A recent survey found that more than half (52%) of American homeowners have a renovation project planned this year.1 If you’re among them, you know that embarking on home improvements can be both exciting and daunting. According to the survey, the median renovation budget is around $15,000, so you’re probably investing a significant amount—and you’ll […]
Top 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Mortgage
With home prices and rates still relatively high, securing a mortgage can feel daunting––even to the most experienced borrowers. But don’t let that deter you: If other homebuyers’ experiences are any indication, odds are you’ll eventually find a home loan that works well for you. In fact, most U.S. homeowners say they’re satisfied with the […]
My HonorAir Flight 34 Experience
When I first heard about Honor Flights, I was attending a Vietnam Veterans Social Hour at our local Senior Center. I had never been on one of these flights or even heard of them until that day. As I listened to the stories shared by fellow vets, I knew I had to apply. They told […]
Mid-Year Real Estate Market Update for 2024: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Last December, when the Federal Reserve projected a series of benchmark rate cuts in the coming year, some analysts speculated that mortgage rates—which had recently peaked near 8%—would fall closer to 6% by mid-2024.1,2,3 Unfortunately, persistent inflation has delayed the central bank’s timeline and kept the average 30-year mortgage rate hovering around 7% so far […]
The Ultimate Relocation Guide: From Finding a House to Feeling at Home
The peak moving season is upon us. In fact, according to Move.com, almost 70% of U.S. moves occur between May and September.1 And while the percentage of Americans who move each year has declined, the desire to relocate remains strong.2,3 In fact, Architectural Digest recently declared “Americans are restless” after a survey found that 55% […]
6 Strategies to Save on Home Insurance Premiums
From wildfires to floods, the past few years have brought a historic number of devastating climate and weather events to the United States. In 2023 alone, there were 28 individual weather-related disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damages each.1 These events triggered a huge influx of home insurance claims, and analysts expect the […]
Downsize Your Home, Rightsize Your Life: How to Choose the Ideal Smaller Home
When you’ve lived somewhere for many years, it can be tough to say goodbye. 😢 But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space. Take it from the […]
![Planning a home renovation? 🏡🛠 Don't let these common contractor hiring mistakes turn your dream project into a nightmare!
🧐 Skipping the research phase.
Meet with multiple candidates and educate yourself on best practices surrounding your project.
💰 Choosing based solely on price.
Consider experience, reputation, and the quality of materials they'll use.
🕵️♀️ Neglecting to confirm credentials & insurance.
Verify claims and check references to ensure you're hiring a qualified professional.
📝 Proceeding without a written agreement.
Outline the scope of work, payment schedule, and any warranty information.
💸 Paying too much upfront.
A reasonable deposit is standard, but tie the remaining payments to project milestones.
🚧 Failing to get necessary permits.
Make sure your contractor handles all the paperwork to avoid fines and safety violations.
🚩 Ignoring red flags after the project has started.
Address any concerns promptly and professionally, and seek legal advice if issues persist.
Check out our latest blog post for more tips and advice!
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