Entries by Sharon Gidley

What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?

You’ve done your research, you’ve kept an eye on the housing market, and now, it’s time to make an offer on your perfect home. As you move through the final steps of the mortgage approval process, you (and most other homebuyers) will probably encounter a new term: private mortgage insurance, or PMI. Let’s take a […]

Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Tackle in August

 The dog days of summer are barking and Labor Day is just around the bend, signaling the end of yet another epic season in the sun. But before you give your flamingo pool float one last hurrah, take a break with some home maintenance prep for the changing season ahead. We know what you’re thinking: It’s still summer, […]

Things to Consider Before Buying a House with a Pool

Between hosting neighborhood pool parties, the convenience of cooling off when the mercury rises, and having a solid excuse to buy cute, doughnut-shaped air mattresses, there are plenty of reasons why buying a property with a pool may seem like a no-brainer. But despite all the pros, consider the cons before you dive into a […]

Property Ownership 101: Joint Ownership

As you close in on the purchase of your new home, a discussion of ownership is typically had when transferring the property title to your possession. There are many legal intricacies that all property owners should know when owning a property; even more so with regards to joint ownership. Joint ownership allows a property’s title […]

Tips and Tricks for First-Time Homebuyers

The homebuying process is notoriously complex. According to the National Association of Realtors, for nearly 1/3 of buyers, who are house hunting for the first time, it may seem next to impossible. From industry jargon to bidding wars to 30 years of mortgage payments, most first-time buyers could use a little guidance. Here’s how to stand out […]

Tips for a Streamlined Move

The hot season of home buying and selling is upon us and therefore moving trucks may be in short supply this summer. If you’re at the end of your home buying timeline and are packing up to move, here’s how to make the transition smooth and efficient. Choose the right date Aim for a mid-week, mid-month move […]

All the Pieces of the Mortgage Payment Puzzle

What’s your mortgage payment? No, not how much is your payment but what are the factors that make up the payment itself? From paying your loan down, to your tax bill, to making sense of why your payment this year is more than it was last year…the nuts and bolts of a mortgage payment are always more […]

Want To Sell Your Home Fast? Try These Quick Fixes

With the summer selling season ramping up, the process of getting a property ready to put on the market can seem daunting enough. It doesn’t matter if the home has been recently renovated, it’s a fixer-upper or somewhere in between. Every home has its own unique selling challenges, but the goal is the same. Buyers […]

How a Home Office Can Increase Appeal for Homebuyers

With housing inventory remaining tight in recent years, RE/MAX agents are diligent about keeping up with the trends to help clients buy and sell properties in this competitive market. “Remote-friendly” workplaces are one of those rising trends. In fact, according to 2018 data from the U.S. Census, nearly 8 million people worked at home in 2017. “In […]

3 Things to Know About the Housing Market Right Now

Home sales in April increased over March – by more than 11% – and were happening faster too, according to the latest RE/MAX National Housing Report. Instead of spending an average of 59 days on the market, as homes were doing in March, homes in April were selling a week quicker, in an average of […]

Helpful Flag Etiquette Tips for Memorial Day

Millions of Americans will be displaying their flags over Memorial Day weekend, and it’s a wonderful way to show respect. Do you know the right way to do it? Here are a few helpful reminders: On Memorial Day, the flag should be at half-staff until noon; then it should be hoisted to the very top […]

A Plan for First-Time Homebuyers: Go from Prepared to Purchase

If you’re a first-time homebuyer who has succeeded in saving enough for a down payment (remember, you don’t necessarily need 20%) on your very first home – congratulations! You’ve tackled one of the hardest parts of the homebuying journey with success, but you haven’t crossed the finish line to homeownership just yet. Now it’s time […]

5 Reasons Why Spring is Best for Selling Your Home

Selling your home in the spring is best for most homeowners.  There’s no doubt about it but the market is blooming with flowers and buyers … two pluses for you! Starting in March and going through June, the real estate market is in full force. If you’re thinking of selling your home this year, aiming […]

Tech Tools to Empower the Average Buyer

The 21st century homebuyer is powerful. They’re well equipped, informed and ready to fight for their dream homes. Still, with all the tech tools the buyer has at hand – nothing beats having an experienced, knowledgeable real estate agent in your homebuying corner. We rank the ways today’s buyer can better prepare to partner with the […]

Tidying Up Tips Hit the Housing Market

Admit it — over the holiday break you found yourself binge watching the hit show with superstar organizing consultant Marie Kondo and quickly realized your place is not sparking much joy. Never fear! The KonMari Method is here and the tidying-up trend can give sellers and buyers the gentle nudge needed to organize their personal spaces or clean up […]

Millennial Monopoly: 4 Real Estate Trends in 2019

What’s behind the rise in homeownership? Growing interest from millennials. Here are the 2019 millennial real estate trends you need to know about this year. Empowered with Knowledge First-time, homebuying millennials are much more informed when it comes to renovations, repairs and real estate process than other generations. Growing up during the development of the […]

A Successful Move Is All in the Details

If you’re about to leap into the exciting, yet hectic, process of moving into a new home, you’re not alone. Nearly 35.5 million Americans move each year, according to data from Move.org. With so much to think about, from organizing and packing to lifting and moving heavy boxes, it’s easy to forget the little things that […]

5 Reasons to Get Dirty Indoors

Baby, it’s cold outside, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your green thumb ’til spring. Bring the outside beauty of nature indoors this winter with an indoor garden space – it adds natural beauty to a home or supplies edible herbs to spice up those winter meals. We found five positives to planting a […]

Is Your Home Smarter Than You?

How smart is your home? In 2019, it’s possible your house is smarter than you. Designed to provide energy efficiency, security and comfort conveniences, the smart home can do it all on command. Control lighting, heating, cooling, appliances, televisions, computers and other security features with smart technology that communicates with each other and can be […]

The 5 C’s of Credit and What They Mean for Your Home Loan

You’ve researched the neighborhood and spent hours scouring listings online. You know the best zip codes and school zones and are ready for the next step in the home buying process – getting pre-approval from your mortgage lender. There is a lot that goes into determining if you qualify for a loan, but most traditional lenders will consider […]

Ways to Get Your Fireplace Ready for Fall

Is there anything cozier than snuggling up beside the fireplace in fall? With the whisper of cool fall air coming, staying inside and watching the crackle of the fire in your favorite comfy spot is the only sensical move this season. The thought of fresh pumpkin spice everything, warm apple pies and a fuzzy blanket to […]

Budgeting Tips When Saving for a Down Payment

Saving enough money for a down payment can be challenging, but some discipline and a plan may help bring you closer to homeownership. Here are some tips to get you started. Track every dollar Find out exactly where your money goes each month by keeping track of every single item or service you purchase over […]

Ways To Boost A Home’s Curb Appeal

Your home’s curb appeal could be make or break for the amount of showings you have. In the same way curb appeal can attract potential buyers through your door, a less than spectacular home front can also be a detractor. From upgrading landscaping to refreshing paint, consider these eight affordable ways to boost your home’s curb appeal […]

How to Prepare Your Home For Professional Photography

According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors®,  homebuyers  shop online notice photos first when looking for a home. Therefore, it is important that your listing makes a good first impression. Your photos are going to be seen by any number of online consumers, so making your listing stand out is imperative. […]

Tips for Arranging Your Furniture

Where Does the Couch Go? Today’s couches are so much more than the three-seater pieces of days past. Sectionals are useful and stylish, and their shape provides a built-in conversation area. Chaises — perfect for lounging — eliminate the need for an ottoman or footstool. Sometimes, though, it can feel challenging to find the best […]

Things to Do Before You Sell Your House

Before you put your house on the market, ask me for guidance on improving your home’s presentation.I can tell you what buyers expect in your particular market and at your home’s price point. The following 10 steps are a way to get a good head start on preparing to sell your home. 1. Welcome buyers. Make […]

Ways to Make Your Garage a Selling Point

Guest post from Jessica Thiefels Your garage can be one of two things: an empty space for cars to park and clutter to build-up over time, or it can be a useable space that provides value to new homeowners. When you’re competing in a competitive market, you want your garage to be the latter. Use […]

5 Tips for Purchasing a Home in a Seller’s Market

Purchasing a home in a seller’s market doesn’t have to be challenging. Some preparation and a strategy may give you an advantage over other potential buyers and increase your chances of having your offer accepted by a seller. Get lender preapproval or prequalification. Determine your loan options and obtain a pre-approval letter from a lender prior […]

4 Gardening Tips for the Lazy Landscaper

4 Gardening Tips for the Lazy Landscaper Keeping up with landscaping can take a lot of time and energy. Between weekly mowing, picking weeds, and tending to all of the plants it can be a lot of work for those who are busy. Check out these easy gardening tips for those who simply don’t have […]

This Year’s Biggest Outdoor Design Trends

The days are getting deliciously longer, temperatures are climbing, and the backyard barbecue invites are just pouring in. The seasons, they are a-changin’—and as we swing into summer, there’s no better time to give your outdoor space a boost. “This year it’s really about making your outdoor space function like an interior space for all things fun, lounging, and entertaining,” […]