Author Archives: Sabrina Mapes

From pet-friendly rentals to new buyer markets, 2025 should be calmer and cozier on the home front. With 2024 fast receding in the rear view, it’s time to look ahead to see what buyers, sellers and renters can expect over the next year.  2025 should prove to be another breather year for prospective buyers with […]

Not sure if you should buy a home in this market? These 12 pros and cons can help you decide. The question of “should you buy or rent” is a lot tougher to answer now than it was only four years ago. U.S. home prices have climbed along with interest rates, while rising rents have made it […]

With the wide variety of interior design apps to choose from, the answer may be something in between. If you’re planning out how to design the inside of your home, luckily, there’s an app or virtual tool for just about every part of the process you could think of — from organizing your mood boards […]

Making a strong first virtual impression is more important than ever. Now, you can welcome home buyers into your property through Zillow Immerse. You’ve likely heard the term “curb appeal” at least a few times in your life. Maybe you’re even in the process of sprucing up your own front yard in hopes of attracting […]

Keep your house clean, tidy and pet-free for every showing and open house. To-do list Remove all signs of pets Ensure marketing materials are pet-free Avoid marketing the home as pet-friendly Repair pet damage to home Deep clean the home before listing Deodorize Clean pet hair Remove stains Mask noisy neighbor pets Home buyers and […]

Buying a new home while selling your current one is a balancing act. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed as both a buyer and seller. Buying a new home at the same time as you’re selling your old home is all about timing — and some luck, of course. And while you […]

Consider the pros and cons of buying a starter home vs a forever home and learn if a starter home is right for you. When the Baby Boomer generation was venturing into adulthood, buying a starter home — a modest, small residence — was a common practice. As their families grew and their careers advanced, […]

When buying a house feels unaffordable, knowing how your personal financial situation fits into the bigger picture can help inform your moving decisions. Home prices have taken off in the last few years, making affordability a growing concern for buyers, sellers and renters who want to become homeowners some day. Knowing what factors contribute to […]

The share of homes that are affordable is growing across the country, due largely to lower mortgage interest rates and more homes listed for sale. In 12 markets, at least half of all homes for sale are considered affordable. Finding a home that fits your needs while leaving money in your pocket to enjoy life […]

Being self-employed doesn’t have to make it harder to get a mortgage loan. You just have to know what kinds of documentation you need and how to make yourself more attractive to lenders. If you’re one of the 60 million Americans (35% of the workforce) freelancing to earn your keep, you know the benefits of ruling your […]