If you thought navigating the ins and outs of an HOA, and its associated costs and benefits, was just for condo buyers, think again. HOA stands for Homeowners Association: an organization responsible for managing some of the day-to-day activities and responsibilities of a tight-knit living community. It takes a coordinated effort to care for a…
Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to your living space. So how much space is worth the price, and what are the tradeoffs? As we know, your “stuff” will continue to expand to fill your space. And the time and money you’ll invest in cleaning, maintenance, heating, and cooling also correspond directly to…
Glossary of Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Landscaping Terms and Terminology We used many of these terms in our Environmentally Friendly Landscaping article. Read on for more detailed explanations of each concept. Eco-Friendly / Sustainable Landscaping Landscaping that involves planting native plants that will thrive in their local soil type. These plants generally require less watering, and…
Let’s consider the pros and cons of buying an older home versus a newer build for your next real estate purchase With new construction rising up to meet skyrocketing housing demands, older homes don’t always get the same spotlight in the market. New windows, superior insulation, and manicured landscaping in a new neighborhood have their…
How to keep your furry friends safe, comfortable, and out of the way Like kids, pets thrive on stability and routine. That’s part of their charm: they’re the reliable part of your life, the comfort factor, waiting patiently at home for you to come back from whatever place has stolen you away. So when it…
A week-by-week calendar to get your home organized Digging through clutter to find your keys can be maddening. By minimizing the sheer number of objects in your house, you’ll lessen the time spent searching. Intentional spaces can optimize your efficiency…and your happiness! Here’s a 30-day home clean-up calendar to help you on your way to…
Are you thinking the time might be right to list your home? Decluttering, depersonalizing, and organizing are key ways to prepare your home for selling! Not only will the steps outlined below make a better first impression and help your home look and feel more presentable to potential buyers, it might just lead to higher…
Picture this…you wake up and sleepily saunter into your bathroom, open your medicine cabinet, and are greeted by clean, coordinated, systematized shelving. No rummaging around. Your toothpaste, brush, floss, and mouthwash are all perfectly placed at arm’s reach in their proper spot. Then you waltz into your kitchen, open your beautifully organized pantry to grab…
After Your Contract is Ratified In the home buying process, a real estate contract is “ratified” once the buyer and seller have both agreed to terms, but have not completed the final execution. This takes place after an offer has been accepted and earnest money has been exchanged. Once the contract has been ratified, it…
What are closing costs, anyway? Closing costs are essential factors in real estate transactions, but inexperienced home buyers may not consider them when planning their home search. The term is broad, but can include many different fees and costs that the buyer is expected to pay out-of-pocket during the purchase process as opposed to financing …