Author Archives: Sabrina Mapes

It’s usually around this time of year, with the holiday season firmly in the rearview mirror, that homebuyers and sellers alike begin to make their way back into the market. That will continue to pick up each week until March arrives. At that point, the industry’s busy season—known as the spring real estate market—will be […]

As the crisp air settles in, you might be planning a fall renovation. Maybe you’ll finally replace that horribly lumpy sofa or get around to painting your 1970s bathroom a warm rose instead of avocado green. Unfortunately, those seemingly simple upgrades may not be quite so easy this year. Thanks to myriad supply chain issues […]

Has the COVID-19 pandemic made you feel like your suddenly overstuffed home somehow shrank? Or do you live in a medium-sized home you wish was (extra) large? Or maybe you want to upsize, but the current market’s high prices has you making do with less room. If you’ve outgrown your space—or simply want to maximize your […]

Moving is often one of the most stressful and emotional life events. Try these strategies to stay calm. Moving can be one of the most exciting times in life, but it can also be one of the most stressful. In a Zillow survey of recent movers, about half said they experienced stress (55%) and anxiety (48%) […]

In today’s hot housing market, buyers are likely to consider every available home for sale. And while each home has its unique charms, newly built homes and resale homes come with different upsides and downsides.  As you weigh whether to buy a brand new home or a pre-owned one, here are some factors to consider. […]

Getting snowed in can be magical, but you’ll want to prepare. If you own a home in a region of serious winters, where driving gets hazardous and pipes freeze, it’s important to plan ahead and have supplies ready. Doing so could save you time and money, and prevent you from spending the cozy season making serious […]

Buying a larger home is a major decision. Weighing a few main points can help make sure it’s the right one. Maybe you’re feeling the squeeze from family visits over the holidays, maybe your own family is growing or maybe you simply want more space. You’re not alone. In the United States, the average number of […]

How to sell a home in the winter Today’s housing market remains the hottest on record so it’s no surprise that homes are selling quickly even when it’s cold out. The winter months have traditionally been the slowest season for home sales, especially in colder climates. But the dynamics driving the market — namely a […]

Every house hunt starts with a dream, one that can easily escalate into pure fantasy. Homebuyers, particularly first-timers, often harbor visions of purchasing the perfect house, in a great neighborhood, for a bargain price. All that might have been achievable—with some luck—in the past. But in today’s hot seller’s market, once buyers move beyond mooning over […]

Ready for the snap, crackle and pop of a roaring fire? Here’s everything you need to know. Fireplaces are one of the most sought-after home features, but using one can be intimidating, and you’ve probably got questions. Here’s a quick guide to get you and your fire started this fall. How do I use a wood-burning […]