Renting a storage unit is a convenient option for people who need extra space for their extra possessions, for a variety of reasons. Maybe you want to store seasonal items, such as holiday decorations, costumes, gear, and lawn equipment. Maybe you haven't closed on your new home yet but need to move out of your old home, a rental storage unit can house your stuff till the move can be completed.  If you're a homeowner whose home will undergo major renovations, you can protect your belongings and provide clear space for the makeover by keeping your furniture and other items in a facility u ..read more

What is home buyer's remorse? Buyer’s remorse is a feeling of regret, guilt, or anxiety after making a purchase, thinking that it’s a wrong decision. It’s also known as buyer’s regret or buyer’s disappointment. While it can result from any sort of purchase, even the smallest ones, it usually occurs after a significant commitment, such as buying a house or a car. Some homeowners feel buyer’s remorse after purchasing a home. They either feel that it was an outright mistake or think that there’s a better option for them out there. Buyer’s remorse is common, especially to first-timers. In fact ..read more

When you put an offer on a home, you'd want to do everything you can to make your bid more competitive. One way to do this is through earnest money. But what is it, exactly? And how much do you need? Since providing earnest money deposits is an essential part of the home buying process, here's what you should know about them.   Earnest money is an upfront deposit that a buyer makes when planning to purchase a home, showing that they're making a serious offer. It’s also called a “good faith deposit” because the buyer is proving to the seller that they have every intention of buying the p ..read more

While it's a cliche that communication is key among successful couples, it couldn’t be any truer and more crucial if you’re planning to buy a house together. Not only are you going to make one of the most fulfilling purchases of your life—but you’re also going to experience the joy and hardships of homeownership with the person you love. So before you start poring through real estate listings and begin your next chapter together, you and your significant other need to have an open and honest conversation in which you ask yourselves and each other these key questions.   1. Where do we wan ..read more

When it comes to purchasing a home, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding your dream property. However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks of maxing out your budget for this significant investment. By buying a home that is within your means, you can maintain financial stability and preserve the ability to pursue other important financial goals.    In this blog, we will explore several compelling reasons why stretching your budget to its limit when buying a home may not be the wisest choice. After all, homeownership isn't cheap, and the expenses that ..read more

A new year always inspires us to have a fresh start. Maybe you're a homeowner who just wants to take advantage of that burst of energy and motivation to tackle clutter around your home. If your goal is to reset your space so you’re only surrounded by things that make you happy, decluttering is a powerful and transformative resolution that’s worth keeping. Or maybe you’re planning to list your home for sale this year. You can have a good headstart in this new journey by purging through your belongings so you’ll know what to keep and what to let go when you move. Whether you're the former or t ..read more

Even though winter is typically a slow time for real estate, it doesn't mean it isn’t a good time to purchase a home. Buying a home during this traditional “off” season could work for you depending on the real estate market where you want to move and your personal circumstances.  So if house-hunting has been on your to-do list for a while now, why wait? Forget about the bustling spring and summer months. The winter season can also offer numerous advantages if you're looking to buy, and here are some of them:   In many housing markets, the off-season typically sees fewer potential b ..read more

Thanksgiving is easily anyone's favorite holiday of the year. With each bite of the glorious roast turkey, spoonfuls of delicious mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce, and even a slice of pumpkin pie, we are transported closer to Christmas and the spirit of giving.  But with a great feast comes a huge cleanup, which many are not looking forward to. You may be all set and ready for the Thanksgiving dinner, especially if you’re hosting for the first time in your new home, but have you thought about the subsequent cleaning load?  Here are five easy and quick tips to make the Th ..read more

Need to dig deeper into the home you're looking to buy? Asking the right questions — and not just the kind that randomly pops into your head — can help you get as much information as you need to put together a competitive offer. Likewise, you will be able to save time, money, and potential headaches if you hit all the necessary topics head-on. It’s part of your due diligence as a buyer, especially since this could be one of the biggest financial commitments you'll ever make.   If you're feeling stuck not knowing what else to know about the property, we’ve pulled together a list of some t ..read more

Whether you're a buyer looking for your first home or a seller preparing to put your property on the market, you’ve probably heard the term “concessions” in real estate. But what exactly does that refer to?   Seller concessions, which are also called seller assist or seller contributions, are the costs a seller agrees to pay to help the buyer when closing on the home. It's essentially a gift that a seller can offer to reduce the amount future homeowners have to pay out of pocket.  While both the buyer and seller have closing costs they’re responsible for, a buyer’s closing costs a ..read more