worth the price being paid. An appraisal provides a means for the lender to determine the value and condition of the property, and analyze the fair market value
Assessed Value, Appraised Value, Market Value - What's the Scoop?
Just what is the difference between appraised value, assessed value, and market value? Does it matter if a home is "listed below appraised value"? Are the terms interchangeable? No. Each is very different so it's important to understand the differences between them. Assessed Value Each city and to
Greenest Cities in the US
Do you think Boston made the list of the Top 50 Greenest Cities in the US? Yes, it did! Check out the list to see the criteria used in this study, and find out where Boston (and some other favorite cities) landed. Thinking of moving? Don't forget that with the RE/MAX nation-wide and world-wide con
Frank Lloyd Wright House for Sale in Virginia Beach
There's just something about a FLW house that draws everyone's attention, even decades after his death. Built in 1959, the home features both custom-designed built-in furnishings and some updates that blend perfectly with the original aesthetic. Oh, and the views! The house has sweeping views of C
The History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day honors service members who have died in military service to the nation. The holiday has roots dating back to the post-Civil War era, when citizens would informally place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers. On May 5, 1866, the town of Waterloo, NY, formalized this
Do I Need a Mortgage Preapproval?
Yes! Unless you a paying cash for a property, you will need to speak with a mortgage lender or two or three, and get a preapproval before you head out to search for a new home. The lender will ask you to provide documents such as recent paystubs, job history, debts and bank account information, an
What You Need to Save in Order to Buy a Home
Saving for a home is an essential step in the homebuying process. Understanding what you need to save will help you plan for a down payment, closing costs, and other expenses. By setting clear savings goals, you can make the journey to homeownership smoother and more achievable.
What is an HOA?
Guide to HOAs Whether you're a new homeowner or just a homeowner new to an HOA, it can be confusing to understand exactly what your responsibilities are and how these new rules will be enforced. A homeowners’ association, commonly referred to as an HOA, is an organization in a neighborhood, communit
What is Radon?
A common question from home inspectors (in this area at least) is "do you want to do a radon test?" So what is radon, anyway? Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring gas. It is formed by radioactive decay of radium atoms, a byproduct of radium and uranium. Both of these elements are