How to Become a Homeowner on a First-Time Buyer’s Budget

01 May

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It’s not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low. Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, but especially for starter homes. Even lower-priced condos are harder to snag these days, as investors and downsizers... Read more »

Stress-Free Home Cleaning: 27 Practical Tactics for Busy Households

03 Apr

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Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks. The effort is worthwhile, however. A sanitary environment can keep you and your family healthier by minimizing your exposure to germs... Read more »

My Home Didn’t Sell! Now What?

10 Mar

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When it comes to listing their home, most home sellers want three things: 1) to make a lot of money, 2) to put in minimal time and effort, and 3) to sell quickly. But the reality is, selling a home is rarely that simple. And homeowners who try to do it themselves—or receive bad advice—can... Read more »

Top 6 Home Design Trends To Watch in 2023

02 Feb

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Over the past few years, many of us have spent extra time at home—and that means we appreciate the personal design touches that make a house cozy and comfortable more than ever. Some of us have adapted our dwellings in new ways, from creating functional home offices to upgrading the appliances we use most. But... Read more »

2023 Real Estate Market Outlook (And What It Means for You)

03 Jan

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Last year, one factor drove the real estate market more than any other: rising mortgage rates. In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to pump the brakes on inflation. And while some market sectors have been slow to respond, the housing market has reacted accordingly. Both... Read more »

Home for the Holidays: How To Stretch Your Budget in a Season of Inflation

01 Dec

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You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything from food to gifts to decorations, but there are still plenty of opportunities to squeeze out extra savings. For example, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can save... Read more »

7 Tips to Maximize Your Home’s Sale Price

16 Nov

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Over the past few years, a real estate buying frenzy bid up home prices to eye-popping amounts. However, as mortgage rates have risen, buyer demand has cooled. Consequently, home sellers who enter the market today may need to reset their expectations. The reality is, it’s no longer enough to stick a “for sale” sign in... Read more »

Buy Now or Rent Longer? 5 Questions to Answer Before Purchasing Your First Home

10 Oct

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Deciding whether to jump into the housing market or rent instead is rarely an easy decision – especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. But in today’s whirlwind market, you may find it particularly challenging to pinpoint the best time to start exploring homeownership. A real estate boom during the pandemic pushed home prices to an... Read more »

Finding a New Home for Your Next Stage of Life

07 Sep

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Imagine the first place you lived as a young adult. Now imagine trying to fit your life today into that space. Not pretty, right? For most of us, our housing needs are cyclical. A newly independent adult can find freedom and flexibility in even a tiny apartment. That same space, to a growing family,... Read more »

10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move

01 Aug

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The process of buying a new home can be both exhilarating and exhausting. But the journey doesn’t stop when you close on your property. On the contrary, you still have quite a bit to do before you can begin the process of settling into your new place. Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything in... Read more »