It may seem like your payments are all going to interest at first, but greater equity comes with time. A recent post on The Atlantic proclaimed, "It Will Never Be a Good Time to Buy a House." And, while there are some hard truths outlined in the article (such as the lack of inventory and today’s higher interest rates), homeownership is about the long game and sitting on the sidelines doesn't equate to winning for most, especially if you haven't made your first investment. Renting is helping someone else gain equity or profit (if the home is owned outright), so investing in you as soon as poss ..read more

New Counters + New Lighting = New Life With mortgage rates hitting 8% last week, homeowners are putting an even stronger filter on their decision to move on and/or up. That dream house that was in budget thanks to sub-3% interest rates is now a stretch for many so, unless someone has definitely outgrown their home or needs to move within a region or longer distance for work or family, most are choosing to stay put. However, this doesn't mean they can't improve their home and their enjoyment of it today...with a future move in mind. More and more clients are coming to me for assistance with mo ..read more

I have to admit it. While I’m normally the one saying “too soon” as Christmas candy hits the grocery store aisles in September, I’m all for embracing the holiday season a bit earlier than usual this year at home and beyond. It’s true there is no shortage of holiday decorations you can buy in stores and online, but sometimes it’s the simple touches that make the season really come alive. Here are a few easy (and inexpensive) ways to add some cheer indoors when you’re ready (whether quarantining alone or with your family): 1. Bring Nature Inside: A few years ago, I discovered a corner on my do ..read more

As I write this, DC is entering phase II of its coronavirus re-opening plan and life pre-COVID-19 seems simultaneously like it was yesterday and ages ago. While I definitely find myself on the cautious side of the “getting back to normal” spectrum, I have been able to help many clients navigate buying and selling homes during this pandemic. This is what an open house on your home may look like…agent with a phone, gimbal and Zoom welcoming prospective buyers and their agents. Additionally, while we don’t have a vaccine or cure (yet), agents, lenders, title companies, inspectors, etc. have beco ..read more

Changing a Light Fixture and Painting a Door Can Change the Feel of a Space (Photo: Beth Caldwell Photography) Times are undoubtedly strange and, as we all practice social distancing and try to maintain our sanity, why not take on a project or two that will help you enjoy your space more…and maybe add some value to your home? Here are a few ideas of things big and small you do as you take a break from working remotely, homeschooling kids and/or binging on online content: Get on the Kondo Train: There’s no time like being stuck in your home to do an audit of how much stuff you have — that yo ..read more

Ready for Guests…and the Homeowners (Photo Credit: Beth Caldwell) According to a range of surveys and accompanying articles (I’ll leave you to Google these), we spend around an hour a day in the bathroom. That statistic would seem reason enough to make sure the bathrooms we own are as lovely as the other spaces in our homes. And, while choosing vanities and toilet paper holders may not be as sexy as a new sectional or chandelier, taking a little extra time to make smart selections can greatly enhance the feel and function of these spaces we enjoy (privately). Recently, I had the chance to par ..read more

When Jessica and Joel first toured their new Montgomery County home, they knew it was the one for many reasons (I was there as their agent, so I saw it on their masked faces)…however, the kitchen wasn’t one of them. While large and with great natural light, the layout and look wasn’t them. Jess is a (fellow) baker and with an active boy at home, the space needed a blend of form (bye-bye brick and checkerboard floor) and function (hello storage and counter space). How It Started… (Image Credit Kathryn A. Tucker, Keller Williams Realty Center) After settling into their home a bit more, J&J ..read more

When you ask a real estate agent, “Is now a good time to buy?” you’d probably expect to hear (or have heard), “Yes, it’s always a good time to buy!” Of course, their business is selling houses, so why would they say otherwise? If you ask me, I’d add two words to that initial question — “Is now a good time to buy…for me?” My answer: “Let’s talk and see.” The truth is each of us is different, from our financial situations to our priorities and risk profiles, and that’s why I always walk potential buyers through a few key questions to help them determine what’s best for them. The first question ..read more

Photo Credit: TaxRebate.org.uk As I meet with clients looking to sell their homes, the first question they often have as we start our consultation is “what can we get for it?” A home is usually the most valuable asset (or one of the most valuable assets) an individual or couple has, so what you’ll come away with is undoubtedly important. However real estate, like many things in life, is negotiable so you’ll want to remember the following as you prepare to go to market: List Price vs. Sales PriceList price and sales price often aren’t one in the same. There are Three Ps that are critical to ge ..read more

Old Meets New in This Beautiful Bathroom Upgrade (Photo: Beth Caldwell) Small bathrooms are not uncommon in DC rowhomes and condos but one of my latest bathroom renovation partnerships presented some new challenges…and opportunities! Molly & Sam reached out last winter as they were planning ahead for a summer remodel of the bathroom in their historic Wardman-built 1917 DC coop near Dupont Circle. Long and narrow with soaring ceilings and wonderful natural light, the bones were there but smaller spaces, especially in older buildings, require some creativity and willingness to roll with sur ..read more