Updated November 18, 2024 (orignally published December 15, 2014) It’s Christmas wreath time at the Guthrie Tree Farm! For years now my brother Brian and his wife Robin have been making the most beautiful wreaths! Brian gathers the greenery and other natural components; greenery and cones from fir, pine, cedar and redwood trees and sprigs […]
Multigenerational Home Buying: How to Find a Home That Fits Your Whole Family
For many homebuyers, multigenerational living used to be considered an option of last resort: it was a route families took only when they needed to ride out a financial storm or care for ailing family members. But that mindset is on the decline: A growing number of families now say that they are embracing multigenerational […]
Staging Your Home to Sell: 7 Proven Steps to Attract Buyers and Boost Offers
Selling your home quickly and at the right price takes more than just listing it online. To draw in potential buyers and secure top offers, your home needs to stand out. That’s where home staging comes in. By strategically preparing your home—through redecorating, repairing, and making it look its best—you can make a lasting impression […]
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Contractor
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 […]
