Real Estate Blog

Tax season is here, and while you're focused on getting the best refund possible, scammers are focused on stealing your money and personal information . They use sneaky tactics, impersonate the IRS, and take advantage of recent news to trick unsuspecting taxpayers. The good news? You can protect yourself! Here’s a breakdown of the most common tax scams and how to avoid them. 🚨 1. Economic Impact Payment (Stimulus) Scams Scammers love to prey on confusion, and they’re using the latest IRS stimulus payment announcement to their advantage. ✔️ The IRS recently announced automatic payments for certain taxpayers who didn’t claim their Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021. ✔️ Scammers are impersonating the IRS , contacting people via text, email, phone, and social media —claiming they can help process these payments. ✔️ They’ll ask for your bank account details or personal information —don’t fall for it! 💡 How to stay safe: The IRS will NEVER call, text, or DM you . If you qualify for a ...

Good news for homebuyers! Mortgage rates have dropped for the fourth week in a row , offering a welcome break from the highs we saw earlier this year. But the big question remains: Will this trend continue? Let’s dive into what’s happening and what it could mean for buyers and sellers this spring. 📉 Mortgage Rates Hit Their Lowest Level of 2025 (So Far!) As of this week, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averages 6.87% , down slightly from last week’s 6.89%, according to Freddie Mac . While still higher than some might hope, this marks the lowest mortgage rate we’ve seen so far in 2025 . Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) , sees this as a positive shift: “This timing is encouraging as home buyers begin to enter the early spring housing market, and mortgage applications have also risen. If housing inventory continues to grow, buyers will be in a better position compared to previous years.” What does this mean for buyers? Lower rates make...

If you’ve been searching for a home, you’ve likely asked yourself: Why are houses so expensive? It’s a question buyers across the country are asking as they face rising prices and limited options. The answer? Supply and demand. There simply aren’t enough homes available to meet the growing number of buyers. Let’s break down why the housing shortage exists and what it means for the market. 📉 The U.S. Is Millions of Homes Short Housing experts agree that the U.S. is experiencing a significant housing shortage. According to Freddie Mac , the country is short 3.7 million homes —a gap that continues to push prices higher. Other estimates suggest the shortfall is even greater, but most agree that millions of additional homes are needed to restore balance. So, why aren’t there enough homes? Here are the biggest factors at play. 🏗️ Not Enough Homes Are Being Built One of the biggest reasons for the shortage is a decline in new construction following the 2008 financial crisis. During the e...

Your home’s HVAC system works hard to keep you comfortable, but did you know that one of the easiest ways to maintain good air quality and system efficiency is by regularly changing your air filter? A clean filter helps your HVAC system run smoothly, keeps your energy bills in check, and improves the air you breathe. So, how often should you swap it out? Let’s break it down! (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  The General Rule: Every 90 Days For most homes, changing your air filter every three months is a good rule of thumb. This keeps your system running efficiently and prevents dust buildup. Factors That Affect How Often You Should Change Your Filter Some homes may need more frequent filter changes. Consider these factors: ✅ Pets in the Home: Pet hair and dander can clog filters quickly. If you have pets, aim to change the filter every...

As we look ahead to 2025, many buyers and sellers are wondering: What’s next for the housing market? According to Zillow, home prices are expected to grow at a more moderate pace, with a projected 2.6% national increase and an estimated 4.3 million home sales —up from 4 million in 2024. If you’re planning to buy or sell, understanding the key trends shaping the market can help you make informed decisions. Here are five major factors that will influence the housing market in 2025. 1️⃣ Interest Rates & Affordability Mortgage rates play a huge role in home affordability, and experts predict they will stabilize in 2025 after recent fluctuations. Lower rates could encourage more buyers to enter the market, but even a slight increase could impact affordability. 🔹 What This Means for You: Buyers should keep an eye on interest rate changes and act when conditions are favorable. Sellers should be prepared for shifts in buyer demand based on rate trends. 2️⃣ Home Prices & Affordabil...

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, and what better place to start than the heart of it all—the kitchen! A clean and organized kitchen not only makes cooking more enjoyable but also maximizes space and efficiency. Here’s how to tackle your kitchen spring clean with ease. (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  Start Small, Stay Focused Deep cleaning your kitchen can feel overwhelming, so break it down into manageable steps: ✔️ Tackle one area at a time —start with cabinets, drawers, or the refrigerator, then move on to the next. ✔️ Clear, clean, and declutter —once an area is emptied, give it a thorough wipe-down before putting items back. ✔️ Donate or discard —if you haven’t used an item in a year, consider donating it. Worn-out pans with peeling non-stick coatings and deeply scratched plastic cutting boards should be replaced fo...