Blog Entries in July
Should You Paint Your Lawn to Entice Buyers?
By Chris Petry A couple years ago, I was asked to take photos of a property in the midst of a drought. Now, as you may well know, when grass is deprived of water it begins to dry out and brown. Not exactly the best scenario for listing photos. The seller of the property, however, had a solution. “We’ll just get it painted!” My first thought was, “are these people really
What Does It Mean to Sell a House Considered "As-Is?"
If you’ve ever looked at a real estate listing and noticed the phrase “sold as-is,” you may have wondered what exactly that means. For homeowners thinking about selling, or buyers considering purchasing one, it’s important to understand the pros, cons, and responsibilities that come with an as-is sale. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can decide if it&rsq
Maximize Your Home's Curb Appeal: Refresh or Renew these Key Features
By Chris Petry Much like when meeting new people, first impressions are everything in real estate. That’s why every homeowner, particularly if they plan to sell in the near future, should take extra care to maximize their home’s curb appeal. What does that mean exactly? What specific features need extra TLC? Read on for the breakdown. The front door- Seems obvious but t
Which Home Improvements Actually Pay Off When You Sell?
Which Home Improvements Actually Pay Off? You've decided to sell your home, and you want to get the highest possible price. But where do you start? While a full-gut kitchen renovation might seem tempting, the smartest pre-sale improvements aren't always the biggest or most expensive. The real goal is to appeal to the widest range of buyers, not to create your personal dream home. In th
What Home Colors Are Popular in 2025: Should You Paint Your Home to Match?
By Chris Petry So, what color should you paint your home in 2025? Well, will you be living in the house for the foreseeable future? If the answer is “yes,” than you should paint your home whatever color you want! Plan to sell in the near future? Okay, then perhaps it’s worth reviewing the current trends to increase your home’s appeal. What colors are currently t
Buying a Home is Considered Good Debt: What Homebuyers Should Know
When you hear the word "debt," your mind might immediately jump to credit cards, car loans, or student loans. But not all debt is bad. In fact, some types of debt can actually help you build wealth over time. This is what financial experts call "good debt," and buying a house is one of the best examples. In this article, we’ll break down why buying a home is considered go
FHA: What Are the Steps to Buying a Home?
Thinking about buying your first home but unsure where to start? You're not alone. Many first-time buyers turn to FHA loans because they make the process more accessible and affordable. FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and are especially helpful for people with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. In this guide, we’ll walk through each step of buying a
The Pros & Cons of Having a Basement: What You Can Do to Address Common Problems
By Chris Petry If I buy another house, I can guarantee there’s one thing it will absolutely not have and that one thing is a basement! At least, that’s what I tell myself. Of course, according to this article from Ground Works, Cleveland and Pittsburgh are among the top 10 housing markets with the most basements. So, finding a basement-less single-family home might be a little harde
What Does Contingent Mean in Real Estate? A Simple Guide for Buyers and Sellers
If you’ve been browsing homes, you’ve probably come across the term “contingent” and wondered what it actually means. Is the home still available? Can you make an offer? And what does it mean for your own home purchase? In real estate, understanding what “contingent” means and how it differs from other common terms like “active” or “under co
Should You Buy or Sell a Home Over the 4th of July?
By Chris Petry Does real estate take a break over July 4th? Yes and no. While sales offices will most likely be closed in observance of the holiday, buyers and sellers alike might be taking the day to get a leg up on their real estate goals. While the real estate business tends to slow down during holiday weeks overall, real estate is a 365 day a year (or 366 if it’s a leap year) business
