Articles and News about Residential Real Estate

9 Housing Decisions for Retirement & Financial Planning

One of the most significant transitions anyone makes in a lifetime is that into retirement. It’s now a moment when you switch from earning a paycheck to living off what you’ve built over decades. It’s exciting, yet a little uncertain. And the size of financial allottment toward Housing decisions for retirement is an important factor. Let’s take a look at some of the key variables you’ll want to consider.

Photo of a senior couple signing paperwork to buy a new home - Housing Decisions for Retirement & Financial Planning
Housing decisions for retirement make a large portion of every senior’s financial plan.
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Real Estate in the Black Hills Could Be a Hidden Gem

Hidden between iconic South Dakota landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park lies a town that many overlook—yet savvy buyers and investors are beginning to eye the market closely. If you are one of those who are on the hunt for a place that balances stunning scenery, rich history, and strong property value, you may want to set your sights on real estate in the Black Hills.

Photo of Mount Rushmore - Real Estate in the Black Hills Could Be a Hidden Gem
Real estate in the Black Hills is affordable, quite scenic and offers a great deal of peace and quiet.
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Selling Your Home During Divorce: Legal & Financial Tips

Divorce is a challenging and emotional process, with various significant decisions to make. One of the most significant and often complicated decisions involves the family home. Selling your home during divorce comes with its own set of unique legal and financial considerations, which can add stress to an already difficult situation. Whether you’re deciding to sell the home or split it, understanding the complexities of this process can help ensure you make informed decisions that are in your best interest.

Photo of a woman stressed out in front of a laptop computer - Selling Your Home During Divorce: Legal and Financial Tips
It’s already a stressful time so selling your home during divorce just adds more. Read on to learn how to reduce your stress levels.
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Spotting the Red Flags During a Home Inspection

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. It’s exciting, but it also carries risks. A property might look picture-perfect at first glance, but beneath the surface, there could be issues that cost you thousands of dollars later. This is why a thorough home inspection is essential. A well-done inspection gives you the facts about the condition of the house so you can make confident choices. In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot the most important red flags during a home inspection. We’ll share why ignoring them can turn your dream home into a financial nightmare.

Photo of a real estate agent giving a tour to a couple - Spotting the Red Flags During a Home Inspection
Understanding the difference between less significant issues and the red flags during a home inspection is vitally important to a successful home purchase. | Photo by Alena Darmel
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Beginner’s Guide to Buying Your First Home: 8 Keys to Success

Have you ever scrolled through a real estate listing and thought, “Wait, how can people actually afford this?” You’re not alone. In today’s market, buying a first home feels like navigating a maze built by economists, contractors, and mortgage brokers. Yet millions still take the leap, balancing budgets, expectations, and a dose of courage. In this blog, we will share a beginner’s guide to buying your first home.

Photo of a key in a home's front door - Beginner's Guide to Buying Your First Home: 8 Keys to Success
Photo by PhotoMIX Company
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Pre-Purchase Home Inspections: Watch for Red Flags

Buying a home is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking experiences in life. It represents a fresh start, new opportunities, and often the single largest financial investment you’ll make. That’s why pre-purchase home inspections are so important. They uncover potential problems before you sign on the dotted line, giving you the information you need to make a confident decision. While most buyers think of roof leaks, faulty wiring, or plumbing issues, one category of red flags often slips under the radar: pest problems.

Cute home in Louisville KY - Pre-Purchase Home Inspections: Red Flags That Signal Pest Problems
Every hosue, no matter how nice it appears, will have a few issues uncovered by pre-purchase home inspections.
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AI Property Valuation Tools vs. Professional Appraisals: What Louisville Buyers Need to Know

When shopping for a home in Louisville, one of the biggest questions on a buyer’s mind is: What is this property really worth? The answer influences everything from mortgage approval to negotiation strategy. In today’s housing market, there are two main ways to determine value—using AI property valuation tools or traditional professional appraisals.

Graphic about large language models - AI Property Valuation Tools vs. Professional Appraisals: What Louisville Buyers Need to Know
Since the rise of AI it only stands to reason that there will be AI property valuation tools. | Photo by Google DeepMind

Both methods have strengths, but they also carry limitations. Buyers who understand the difference are better positioned to make confident, informed decisions.

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9 Reasons Why Curb Appeal Can Make You Money When Selling

Real estate agents often suggest “staging” a home to make it more appealing to buyers. Staging involves setting up furniture and decor that make the home’s appearance more exquisite than it typically was as your living space. Today we’re going to look at nine key reasons why curb appeal can make you money when selling your home. Let’s begin!

Photo of a small home that exhibits amazing curb appeal - 9 Reasons Why Curb Appeal Can Make You Money When Selling
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How Long Should My Home Last? What Every Homeowner Should Know

Have you ever wondered, “How long should my home last?” Most homeowners focus on curb appeal, mortgage payments, or upgrades they want to make. What often gets overlooked is that many components in a home come with an expiration date. While a well-built house can last for generations, its individual systems, appliances, and materials all have finite life spans. Knowing when key parts of your home may need to be repaired or replaced can prevent unexpected breakdowns, save money, and protect your investment over time.

Photo of the top portion of a house with the sky in the background - How Long Should My Home Last? What Every Homeowner Should Know
Photo: Microsoft Stock Images
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Pros and Cons of Selling to Cash Home Buyers

The real estate market in cities like Detroit has seen a surge in cash home sales, offering homeowners a faster alternative to traditional listings. Whether facing foreclosure, managing inherited properties, or seeking convenience, many sellers consider cash buyers. In this piece, we’ll look at both the pros and cons of selling to cash home buyers. Let’s begin!

Photo of a couple in front of the home they are selling with a real estate agent - Pros and Cons of Selling to Cash Home Buyers
When selling to cash home buyers there are so obvious and not-so-obvious pros and cons. | Photo by Kindel Media
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3 Concepts for High-Quality Work Life Balance in Your Home

In this piece we’ll help you design work life balance into the design of your home. As remote work becomes more common, homes are expected to meet demands they weren’t built for just a decade ago. The dining table has doubled as a desk, the spare bedroom has transformed into a video call command center, and more people are realizing that space alone doesn’t guarantee balance.

Photo of a mother with her child working in her home office - 3 Concepts for High-Quality Work Life Balance into Your Home
The proper work life balance means your spaces work well for both life within and outside of work. | Photo: Microsoft Stock Images
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Selling an Outdated Home: Old Wallpaper, Popcorn Ceilings, and Carpeted Bathrooms

Selling a house isn’t always about granite countertops and open-concept layouts. Sometimes, it’s about figuring out how to get top dollar (or even just a fair offer) when your home still rocks 1970s wallpaper, popcorn ceilings, and a carpeted bathroom that no longer screams luxury, if it ever did. If you are selling an outdated home, don’t worry… there are still ways to move forward confidently and smartly. This guide will walk you through what buyers think, how much effort you should put into updates, and what your realistic options are. Spoiler alert: you don’t necessarily have to gut-renovate everything to make a sale.

Photo of a room with ugly wallpaper - Selling an Outdated Home: Old Wallpaper, Popcorn Ceilings, and Carpeted Bathrooms
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Tired of Showings and Open Houses? Alternate Way to Sell a Home

Selling your home can feel like a full-time job. Between deep cleaning every corner, rushing out the door for last-minute showings, and spending weekends hosting open houses, the process can quickly become overwhelming. If you’ve found yourself thinking, “There’s got to be a better way,” you’re not alone. Many homeowners are looking for a simpler, more efficient way to sell without the stress. Let’s explore why traditional selling can feel like a circus and an alternate way to sell a home might be a better fit for your situation.

Photo of an office with a For Sale Open House sign on the door - Tired of Showings and Open Houses? Alternate Way to Sell a Home
In addition to the traditional route, there’s an alternate way to sell a home that takes out some of the stress. | Photo: Unsplash
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Selling Waterfront Property in Kitsap: Permits, Views, and Maximizing Value

Kitsap County’s waterfront homes are some of the most sought-after properties in the Pacific Northwest. With stunning views of Puget Sound, peaceful surroundings, and a relaxed coastal vibe, it’s no wonder buyers are eager to invest here. But selling waterfront property isn’t as simple as placing a For Sale sign on the dock.  

Photo of some homes located on the water - Selling Waterfront Property in Kitsap: Permits, Views, and Maximizing Value
Selling waterfront property changes based on the laws of principality so it’s important to get educated.
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The Fifth Facade: How a Roof Impacts First Impressions and Property Value 

As a homeowner, you’re likely familiar with the importance of curb appeal, especially if you’ve ever considered selling your home. While manicured lawns and freshly painted shutters often get all the attention, there’s another element quietly shaping first impressions and influencing your home’s value: the roof. Often called the “fifth facade,” your roof impacts first impressions, as well as, the value of your property. 

Photo of a cute house - The Fifth Facade: How a Roof Impacts First Impressions and Property Value 
Your roof impacts first impressions for the good or, as in the case of this photo, for the bad.
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