Photo by Pixabay from Pexels Buying your first home is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming when you don't know what to expect. Below are some tips to help first-time homebuyers navigate this process successfully. 1. Get pre-approved before you start shopping. Nothing is more upsetting than finding the home of your dreams, only to...

Image by mnplatypus from Pixabay Proper insulation not only helps you save on your energy bills. It reduces your energy impact on the environment and may create a great selling point for your home when the time comes. But knowing were to insulate an existing home can be a project. Here's what you need to know. How to...

Photo by Arek Socha via Pixabay In a bid to afford homes in high-value areas, many homeowners turn to income from short-term rentals to cover a high mortgage payment. You can benefit from this option with some caveats: Location really matters. A lot. You might advertise your home as near the coast when it’s really 20 miles inland...

Photo by Andrey_Popov via Shutterstock Is your house leaky? According to the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency), household water leaks account for up to a trillion gallons of water wasted each year. According to their calculations, the average home leaks about ten thousand gallons annually or more than 90 gallons every single day. So how do you tell...

Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels Each year, cleaning the gutters consistently lands at the top of the spring cleaning list and for good reason. By clearing out leaves and other debris, you protect your roof and living space from potentially disastrous water leaks. If you want to prevent other costly and time-consuming home repairs, you have to...

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay When it comes to protecting your high-value home in your absence, few things beat an actual living, breathing caretaker who lives on the grounds. And you'll score bonus points for hiring someone who's trained in fighting fires or apprehending invaders. Your second line of defense should be a local monitoring service that...

A struggle that everyone faces is keeping priorities straight. As careers advance, families grow, and financial responsibilities increase, some priorities fall by the wayside. One example of how that can happen is with home security. When you have your mind on twenty other things that need to be taken care of this week, it's easy to forget about consistently...

No two vacation residences are alike. As such, it pays to be diligent as you conduct a search for the optimal vacation home. Otherwise, you risk purchasing a vacation house that fails to accommodate your long-term needs. Ultimately, there are lots of things you can do to find a vacation home that complements you perfectly, such as: 1. Establish...

Photo by Pete Linforth via Pixabay Vacant land is a hot commodity – especially for builders. If you’re searching for a home, you may find one in an area that’s growing in population but still offers great lots. Interestingly enough, these areas that look like thriving cities could be zoned in an area deemed “rural.” If so, you...

Concerned about your mortgage payment? Curious what happens if you skip a payment? Ready to buy a home using a mortgage? Before you decide to skip a mortgage payment or purchase a home, register for this webinar. Things aren't always as they seem, and if you aren't asking your mortgage company the right questions, you could find yourself...

Are you a tenant and concerned about meeting your lease obligations? Are you a landlord and concerned about violating recent state orders regarding tenants? There are current changes to Landlord-Tenant Law, and if you are a tenant or a landlord, it is important to know about these changes. Jen and Jean want to be a resource for you...

FaceTime HOUSE TOURS AT YOUR CONVENIENCE. Fabulous home on a gorgeous wooded acre lot in the Heart of Edwardsville! This 4 Bedroom 4 Bath 2-story with walk-out basement home on a cul-de-sac is perfect for entertaining guests & family. Wood floor entry welcomes you into the main level, featuring an Executive Office with french doors, formal dining rm, Lrg Eat-in Kitchen with Breakfast Bar, built in Desk Nook, Double Oven, Wet/Bar, Pantry. Living Rm with beautiful brick Wood Burning Fireplace and access to the Deck and park-like backyard. Main floor Laundry & Drop Zone just off 3 car garage. Upper level Master w/ En-suite bath and custom...