AUGUST - REAL ESTATE NEWS: More Homes, Better Prices: A Buyer’s Summer

If you’ve thought about buying a home in the past few years, you may have run into two frustrations: asking prices that kept climbing and too few homes to choose from. In many places, both sticking points are letting up this summer, with lower asking prices and more homes for sale. Let’s look at the trends, and what they mean for your search. Sellers Are Pricing To Attract Buyers According to Realtor.com , the national median asking price was $430,000 in June, nearly $11,000 under what it was the year before (see graph below) : That’s the eighth month in a row that the typical asking price has dipped below where they were the previous year, according to the same Realtor.com report. And while falling prices can sound worrying, this isn’t a sign of an impending crash. We’re talking about asking prices, not sold prices. This is a sign that today’s sellers are meeting the market where it is and pricing to draw buyers. And that’s actually something normal we’d expect from the market. As...

April Home Maintenance Checklist: Get Your Home Spring-Ready

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, April is the perfect time to refresh your home after winter and prepare for the months ahead. This month’s checklist will help you tackle essential maintenance tasks to keep your home in top shape.

1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Winter weather can take a toll on your roof and gutters. Check for missing shingles, signs of leaks, and clear out any leaves or debris from gutters to ensure proper drainage.

2. Service Your HVAC System

Before the summer heat arrives, schedule a professional tune-up for your air conditioning unit. Change your filters and clean vents to improve air quality and efficiency.

3. Check Windows and Doors for Leaks

Inspect seals and caulking around windows and doors to keep cool air in and pests out. Replace weatherstripping if needed to improve energy efficiency.

4. Freshen Up Outdoor Spaces

Power wash your driveway, deck, and patio to remove winter grime. Check for loose boards or cracks and make any necessary repairs. Bring out your patio furniture and refresh cushions for outdoor entertaining.


5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Press the test button to ensure they are functioning properly.


6. Prepare Your Lawn and Garden

Rake up any leftover leaves, apply fresh mulch, and start planting seasonal flowers or vegetables. Now is also a great time to check your sprinkler system for leaks or misaligned heads.

7. Declutter and Organize

Spring cleaning isn’t just for deep-cleaning—decluttering can make your home feel refreshed. Donate unused items, reorganize closets, and swap out winter gear for spring essentials.

Final Thoughts

A little maintenance now can save you costly repairs down the road. Use this checklist to keep your home running smoothly and looking its best this spring!




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