2021

You’ve got your own piece of the American Dream. It’s a place to come home and relax. It’s a roof over your family’s head. It’s an expression of the things that are most important to you. It’s freedom to live life on your own terms. Your home is a huge investment — an investment you’ll want to protect for the long haul. The key to a happy and healthy home is consistent maintenance....

Jumping into home ownership for the first time is exciting, but we know it can be equally overwhelming. We hope to eliminate any worries you might have and provide some tools and resources to make the process go smoothly. Below are some tips we have for first-time home buyers. DETERMINE A SOLID BUDGET The home buying process starts with setting a budget and creating a foundation of expectations at...

You’ve found your dream home, and your offer was accepted; it’s time to celebrate! However, you have the dreaded home inspection looming over your head, but don’t let that get your spirits down. Here are the things every home buyer should know about inspections because the more you know about the property the better you can protect your financial investment. Inspections Aren’t...

If allowed to tour a home by yourself, would you take it? Many people would. Although the technology has been in development for over a decade now, self-touring services have started catching fire in the last few years. Even before the pandemic, realtors and property managers have realized that self-service home showings can help them close faster and more often. If you’ve never considered...

When you purchase appliances for your home, you rely on them for everyday needs. You know they won’t last forever, but you count on them to work effectively for several years to make your life easier and more convenient. When they sputter and come to the end of their life, you aren’t always financially prepared to fix or replace them. In fact, these issues often seem to arise at the worst times. If...

Taking the major step in life that is buying a home can feel intimidating. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or you’ve done it before, there are dozens of questions to ask, details to consider, and forms to sign. One of those details, in particular, is extremely important: your credit score. A poor credit score can definitely make getting a loan difficult, but it’s not impossible. Can...

It's time to buy a house. You've dreamed about it. You've talked to family and friends. You're ready to settle down with homeownership. Whether you're single or married, buying a house is a major financial step forward. Here's an abbreviated guide to buying a home. Step-by-Step Guide to Buy a House & Decide Whether You're Ready to Buy a Home Remember: buying a home is a substantial...

Life is filled with big events and important decisions. Moving certainly falls into both categories. Choosing to move—when, where, and why—requires careful planning, preparation, and consideration. It can be exciting to move, especially when it’s because of a good job prospect or because you’re going to be closer to loved ones. But moving inevitably brings a lot of stress and anxiety, regardless...

Now that you’re ready to buy a home, you need to be prepared for all the unexpected costs that come with it. While your own research and your real estate agent will guide you through the process, things pop up all the time when making a huge purchase like a home or a car. Let’s walk through ten unexpected costs of buying a home and how you can prepare for each one. Unexpected Costs of a Buying a...

Choosing a real estate agent is a critical step when buying a home. Many go with whatever agent they find. They don't do research. They don't take the time to ask questions. Then, when things go wrong, they're left in a lurch because they've already invested time (and often money) with the agent. We want to help you avoid being in that position with this guide to choosing a real estate agent from a real...

…Make Sure Your AC Is Ready! Please see our troubleshooting guidelines below to ensure maximum efficiency this summer from your air conditioner. Power Up If your air conditioning unit won’t turn on, there is likely an issue with its power source. You'll want to check the outdoor cooling or condensing unit to see if it’s running. If not, make sure the main power switch for the outdoor unit...

You know the saying: everything’s bigger in Texas. If you’re looking for a place to raise your family, get out on your own, or take advantage of a growing metroplex that’s within a few hours’ drive of the great outdoors, Texas may be calling you home. Let’s look at moving to Texas and what to know about buying a home in The Lonestar State. 5 Things to Know About Buying a Home in...

Have you done your spring cleaning yet? Don’t panic; we haven’t either. And while schools have started to let out for summer, it is still technically spring, so we both have time to channel our inner Marie Kondo and tidy up! To help in getting started, we have put together a short guide and list to hopefully make the process quicker and easier, so you can worry less about cleaning and get back to...

For many people, summertime is the most anticipated season of the year. It’s a time for vacations, picnics and other outdoor activities, and nice weather. One drawback to summer is that it brings out more pests. You aren’t likely to see insects during the cold-weather months, but they’re abundant in the summer. These pests can cause problems with your garden, lawn, flowerbeds, and other property...