Moving into a new home is exciting—but adjusting to a brand new neighborhood can feel a little overwhelming. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet suburb, getting familiar with your surroundings will help you feel more at home and connected. Here are some of the best ways to check out your new neighborhood…
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Summer isn’t just a great time for vacations and backyard barbecues—it’s also one of the most active seasons for real estate. If you’re thinking about selling your home, the warm weather months can offer significant advantages. Here’s why summer is a prime time to sell and how you can maximize your success in a competitive…
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Hosting an open house is your opportunity to make a fantastic first impression—and in the summer, your home has the perfect backdrop of sunshine and curb appeal to really wow potential buyers. But to truly make the most of it, a little strategic preparation can go a long way. Here’s how to get your home…
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When it comes to buying a home, one topic that causes a lot of confusion (and unnecessary stress) is the down payment. You’ve probably heard that you need to save 20% or that buying without a huge nest egg is impossible. But are those things true? Let’s clear the air by debunking some of the…
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When buying or selling a home, one of the most crucial steps in the process is the home inspection. It’s a moment of truth that can either keep things moving smoothly or bring everything to a screeching halt. But what does it actually mean to pass or fail a home inspection? The answer might surprise…
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When buying or selling a home, there are two crucial steps that often cause confusion—appraisals and inspections. Both are essential to the home-buying process, but they serve different purposes, and understanding the distinction between them can help you navigate the transaction smoothly. So, what’s the difference between a real estate appraisal and a home inspection?…
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If you’re a homeowner considering renovations, you’re probably wondering: Which upgrades will actually pay off? Whether you plan to sell soon or just want to increase your home’s value, focusing on projects with the best return on investment (ROI) is a smart move. Here’s a breakdown of home renovations that consistently deliver the highest bang…
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Let’s say you have your heart set on buying a home in a community with a swimming pool, a clubhouse, and maybe even a playground or trails. Having access to these amenities often means living in a community with a homeowners association, or HOA. Generally, an HOA is responsible for keeping the neighborhood looking beautiful…
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Living in an apartment or rental home does have its perks: You can test out different neighborhoods and locations, you have the flexibility to move, and you have access to great amenities like a gym or pool. But there’s a reason that owning a home, rather than renting one, is a highly desired achievement. Maybe…
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Whether you are moving to a smaller space or just trying to de-clutter, down-sizing can be overwhelming. There are often many bittersweet feelings – excitement for change but sadness over what you might need to let go of. Downsizing can force you to get rid of items that you may have clung to for a…
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