Tech the Halls: Smart Home Gadgets for a Stress-Free Holiday Season
The holidays are a time for joy, family, and celebration, but they also bring added responsibilities. Between decorating, hosting, and just keeping up with your daily routines, your home can quickly start to feel more like a neverending to-do list rather than your haven. That’s where smart home technology comes in. It can help you…
Read MoreMultigenerational Home Buying: How to Find a Home That Fits Your Whole Family
For many homebuyers, multigenerational living used to be considered an option of last resort: it was a route families took only when they needed to ride out a financial storm or care for ailing family members. But that mindset is on the decline: A growing number of families now say that they are embracing multigenerational…
Read MoreStage to Sell: 7 Proven Steps to Attract Buyers and Boost Offers
Selling your home quickly and at the right price takes more than just listing it online. To draw in potential buyers and secure top offers, your home needs to stand out. That’s where home staging comes in. By strategically preparing your home—through redecorating, repairing, and making it look its best—you can make a lasting impression…
Read More7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Contractor
A recent survey found that more than half (52%) of American homeowners have a renovation project planned this year.1 If you’re among them, you know that embarking on home improvements can be both exciting and daunting. According to the survey, the median renovation budget is around $15,000, so you’re probably investing a significant amount—and you’ll…
Read MoreTop 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Mortgage
With home prices and rates still relatively high, securing a mortgage can feel daunting––even to the most experienced borrowers. But don’t let that deter you: If other homebuyers’ experiences are any indication, odds are you’ll eventually find a home loan that works well for you. In fact, most U.S. homeowners say they’re satisfied with the…
Read More7 Weekend Projects to Boost Your Property Value
Whether you’re putting your home on the market in a few weeks or a few years, strategic upgrades can make all the difference. But you don’t have to embark on a major remodel to make a significant improvement. Even minor updates can have a big impact on your home’s aesthetic, and certain renovations can even…
Read MoreMid-Year Market Update for 2024: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Last December, when the Federal Reserve projected a series of benchmark rate cuts in the coming year, some analysts speculated that mortgage rates—which had recently peaked near 8%—would fall closer to 6% by mid-2024.1,2,3 Unfortunately, persistent inflation has delayed the central bank’s timeline and kept the average 30-year mortgage rate hovering around 7% so far…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Relocation Guide: From Finding a House to Feeling at Home
The peak moving season is upon us. In fact, according to Move.com, almost 70% of U.S. moves occur between May and September.1 And while the percentage of Americans who move each year has declined, the desire to relocate remains strong.2,3 In fact, Architectural Digest recently declared “Americans are restless” after a survey found that 55%…
Read More6 Strategies to Save on Home Insurance Premiums
From wildfires to floods, the past few years have brought a historic number of devastating climate and weather events to the United States. In 2023 alone, there were 28 individual weather-related disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damages each.1 These events triggered a huge influx of home insurance claims, and analysts expect the…
Read MoreDownsize Your Home, Rightsize Your Life: How to Choose the Ideal Smaller Home
When you’ve lived somewhere for many years, it can be tough to say goodbye. But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space. Take it from the downsizers…
Read More