Whether you’re buying or selling a home, a real estate agent can make an enormous difference in the process — from making certain you get good value to speeding up the entire process. But working with the right agent is key. You need someone who will be a diplomatic, assertive advocate for you. If you’re wondering whether you have the right agent for you, consider these five signs that it may be time to make a change. 1. Poor Communication. From the very beginning, a good agent will listen to yo... read more

Every quarter, housing market figures flood news reports. The numbers are up or down, they’re booming or slumping. Even reports for the same quarter can contain surprisingly contradictory headlines, leaving many consumers scratching their heads. Here’s what consumers need to know to make sense of the numbers. Housing starts reflect the number of new houses beginning construction for that time period. Released on a monthly basis, housing start numbers are used more as an economic indicator than a reflec... read more

I need to buy a house with a good resale value. How do I determine if my house will increase in value within the next five years so that we can upgrade? I can buy a smaller house in a great location or get twice as much house in a good location. Which is a wiser decision? “Location, location, location” has become a moniker in real estate for many good reasons, a chief one being resale value. If you’re looking for a home that you expect to put back on the market in five years, location should be ... read more

Through many years of helping our clients buy and sell homes, we’ve learned never to underestimate the power of a first impression. And in the home industry, those first impressions begin at the curb. To add instant curb appeal and amp up first impressions of your home, these relatively easy and inexpensive tips can help in a hurry. Tip #1: Fresh Paint A can of paint can often be a homeowner’s best friend. With just a small investment and a day’s labor, you can make over your home’s exter... read more