Conserving energy during the Fall and Winter is about more than reducing your carbon footprint. It can also save you money. In today’s economy it is crucial for families to search out easy ways to reduce their monthly expenses. In many areas of the country energy costs can become quite burdensome. Winter heating costs have risen the last few years, meaning many low income homeowners have been unable to properly heat their homes....

The decision to sell your home can come with a mixed bag of emotions. There is uncertainty and fear about how quickly your home will sell and for what dollar amount. There may be guilt about leaving behind family, friends, or neighbors. You may also feel anxiety about what is to come. A less than stellar market has done little to ease these jitters. Many would-be sellers have even decided to forgo moves for fear that now isn’t the time to...

The kitchen is used more than any other room in the house, which makes it the most important room to stage in your home. Potential home buyers are looking for a kitchen that is as beautiful as it is functional. Buyers want to view it without any unnecessary countertop appliances and clutter. By showcasing your kitchen in the best possible light, you can potentially sell your home faster and; increase the closing price. Even in a slow real...

I love real estate. It’s “matchmaking” between buyers and properties. A happy match can be very rewarding financially and emotionally. Looking through literally tens of thousands of listings, trying to “read between the lines” and “see between the pictures” to find the perfect match for a buyer can be daunting. Thank heavens so many real estate agents use humor in their listings! Humor? Yes, whether they realize it or not, agents repeatedly use...

It goes without saying that you and your real estate agent want to attract serious home buyers, but your marketing may instead be attracting Lookie-Loos. Serious buyers want to find a home. They have criteria, a price, and a moving date. They’re usually represented by a REALTOR®. They’ve eliminated homes on the Internet and have your home on the short list. They’ve been pre-qualified by a lender, and are ready to make an offer on the right...