“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” — Norman Vincent Peale While it's true that the housing market seems to have had more than its fair share of challenges in the last six years, there are bright spots if you look. Ever since the pandemic things have been, well, unprecedented. As usual, timing is everything. Since the Great Recession of 2008 an epidemic housing shortage was quietly building momentum behind the scenes. This has resulted in an estimated aggregate housing shortage of 3.7 to 5.5 million homes, driving demand and raising prices. Add in higher interest rates, inflation on everyday goods, AI-triggered job uncertainty and global unrest for a perfect storm of housing affordability headwinds. With that in mind it's easy to fall down the rabbit hole of pessimism and … [Read more...] about Make the Most of Bright Spots in the Housing Market
These Things Ensure You’re Good to Go in Colder Weather
Summer and winter come with a special set of caveats when it comes to homeowner chores. Be sure to fit these things in to ensure you're good to go in colder weather: HVAC HVAC Maintenance: Hire a pro for a heating system tune-up to ensure efficiency before cold weather arrives. (9/1 - 11/30 is the Pre-Season Tune-Up Period for FNHW home warranties with this option) FIREPLACE Fireplace Inspection: Schedule a chimney sweep to remove creosote and ensure it is safe to use. SMOKE DETECTORS Safety Detectors: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. VENTS Dryer Vent Cleaning: Clean lint buildup to reduce fire risks. GUTTERS Gutter Cleaning: Clear falling debris to prevent clogs that cause ice dams and roof damage. SEALANTS Seal Gaps: … [Read more...] about These Things Ensure You’re Good to Go in Colder Weather
Leave it! The Benefits of Leaves in Your Yard
New research shows a simple truth: your lawn wants you to let autumn leaves stay put, settle in, and work their magic. And yes—your grass will thank you for it. Following are the benefits of leaves in your yard: MULCHING IS THE SECRET Mulching is the Secret: Let’s be clear: we’re not saying leave your lawn buried under knee-high drifts of leaves. The trick is mulching. Simply running over the leaves with a mower breaks them into smaller pieces that settle naturally into the grass. This keeps your lawn healthy without smothering it and also speeds up decomposition. A mulched layer looks neat, nourishes the soil, and saves you hours of raking—making it a win for both your lawn and your Saturday schedule. Mulching with your lawnmower also keeps whole leaves from clogging neighborhood … [Read more...] about Leave it! The Benefits of Leaves in Your Yard
The HI Factor: Why AI Can’t Replace Real Estate Agents
AI hasn't taken over the world yet but it certainly has taken over the air waves. Not a day goes by without AI dominating the headlines. Lately, the news feels more bad than good, with ominous warnings of AI ending life as we know it. Whether you fear a hit to your stock portfolio, a data center moving into your neighborhood, or the loss of your career, AI is the culprit. While it’s true AI has made a lot of things easier and promises many potential benefits to humankind, the fear of it being misused by bad actors is widespread -- and valid. That's why Human Intelligence (HI) must stay front and center. Human intelligence is the only thing that can direct AI responsibly and productively. It's also why AI can't replace real estate agents. … [Read more...] about The HI Factor: Why AI Can’t Replace Real Estate Agents
What Not to Store in Your Shed
Having a shed for extra storage is always comes in handy, regardless of whether you live in a neighborhood or in the country. However, there are some things that should never be store in an uninsulated, outdoor shed. Here's what not to store in your shed: … [Read more...] about What Not to Store in Your Shed