Recent Articles
#StayHome: How to Create Functional Spaces in Your Home During the Coronavirus Outbreak
by Melissa Stevenson
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many of us are spending a lot more time at home. We’re all being called upon to avoid public spaces and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of this infectious disease. While it can be understandably challenging, there are ways you can modify your home…
Read MoreTop 5 Home Design Trends for a New Decade
by Melissa Stevenson
Whether you’re planning a simple refresh or a full-scale renovation, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in home design. Sellers who make tasteful updates can generate increased buyer interest and, in some cases, a premium selling price. And buyers should consider which features of a home will need updating immediately (or in…
Read MoreTake Advantage of Your Home Equity: A Homeowner’s Guide
by Melissa Stevenson
Homeownership offers many advantages over renting, including a stable living environment, predictable monthly payments, and the freedom to make modifications. Neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership have less crime and more civic engagement. Additionally, studies show that homeowners are happier and healthier than renters, and their children do better in school.1 But one of the…
Read MoreDeclutter, Organize and Downsize Are you on board?
by Melissa Stevenson
Closets and home storage industry trends, opportunities Posted by Karen M. Koenig December 05, 2019 | 2:35 pm EST Photo by Closet America With remodeling still a big business, sales of home organization products are expected to continue to flourish, with projections showing a 3.8% rise annually through 2023 to $12.7 billion, according to research by The…
Read More2020 Outlook: Real Estate Market Forcast
by Melissa Stevenson
We’re in the midst of the longest economic expansion in U.S. history, and economists think there’s still room to grow. A recent survey by the National Association for Business Economics found that experts believe the U.S. economy will remain positive throughout 2020.1 Still, given that recessions are a natural (and necessary) part of a business…
Read MoreGifts and Gadgets for Every Room in the House
by Melissa Stevenson
Need Last Minute ideas? Are you searching for new and innovative gift ideas this holiday season? If so, check out our list of the hottest home technology offerings. I’ve selected a few of my favorites for every room in the house. These smart systems and devices add comfort, convenience, and a “cool factor” that will…
Read More5 Steps to Finding Your Next Home
by Melissa Stevenson
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, shopping for a new home can feel daunting. In fact, 56% of buyers said that “finding the right property” was the most difficult step in the home buying process.1 Buying a home is a significant commitment of both time and money. And a home purchase has…
Read MoreiBuyers: What you need to know
by Melissa Stevenson
Everything You Need to Know About iBuyers and the “Instant Cash Offer” Technology is changing the way we do almost everything, and real estate transactions are no exception. In fact, a new crop of tech companies wants to revolutionize the way we buy and sell homes. iBuyer startups like Opendoor, Offerpad, and Properly are rapidly…
Read MoreNational Snapshot: How’s the Real Estate Market?
by Melissa Stevenson
National Snapshot: How’s the Real Estate Market? The U.S. unemployment rate is at a 50-year low, and consumer confidence remains high. In fact, the University of Michigan’s latest Surveys of Consumers found that Americans have their most positive personal finance outlook since 2003.1 However, if you follow national news, you’ve probably heard speculation that we…
Read More5 Step Strategy for Downsizing Your Home
by Melissa Stevenson
In our “bigger is better” culture, there’s an expectation that each home should be larger and grander than the last. But life changes like divorce, kids leaving for college, or even the simple act of growing older can prompt us to find a smaller home that better suits our shifting needs and lifestyle. In fact,…
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