You've only just started your house-hunting journey and learned that a house you’re interested in is located in a neighborhood with an HOA. You might have heard them before, but you might still be wondering, what is an HOA? More precisely, what does it do and how does it affect your home-buying decisions? If you haven’t had dealings with an HOA before, we’ll walk you through exactly what it means, what it does, and what are the most crucial things you need to know before living in a community that has one. What is an HOA? HOA, which stands for homeowner association, is a private organization ..read more

What is a gallery wall? A gallery wall is a grouping or collection of paintings, photographs, art prints, and other personal treasures and items that are hung on a wall. Gallery walls are not just a decor trend but a decorating staple. They were able to stand the test of time simply because they are one of the most striking yet cost-effective ways to add a touch of visual interest to an otherwise blank and boring wall.  Furthermore, a gallery wall doesn't just add character and personality to your living space. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase your memories—special family momen ..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

You may not think much about it, but plumbing is an integral part of your home's systems. Plumbing issues such as dripping faucets, leaky pipes, running toilets, or frustratingly low water pressure do happen. Some of these may occur due to regular wear and tear. Unfortunately, some are downright results of poor plumbing practices and maintenance, which could lead to more serious issues including drainage problems and water damage, to name a few.  Here are five mistakes and poor habits that many homeowners make, and some tips on how to avoid them:   Some items should never go down t ..read more

When you put up your home for sale, keep in mind that last-minute notices to show it to prospective buyers are always a possibility. But we trust that you've done all the huge and critical tasks even before listing, including deep cleaning, depersonalizing, and making little but necessary repairs.  Now, all you need is a simple checklist just in case you get a call from your agent that a buyer wants to see your house in an hour… or less. Here are a couple of tasks you can do to further make a good impression and lessen the stress of every single home showing.   Bottom line ..read more

For homeowners who fall behind on their mortgage payments, mainly due to a sudden financial crisis, such as unemployment and other income loss, unexpected debts, interest rate hikes, or economic downturn, among others — the two main options available are either a short sale or foreclosure.  In both cases, the owner is forced to part with their hard-won investment, turning their homeownership dream into a nightmare.  Let's take a closer look at what these things are, their differences, and which is the better option for any homeowner depending on their situation and timeline.   ..read more

Have you been browsing homes online, dreaming about the day when you can finally have a place you can call your own? But the thing is, you think you're not quite ready to buy anytime soon, especially if you haven’t saved up as much money for a down payment as you’d like. Even if you're still a few years away from buying a home, there’s a key step you can take that can be incredibly valuable: talking to a mortgage lender. Here are three great reasons you should be having a conversation with a lender even before you begin the house-hunting process.   While you can do your research about v ..read more

The euphoria that comes with purchasing and moving into your first home is unlike no other. You will soon be able to personalize your bedroom, cook in your dream kitchen, or create your version of a backyard oasis. But oftentimes, the excitement can get the better of you.  And while you have every reason to be ecstatic as a new homeowner, a whole lot can also go wrong if you don't take the time to think things through. From failing to improve your home’s security, to unwanted paint colors and mismatched furniture pieces and designs, watch out for these five mistakes that first-time homeo ..read more

Selling a home can be a daunting task, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the intricacies of a real estate transaction. Even if you're more than prepared to get your property on the market with a trusted real estate agent, you probably just can’t get down to business without doing this critical step: signing a listing agreement. Signing any contract can be nerve-wracking and intimidating. But it doesn't have to be if you understand what the document means. Your agent should also walk you through each part of the service agreement. In this blog post, we’re giving you a headstart to h ..read more

As the weather starts to warm up and the flowers begin to bloom, you might be itching to maximize your outdoor living space. Your backyard is an extension of your home and with the right additions, it can become a functional and relaxing oasis where you and your family can relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.  From practical but stylish options such as shade and outdoor lighting to fun and cozy additions like a grilling station and an outdoor bar cart, we're here to provide you with plenty of inspiration to help you create the backyard of your dreams.   1. Exterior lighting Outdo ..read more