Our Blog
Helpful real estate info from the pros.
Can Neighbors Affect My Property Value?
In real estate, we use the term “external obsolescence”, meaning a depreciation in the value of a home due to factors that exist outside the property itself. And the neighborhood is one. Ideally, you’d want to have a community that has the following: Key businesses,...
How to Change the Size of a Room with Paint
We shared in a previous blog about the power of color and how it creates mood in a space. Now, we’ll talk about the power of paint on how it can create a visual impact on a room. The amazing people at Liven Design illustrate how you can seemingly change the physical...
Quick Morning Cleaning Routine
Busy moms, we hear you! Hate having to constantly catch up on cleaning every after work or on the weekends? A few minutes in the morning is all you need — seriously! You can achieve a clean and tidy home in a fraction of the time and here’s a cleaning plan you can...
The Difference Between Using the Bank and a Mortgage Broker
We get this question a lot from our first time buyers — are banks and mortgage brokers the same? The quick answer is no and here’s the definition and difference between the two. A bank offers you a home loan. They usually have a set rate and strict rules for approving...
Does Size Matter? Should I Buy a Big House or a Small House?
Not sure what size of home is the right one for you? We share the pros and cons of having a big house or a small house. Now, the size of a home depends on how you define it or relative to your current living situation. When we talk about small houses, we’re not...
Reasons To Speak With A Lender Even If You’re Not Ready To Buy Yet
Buyers usually start their house-hunting process just after having saved up for a downpayment. It makes perfect sense right? But did you know that you need not wait until you saved up for a downpayment before talking to a mortgage lender? The following are the...
Prepare Your Home for a Real Estate Photographer
A photogenic home makes a good first impression and attracts more potential buyers. So sellers, take note — the following are ways to prepare your home for the listing photos. Make it sparkle We clean up when guests come over, right? So much more when...
How to Know if You Can Really Afford to Buy a Home
If you’ve decided to buy a home and want to learn more about the financials, then you’re in the right place. You’re probably wondering how much you can afford. The following items are the most important money matters to consider. Know Your Debt-To-Income (DTI) Ratio...
Your Annual Home Maintenance Checklist
Experts recommend an annual check-up to make sure your home is in tip-top shape and will be less prone to surprise repairs. Wrap up the year neatly and get your home ready for the coming year with the following to-dos: Ensure Main Water Shutoff Functions as Expected...
What a Buyer’s Agent Does for You
Purchasing a new home involves more than simply selecting a listing and moving in. It can be a time-consuming and sometimes chaotic process for those who have zero experience. One of the major challenges is finding the perfect home at the right price. Additionally, it...
Creepiest Things We’ve Seen at a Property
It’s that time of the year when we all embrace spooky thrills. To celebrate the Halloween spirit, our agents and friends in the real estate industry unveil their creepiest encounters while on duty. “Dead Man” in the Garage "A colleague of mine was shocked to have...
Tips for Decorating Above Your Sofa
Got a blank space above your sofa? Decorating above your sofa serves several purposes and can greatly enhance the overall look and feel of your living space. Aside from adding visual interest in the space, it can be a conversation starter and a chance to showcase your...
Your First Year as a Homeowner: A Maintenance Survival Guide
New home, new adventures! Homeownership is an exciting journey, part of it is giving proper TLC to keep it in great condition, ensuring safety, comfort, and financial well-being. Below is a list of home maintenance tasks new homeowners must do in the next 365 days:...
Deciding Between One-Story and Two-Story Living
Uncertain about whether a one-story or two-story home aligns with your needs? The choice is influenced by individual preferences and requirements. To help you decide, here’s a comparison between a one-story home and a two-story home: One-story homes are...
Buying Rental Properties: Cash Vs. Mortgage
When it comes to buying rental properties, you can choose between making a cash purchase or securing a mortgage loan. Each method has its unique benefits and drawbacks. Here's a comparison of purchasing rental properties outright with cash versus opting for a...
Peach Fuzz: Style Your Space with the Hottest Color of the Year
“In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.” -...
How Owning a House Changes Your Life
Homeownership, the American dream. You might be wondering what it’s really like and if it’s as great as it sounds. Clever's recent homeowner study sheds some light on this. They surveyed 1,000 U.S. homeowners and found that 52% were caught off guard by the actual...
What Agents Do For Buyers
Picture this: you're on a quest to find your dream home, right? Well, that's where a real estate agent swoops in to save the day! These folks are like your house-hunting superheroes. Buying a new home isn't just about picking a listing and moving in — it can be a bit...