Gema Smith's Blog

Posted on 05/27/2025

Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Read This First.

If you’ve been house hunting lately, you’ve probably felt the sting of today’s mortgage rates. And it’s because of those rates and rising home prices that many homebuyers are starting to explore other types of loans to make the numbers work. And one option that’s gaining popularity? Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). If you remember the crash in 2008, this...

For Buyers

Mortgage Rates

+ 5 more

Posted on 05/27/2025

You Could Use Some of Your Equity To Give Your Children the Gift of Home

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built up a lot of wealth – just by living in your house and watching its value grow over time. And that equity? It’s something that could help change your child’s life. Since affordability is still a challenge, a lot of first-time buyers are struggling to buy a home in today’s...

For Sellers

Equity

+ 5 more

Posted on 05/25/2025

Homeowners insurance requirements for veterans: Key info to know

While VA loans come with numerous benefits, they share many of the same requirements as conventional loans. For veterans seeking a VA loan to purchase a home, it's often required to purchase a homeowners insurance policy. Here is the basic info about homeowners insurance requirements: Is homeowners insurance required for a VA loan? Just like most conventional mortgages,...

Homeowners Insurance

+ 2 more

Posted on 05/22/2025

Retire with Confidence: Financial Tips for Seniors

Retirement should be a time to enjoy the fruits of your lifelong efforts—not a time for financial stress or uncertainty. Whether you're newly retired or planning ahead, having a solid financial strategy in place is key to enjoying a comfortable and secure retirement. Here are essential financial tips to help seniors retire with confidence: 1. Reevaluate Your Budget...

Retirement Financial Tips For Seniors

Money Management After Retirement

+ 6 more

Posted on 05/22/2025

Wellness After 60: A Guide to Thriving, Not Just Surviving

Turning 60 marks a meaningful milestone—one that comes with wisdom, life experience, and, ideally, a renewed focus on wellness. Contrary to old stereotypes, life after 60 is not about slowing down; it's about stepping into a new season with purpose, energy, and joy. Wellness after 60 means more than just managing health conditions—it’s about thriving in every area...

Senior Wellness Tips

Healthy Aging After 60

+ 6 more

Posted on 05/22/2025

Aging in Motion: Embracing Life Through Every Stage

Aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about shifting perspective. It’s about honoring the past, embracing the present, and opening the door to a future still full of potential. In today’s dynamic world, older adults are redefining what it means to age, proving that vitality, purpose, and joy don’t fade with time—they evolve. Past Memories: The Foundation of Who We...

Aging Gracefully

Senior Lifestyle

+ 8 more

Posted on 05/22/2025

Retirement Housing: Should You Stay, Sell, or Downsize?

As retirement approaches, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is what to do with your home. It’s not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about lifestyle, financial security, health, and peace of mind. Should you stay in your current home, sell and relocate, or downsize to something more manageable? Each option comes with its own pros and...

Retirement Housing Options

Senior Real Estate Decisions

+ 9 more

Posted on 05/19/2025

Second Half of 2025: Will the Real Estate Market Shift Again?

Some Highlights • Are you wondering what to expect if you buy or sell a home in the second half of the year? Here’s what the expert forecasts tell you. • Mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly. There will be more homes available for sale. And as inventory rises, home price growth will moderate. • Want...

For Buyer

Infographics

+ 8 more

Posted on 05/19/2025

Why Would I Move with a 3% Mortgage Rate?

If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?” But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without realizing it....

For Sellers

Mortgage Rates

+ 6 more

Posted on 05/18/2025

Home music studio ideas to inspire your creativity

For homeowners in need of home music studio ideas, the...

Home Recording Studio

Music Room

+ 1 more

Posted on 05/12/2025

Why You’ll Want a Home Inspection

Some Highlights Once your offer is accepted, an inspector will assess the condition of the house, including things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, and more. That information is incredibly important and paves the way for you to re-negotiate with the seller, as needed. So, you don’t want to skip this step. An inspection is your chance to avoid...

For Buyers

Infographics

+ 6 more

Posted on 05/12/2025

Home Projects That Boost Value

Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter – and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains: ". . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a...

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