Real Estate News

The Highs and Lows of Pricing

To sell - and survive - in this market, you need to set your price right, right from the start

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia

Whether they're hoping for a specific moving date, or permission to take the hall chandelier, home sellers usually have a long list of wishes. But they'll usually walk away happy if just one desire is granted: they get a good price. With money so... Full story

How to Remake a Bedroom

After the family moved out, creating a charming space from odds and Ends was key to selling the home

By Kit Davey

A Realtor with whom I have worked for many years asked me to meet with the owners of a cute, Arts and Crafts period home. They wanted to maximize their sale price so they could invest in a larger home in another state, and they knew they'd need to... Full story

Should This Land Be My Land?

Ask Our Broker

By Peter G. Miller


Q: Real estate values in my town have fallen around 15 percent in the past couple of years, although in the past few months the market is starting to pick up a little. In the same period the value of vacant land in a new subdivision has gone down by... Full story

Too Great Expectations

Tip for selling in this buyer's market

By David Silva

They're a staple of late-night television and the bane of serious real estate agents: infomercials promising quick and easy fortunes by buying up distressed properties. "Millions can be had for just pennies on the dollar!" they proclaim. Well, not... Full story

Get Your Insulation Right

Choosing the right material can help your home's comfort level, and save you thousands

By Charles Scutt

Extra insulation is a sure way to increase your existing home's indoor climate comfort while also decreasing energy bills. But, "think pink" isn't the only answer when it comes to picking the perfect insulation for your home's needs. While... Full story

FHA S.O.S?

Ask Our Broker

By Peter G. Miller

Q: I've heard stories that the Federal Housing Authority program is in trouble. Is this true? A: There are very few success stories in real estate of late, but one that comes pretty close concerns the FHA. The FHA is a government-sponsored... Full story

Fitness for the Home

How to make an exercise room work in your space

By Kit Davey

So the economy has you rethinking that gym membership, and now you'd like to start working out at home - but you don't know where to put all that cumbersome exercise equipment. Or perhaps, you already have the equipment, but your Nordic Track has... Full story

Smooth Moves

How to ease the transition from one home to another

By Charles Scutt

Whether you're looking to upsize to a larger residence, preparing for a work transfer, or you just want a change of scenery, the decision to move can be exciting. It can also be stressful and strenuous, however, and not just because of the many... Full story

Frustrated By Foreclosures

Ask Our Broker

By Peter G. Miller

Q: There were three foreclosures that recently sold in my area. All were HUD homes. The owed mortgage on each ran from $89,000 to $125,000. Two sold for $10,000 and one for $19,000. How is this helping the economy? Who is paying the remainder of the... Full story

As Easy as M-L-S

How the the multiple listing service makes buying better

By Charles Scutt

When it comes to finding the ideal abode, real estate experts suggest that homebuyers remember three simple letters: MLS. The rest, they say, is elementary. Short for the multiple listing service, the MLS is an intricate, shared computer network... Full story