VICTORIA KEICHINGER Congratulations! You’re a new homeowner. While you may not be able to wait to move in, there are a few things you should consider tackling before hanging those family photos on the walls. 1. Change the locks – For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to change out the locks on your exterior doors to ensure that anyone the previous owners may have given a key to can no longer access the property. According to Home Advisor, the average homeowner spends between $100-$30... read more

VICTORIA KEICHINGER Houzz Contributor, Laura Gaskill From price and location to the physical structure itself, the list of things to keep in mind when shopping for a house can seem endless. But some problems you encounter don’t need to affect your final decision. Although easy is a relative term, accomplishing the 10 fixes that follow is generally pretty straightforward. We also point out some big-ticket fixes to watch out for. Happy house hunting! Photo by Simply Home Decorating –... read more

One of the largest purchases most of us will ever make is that of our home.  In order to make the process as stress-free and streamlined as possible, you will want an experienced professional looking out for your best interest.  Check out our top 5 reasons to use a buyer's agent when purchasing a home.1. The first and most obvious reason to use a buyer's agent?  There is no cost to you as the buyer to work with an agent.  A buyer's agent receives a portion of the selling agent's commission at cl... read more

The following is a guest post from Jessica Thiefels Becoming a first-time homeowner is one of the most exciting and stressful times of your life, even after the closing papers have been signed and key is in hand. Suddenly, you’re faced with a whole new set of challenges: how to manage a home that’s yours, not your landlord’s. There are a lot of opportunities to learn—and as you learn, mistakes will be made. Luckily, many new homeowner mistakes can be easily avoided with a little preparation.... read more

LINDSAY LISTANSKI As I approach my four year “homeaversary” I decided to take a moment to reflect on all that I had on my mind as my husband and I prepared to make the biggest purchase of our lives. Here are some of the things I wish I had known sooner that I hope will help you, or someone you, know on their journey toward homeownership. You Don’t Pay The Agent’s Commission as the Buyer So many first time buyers wonder, “do you have to pay a real estate agent if you are buyin... read more