Tips - Real Estate, Updates, News & Tips

5 Dos and Don'ts for Estate Sales

Some sellers have a house full of belongings that they need to dispose of before putting their home on the market. In these cases, an estate sale may be necessary to get rid of the items quickly while also putting some extra cash in your pocket.Don’t… Throw anything away. Likewise, don’t casually give items to friends and family, thinking they’re not really worth much. Let the estate sale pro review your assets before you decide to dispo

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17 Most Popular Remodeling Projects

Kitchen upgrades have overtaken bathroom updates as the remodeling project homeowners want most, according to the National Association of Home Builders' Remodeling Market Index report covering the first quarter of 2017. Bathroom renovations previously held the number one spot, but kitchen redos barely pulled ahead in the most recent report.NAHB's survey showed these are the most common jobs for remodelers: Kitchen remodeling: 81% Bathroom remodel

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How Trees Benefit Home Values

Today is Arbor Day, the perfect time to send clients information on landscaping that can boost their home’s value and reduce energy bills.The U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station says that planting a tree in front of a house increases the home’s sale price by an average of $7,130. So, in essence, money can grow on trees.Planting a tree on the west side of a home can reduce a home’s energy bills 3 percent within five years

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4 Checks to Protect a Home in the Spring

The spring season can bring about dangers to a home from strong wind gusts, rains, and fluctuating temperatures. Be sure to take steps to protect your home this season.1. Check outside faucets and exteriors for flood risks.Inspect your outside hose faucets for any damage from the winter. Hold your thumb over the opening. If the flow stops completely, the pipe indoors could possibly be damaged and may need to be replaced. Also, check the hose for

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Be Smart When Financing Renovations

The number of homeowners who are planning to take on home improvement projects or repairs this year is expected to increase 6.7 percent, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. As more owners look to remodel, they may be weighing how to fund their renovations.One-third of affluent homeowners—those who earn at least $100,000 a year—plan to use credit cards to pay for home renovation projects, according to a new

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Cities Becoming the Next Big Tech Hubs

Move over, Silicon Valley, because there are some new tech hubs gaining clout. And where the technology industry goes, real estate booms are sure to follow.The tech boom in Silicon Valley has prompted more U.S. cities to focus on attracting new jobs in the industry, but these are places where most Americans can also afford to live comfortably, according to realtor.com®. The number of people moving to Silicon Valley has dropped by 27 percent betw

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4 Bathroom Fads That Turn Buyers Off

For some buyers, the bathroom is a deal breaker. So if your listing includes these fading bathroom trends, you might have a harder time selling it.All-white bathrooms: They're tough to keep clean, so this trend is definitely reaching its end. "White tile and flooring can stain very easily, and any little mark glares at you from across the room, tainting the crisp, clean concept of an all-white look," says Tonya Bruin, CEO of Canada-based To Do-Do

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Ranch, Victorian or Tudor? The agent’s architectural house styles cheat sheet

Dive into the history and core characteristics that make these styles uniqueKey Takeaways Recognizing and identifying home design styles can be tricky. Here's a few easy ways to recognize nine of the most popular.For most buyers today, a home’s architectural style usually isn’t a “make or break” feature, and is ranked below other features and attributes such as the functionality of the indoor layout, energy efficiency, smart home technol

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How to Paint a Room

You have finally sorted through thousands of shades and found your perfect paint color. You bought a few cans of paint. You cleared out your weekend. You are ready to jump in, but where do you start? Having the proper tools, correctly prepping your space, and taking your time using the right technique are all key to getting a perfectly painted room. Tools and Supplies The proper tools can make or break your affinity and patience for painting

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3 Celebrity Color Schemes to Covet and Copy

Make a dramatic statement with design choices inspired by celebrity homes.Folks who are in the spotlight often love to surround themselves with dramatic colors and furnishings. See the shades three celebs chose for their homes, and learn how you can get the look, too.Zooey Deschanel: ship-shape navy Photo from Zillow listingThe “New Girl” actress’ bold blue kitchen pairs crisp navy cabinets with brass accents and a nautical-inspired light

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