Hello! I can’t believe we’re already into the second month of the year. I’ve been busy with contractors and projects at my new house. My roof just got done, new gutters this week, some construction wrapping up in the apartment, and pretty soon, a new foundation being installed for this beautiful 1905 home we purchased….
Easy Tips for Roof and Crawlspace Maintenance
Your home’s roof and foundation are the most important elements to the integrity of a house. It’s no wonder home shoppers will pay particular attention to these elements during an inspection period. Whether you’re looking to sell your home and want the most value you can get for it, or you plan on staying in…
Safe and Sound – A Book for Renters (and Homeowners Alike) by Mercury Stardust
My copy came in the mail and I waited for a few days to open it. I needed to have the actual time to enjoy the contents of the package without just going through it like “any old mail”. It was so fun, so exciting, to see a book written by an influencer that I…
Queer In McMinnville, Oregon – Should You Buy A Home There?
McMinnville, Oregon is a charming city located in Yamhill County, in the heart of the Willamette Valley. It’s known for its picturesque surroundings, historic downtown area, and a welcoming community. When it comes to LGBTQ+ friendliness, McMinnville, like many cities in Oregon, has made significant strides in recent years to create a more inclusive and…
Why Now Is Still a Good Time to Buy a Home Despite Rising Interest Rates
The decision to buy a home is a significant financial choice, and market conditions can often create uncertainty. While the real estate market is influenced by a variety of factors, including interest rates, there are still compelling reasons why now is a good time to buy a home, despite the rising interest rates. In this…
First-Time Home Buyers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Buying your first home is an exciting and significant milestone in your life, but it can also be a daunting and complex process. First-time home buyers often have numerous questions as they navigate the world of real estate, mortgages, and homeownership. In this blog post, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs)…
8 Essentials of Fall Home Maintenance
As the seasons change, your home and yard will need different kinds of tending, care, and maintenance to keep you going through the fall and winter. Derived from the checklist at Better Homes and Gardens, here are 8 things to do to prepare your home for fall and winter: 1. Clean Your Gutters Before the…
Need to Sell Your House Fast? Here’s How.
So much of the real estate process involves waiting. Waiting to hear back from buyers, sellers, or other agents, waiting to get an answer from a contractor, waiting for funds to transfer or for paperwork to be reviewed. While most of this down-time can’t be avoided, there’s a lot that sellers can do throughout the…
Leveraging ADU Income On your Home Loan Application
In a recent policy change, Freddie Mac now allows ADU (auxiliary dwelling unit) income to be considered qualifying income for a conventional loan application. This means your buying power can be increased when purchasing a home with an existing ADU dwelling. (Austin Irwin of Directors Mortgage passed along this great news! Talk to Austin for…
Real Estate FAQs: Inspections [video]
Frequently Asked Questions in Real Estate: All About Inspections! The home inspection period generally lasts about 10 business days, though it can be longer than that if negotiated ahead of time. Ultimately inspections are a way for interested buyers to find out everything they would want to know about the home and its’ systems. This…