Do you have a smaller budget but want to own a home and start building equity? When you are looking at housing options for a lower income, it can seem like an uphill struggle. But if you are willing to look at less traditional property types, you might have more options than you realize. Some types of houses for low-income buyers allow you to build a home on a budget that will last for decades....

Roofing problems are sometimes obvious, but they often go unnoticed for years. Then, when a homeowner realizes there’s an issue, the situation is so serious that the roof requires significant repairs or replacement. Routine roof inspections can prevent this type of scenario. You should have your roof inspected once a year, plus after a major storm or any time you suspect there may be a...

From day-to-day cooking to baking your show stopping dessert that everyone requests at potlucks, it’s no wonder that your oven gets its fair share of grime and buildup. While cleaning your oven might be a chore that everyone loathes, modern ovens make it more simple than ever before. With a few key tips, you can keep your oven looking great for years to come. Clean It RegularlyLike any other cleaning...

As a broker, you’re probably thinking: do I really want to add more to my list of responsibilities? But keeping in touch with your agents is an area where you should always make the effort, because it’ll pay off handsomely. You need your agents, and they need you. If you’re consistently connected with them, you’ll both have a more positive business experience and they’ll be more likely to...

One of the great mysteries for first time home buyers is their down payment amount. For years there has been a prevailing myth that you need to have 20% down in order to purchase a home. It's not true! In fact, the average down payment on a home for a first-time home buyer is around 6% of the purchase price.For buyers who have bought before it moves up to around 12%. Both figures are a far...

As everyone's favorite gathering spot, the kitchen gets more traffic than any other room of the house. That's why it's one of the most important rooms for homebuyers and why it's a perennial favorite of interior designers.  If you're looking to update your kitchen without breaking the bank, one of the quickest and most affordable ways to give it a facelift is with color. According to Real Simple,...

Kitchen design is always a favorite topic among luxury homeowners. While we often pay close attention to materials used throughout, from appliances to cabinets to countertops, the floors tend to get overlooked. If you want a surface that boasts the perfect combination of durability and style in your kitchen, here are several excellent flooring options for any cooking space. Porcelain TilePorcelain tile...

In a seller’s market, there are more buyers looking for a home than there are houses available. That means sellers may have an advantage, since multiple buyers may be interested in purchasing their home. If you’re looking to buy a house in a seller’s market, it’s important to know what to expect and to be prepared so you can avoid common pitfalls. Get Pre-Approved Before you start shopping...

Every now and then you may be driving through a particular neighborhood and see a home that is all boarded up. There are likely to be multiple no trespassing signs posted on the lawn and house. What you are likely seeing is a condemned house. Condemned houses are usually not found in affluent areas. They are more commonly found in lower income areas. If you are like many others, you're...

Building a loyal customer base can help a real estate agent's success. In any successful real estate company, the top 20% of its most loyal customers account for 80% of total revenue. However, only a few real estate brokers attempt to establish real estate customer loyalty, which boosts their chances of success. A B2B customer loyalty program is how a company acquires, engages, and retains a...