Local Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

Dec. 9, 2022

5 Realities for Seller's in Today's Market

 

Over the past few years, most of the US has been in a strong seller’s market. Historically low interest rates coupled with rising incomes resulted in buyers who were ready and able to buy a new home. It was a crazy time when sellers needed to do little more than put a sign in the yard to attract multiple offers.

However, today’s housing market is quite different. The uncertainty in the economy has slowed the pace and rising interest rates have caused a shift in the market. As a result, sellers must go back to the tried-and-true methods of

View More
Dec. 1, 2022

How To Make A Room Cozy

In previous decades, a warm, cozy home required dark colors and heavy materials. One can envision sitting in front of a roaring fire in a dark room filled with pillows and wood paneling. Contemporary homes are brighter, with clean lines and light colors and textures. The challenge is how to create an inviting, cozy space that everyone wants during the cooler months. Fortunately, it’s not necessary to choose between the claustrophobic styles of the past and warm inviting rooms.

The first tip is lighting. Soften the lighting and consider swapping cold, metal fixtures for ones using natural materials,

View More
Nov. 25, 2022

HOA and Pets

Most homebuyers know to review the HOA (Homeowner’s Association) documents provided by the seller during disclosures to ensure the rules will not interfere with their lifestyle. Yet, once they become homeowners, often these same people do not pay attention to bylaw changes over the years.

So, when they find themselves in violation of a bylaw, they are caught off guard. When this affects a beloved pet, this

View More
Nov. 17, 2022

Things to Consider Before You Move for Your Company

The question of moving for a new job is not uncommon. In the past few years, more and more companies are moving their entire operations out of high-tax states to those more business-friendly. Possible work-from-home options further complicate the decision to move with your company. So, should you move when your company does?

Things to Consider Before You Move for Your Company

  • Career Growth – One of the biggest reasons to stay with your job through a move is career growth and

View More
Nov. 10, 2022

Ensure Your House is Up to Code

Building codes change over time and for people who have owned their homes for a long time, they may not know if their home is out of code, and if so, does it matter. That’s one of the reasons why I always recommend a home inspection to my home buyers.

Building codes and violations can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and usually focus on issues that can affect the

View More
Nov. 3, 2022

Opportunities to Save on a Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodels are always popular. The pandemic has increased home improvement projects even more as people embrace the idea of staying home more. While it’s easy to find inspiration for these kitchen remodels, there are great ways to save money and still create a beautiful, welcoming space.

6 Kitchen Remodel Features That Could Provide Savings:

  1. Expensive Backsplashes – Backsplashes can make a huge visual impact, but more expensive isn’t necessarily

View More
Oct. 27, 2022

The Housing Market Update for Fall of 2022

Buy now or wait! This is the question on all potential homebuyers’ minds this fall. Over the past few weeks, the mortgage interest rates have soared to a 14-year high. Excessive government spending combined with surging energy costs and rising inflation has caused many would-be homebuyers to lean toward the wait side of that argument. But is this really a bad time to purchase a new home? Maybe not.

First, there is no way to predict the bottom of home prices for any recession. If the economy continues to struggle, it’s

View More
Oct. 21, 2022

5 Buyer Styles that Make Sellers Avoid Them

More than ever before, home buyers need help from their real estate agent. The market is evolving and working with a strong real estate agent has never been more important – for buyers and sellers. Your agent is your advocate and partner in the process. They know that if you’re stressed and difficult, home sellers will want to avoid you.

Learn to recognize the signs and stay out of the danger zone by recognizing these five home buyer styles that cause

View More
Oct. 14, 2022

Nine Solar Products For Energy Savings

The solar panel industry has mushroomed over the past few years. Almost every homeowner has at least considered adding solar panels to their home to take advantage of the energy savings they promise. But reducing energy consumption with solar does not stop at solar panels on the roof.

Here are 9 great products that can help you cut energy costs while adding comfort and value to your lifestyle.

  1. Solar Power Bank – Charge phones and tablets at home or on the go with a solar power bank.
View More
Oct. 7, 2022

Would You Purchase a Haunted House?

With the spooky season just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to get your opinion on whether or not you'd buy a house if they claimed that there was an eerie presence living in their home. So let's see how many think this...

Some people might think that buying a haunted house is a bad idea. But there are actually some benefits to owning a

View More