Real Estate Blog

If you or your clients are thinking about selling an investment property, one of the smartest tax strategies to consider is a 1031 Exchange . This powerful tool lets you defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting the proceeds into another like-kind property. But here's the catch: timing is everything —and we get questions about it all the time. ❓ “Can I start a 1031 Exchange after the property has already sold?” Unfortunately, the answer is no . One of the most common mistakes we see is when clients call after closing, hoping to start a 1031 Exchange. By then, it’s too late. To successfully complete a 1031 Exchange, the process must begin before the property sale closes . That means: The 1031 Exchange must be opened while the property is still in escrow . You (the Exchanger) must sign the exchange agreement prior to closing . If you’re doing a reverse exchange (buying first), the paperwork must be signed before the purchase closes. 📄 What’s in the Exchange Agreemen...

 If you're going the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) route, one of the first things you’ll need (besides great photos and a solid marketing plan) is a professional-looking real estate sign . A well-placed, well-designed sign can attract drive-by traffic, spark neighborhood interest, and give your home that “official” listing feel. Thankfully, Amazon has tons of real estate sign options that are easy to order and ship straight to your door. But how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s break it down with a comparison of a few popular options , including price, durability, visibility, and ease of installation . (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.)  🏡 1. SmartSign “For Sale by Owner” Sign Kit with Stake 🔗 View on Amazon Price: ~$19.95 Includes: 1 sign + heavy-duty H-stake Material: Weatherproof corrugated plastic Pros: ✅ ...

If you’re thinking about selling your home or just want to freshen things up, choosing the right paint color can make a huge difference. A fresh coat of paint not only enhances your space but can also increase your home’s value and attract more buyers. So, what colors should you consider? Here are 7 paint colors that experts say can help you get top dollar for your home. (Did you know Amazon sells paint?) 🎨 1. Warm White – Clean & Timeless A classic warm white (like Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster or Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee) creates a bright, airy space that appeals to most buyers. It makes rooms look bigger, cleaner, and more inviting. Plus, it’s the perfect blank canvas for buyers to imagine their own style. ✅ Best for: Living rooms, kitchens, hallways 🏡 2. Soft Gray – A Modern Neutral Gray has been a top choice for years, and soft, warm grays are still in demand. Shades like Agreeable Gray (Sherwin-Williams) or Revere Pewter (Benjamin Moore) add depth without ...

 If you're thinking about selling your home this year, timing is everything! While homes sell year-round, some months (and even weeks) are better than others for attracting buyers, securing strong offers, and selling quickly. So, when is the best time to list your home in 2025? Let’s break it down so you can make the most of the real estate market this year! 📅 The Best Week to List Your Home in 2025 According to market trends, mid to late spring is typically the best time to sell. More specifically, experts suggest that the first half of April may be the ideal time to put your home on the market. 🔹 Why? Buyer activity picks up in the spring as families prepare for summer moves, the weather improves, and inventory levels rise—leading to faster sales and higher offers. 🏡 What does this mean for sellers? Listing in early to mid-April could help you sell your home quickly and at a competitive price! 📈 Why Spring Is the Sweet Spot for Selling Spring has long been the p...

Spring is a fantastic time to sell a home, and if you're considering hosting an open house during spring break , you might be wondering if it’s a good idea. The answer? Absolutely—if done right! With families off work and school, more buyers have time to tour homes. However, competition can be stiff, and distractions (hello, vacation plans!) can make it tricky to draw in serious buyers. Don’t worry—we’ve got pro tips to help you host a successful spring break open house that attracts the right buyers and helps you sell your home faster. 1. Pick the Perfect Day & Time 📆 Mid-morning to early afternoon is best —Think Saturday or Sunday between 11 AM and 2 PM when families are out and about. 🌞 Avoid major travel days —Try not to compete with the Friday before spring break or the last Sunday when everyone’s returning home. 🏡 Consider a weekday evening option —Some buyers may be in town for only a few days and appreciate a weekday open house. 2. Create a Spring-Inspired Welc...