It’s no secret that home buyers look for ways to save money regardless of whether they are buying their first home or their second home.  And while there are certainly ways to cut corners and save a buck here and there, a good number of people choose to forego hiring a real estate agent to represent them in the home buying process... which could ultimately end up costing them more in the long run.

The spring real estate market is generally a busy time for buyers, sellers, real estate agents and lenders. So as not to get lost in the shuffle and miss out on your dream home, prepare for the frenzy and know what to expect… and when to expect it. Preparing yourself ahead of time might make a big difference in whether or not you are able to be the first to make an offer on your dream home, or if you find that someone else has beat you to it.

Moving is probably one of the most dreaded life events that you are faced with.  Whether your moving down the street or across the country, there are always things you need to be aware of and plan for, and the more prepared you are, the smoother the move will be.

You might have the inside of your home newly renovated with new appliances, fresh pain and newly finished hardwood floors, but if your home is lacking curb appeal, you may never get potential buyers inside your front door.  Your home’s exterior, along with your lawn, gardens, garage and walkways need to turn heads and grab the attention of buyers and passersby.

Planning a trip can be very exciting, but there is always a lot to consider and a lot to do to prepare.  Whether it’s a work-related trip or an adventure with your family, you spend time working out all of the details to make sure you and your family arrive safely and enjoy your time away.  But one thing many people do not spend enough time planning is how to keep their home safe while they are gone.  Below we highlight ways to protect your home so as not to come home to a very unpleasant surprise.