Gema Smith's Blog

Posted on 12/22/2024

The 3 Key Parts of Your Home to Hurricane-Proof

Hurricanes can cause damage to your property in a variety of ways. Luckily, there are also many ways you can protect your home from the catastrophic effects of strong winds, rain and everything else a hurricane can bring. Here are three areas to focus on when hurricane-proofing your home: Windows Windows are an important feature to focus on...

Emergency Preparedness

Home Safety

+ 4 more

Posted on 12/16/2024

What Homebuyers Need To Know About Credit Scores

Some Highlights Data shows 7 out of 10 prospective homebuyers don’t know the minimum credit score required by lenders or that it varies by lender and loan type. According to Experian, the range is anywhere from 500 to 700 for the minimum credit score. That means you don’t need perfect credit to buy a home. Your credit score...

For Buyers

First Time Buyers

+ 7 more

Posted on 12/16/2024

Only an Expert Agent Can Give You an Accurate Value of Your Home

In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to rely on automated tools for everything — including figuring out how much your house is worth. But be careful. The automated estimates you’re seeing online often miss key details that affect the true market value of your home. Before you toss a for sale sign in your yard and expect to...

For Sellers

Selling Tips

+ 7 more

Posted on 12/15/2024

Protect your home with a smart smoke detector

Smoke detectors are not a want, they are a need....

Smoke Alarm

Smoke Detectors

Posted on 12/09/2024

Why Owning a Home Is Worth It in the Long Run

Today’s mortgage rates and home prices may have you second-guessing whether it's still a good idea to buy a home right now. While market factors are definitely important, there’s also a bigger picture to consider: the long-term benefits of homeownership. Think of it this way. If you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30...

For Buyer

Home Prices

+ 8 more

Posted on 12/09/2024

Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents

Putting your house for sale on your own – often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might be on your mind. But you should know that it gets complicated very quickly, especially in today’s complex market. That’s why data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record low number are going the route of...

For Sellers

Selling Tips

+ 8 more

Posted on 12/08/2024

5 Real estate terms for first-time homebuyers

For many first-time homebuyers, knowing common real estate...

Appraisal Value

Closing Costs

+ 5 more

Posted on 12/02/2024

How Co-Buying a Home Helps with Affordability Today

Buying a home in today’s market can feel like an uphill battle – especially with home prices and mortgage rates putting pressure on your budget. If you’re feeling stuck, co-buying could be one way to help you get your foot in the door. Freddie Mac says: “If you are an aspiring homeowner, buying a home with your family...

For Buyers

Buying Tips

+ 6 more

Posted on 12/02/2024

Make Your House the Top Thing on Every Buyer’s Wish List This Season

With the holidays right around the corner, homeowners planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait? Some may even consider taking their house off the market until next spring. But is that the best choice? Because at this time of year, your home can really stand out. Here's the thing: there are plenty of...

For Sellers

Selling Tips

+ 6 more

Posted on 12/02/2024

Should You Sell Your House As-Is or Make Repairs?

A recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows most sellers (61%) completed at least minor repairs when selling their house. But sometimes life gets in the way and that’s just not possible. Maybe that’s why, 39% of sellers chose to sell as-is instead (see chart below): If you’re feeling stressed because you don’t have the...

For Sellers

Selling Tips

+ 6 more

Posted on 12/01/2024

3 DIY Projects for Fun & Functional Farmhouse Style Storage

Farmhouse decor celebrates the rustic and comfortable aspects of country life. One of the many advantages of embracing this design style in your home is the opportunity to upcycle old items and give them new purpose. Here are some great ideas for DIY projects to make your own farmhouse decor. Upcycled Pallet Headboard Wooden pallets are essential to...

Design

+ 9 more

Posted on 11/25/2024

Don’t Miss Out on the Growing Number of Down Payment Assistance Programs

With rising home prices and volatile mortgage rates, it’s important you know about every resource that could help make buying a home possible. And one thing you’ll want to be aware of is just how much the number of down payment assistance (DPA) programs has grown lately. Take a look at the graph below to see how many...

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