Ivania Portillo, Realtor

09/27/2026

The easiest way to pass a house to children is through the terms of your will. Before moving forward, consider all the facts listed here in this article.

It’s not uncommon for an elderly homeowner to pass along a house to heirs. Let’s examine ways to do so, understanding that laws in each state vary and federal tax code changes. Consult an attorney before making any decisions. The most basic way. The easiest way to pass a house to children is thr...

09/26/2026

Have your kids been itching for a home sports court? Check out these pros and cons to make sure you come out with the win.

Home sports courts provide great fun and exercise, but are they a wise investment? While the kids may overwhelmingly approve, a future buyer may not agree. Here’s a quick play-by-play of what’s involved, how much it will cost and the return on investment. Types of courts. The most common types o...

09/24/2026

When buying a home, you may qualify for downpayment assistance. There are many programs that help not only first-time home buyers, but also low-moderate income borrowers. Read this guide to learn more about these opportunities.

Accumulating down payment money for a house is important, but can be challenging, especially for millennials bogged down in massive student loan debt. But don’t despair. Help is available through down payment assistance programs -- in other words -- free money. The Federal Housing Administration, ...

09/22/2026

When staging your home, it's important to choose neutral colors. You want buyers to imagine themselves living in your home with their own décor sense.

09/20/2026

We’ve all had a bad customer experience at some point. Here’s how to complain effectively to get results without ranting.

Successful complaining through customer reviews is an art. You want to get your problem resolved. Here are smart methods of getting customer satisfaction.

09/19/2026

Moving abroad can be a challenge, but so can moving home! Here are nine sure-fire tips to help.

As you prepare to move home from a stint working abroad, organization is key. Here are nine must-do tips for a smooth repatriation.

09/17/2026

Did you know that your credit card use and payment history account for 65 percent of your credit score? So use your credit cards wisely and pay bills on time. Learn more credit-boosting tips here.

Do you have bad credit? While legitimate credit repair services can help improve your credit scores, you can do the work yourself and save money. Here’s how. Pull your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. It’s free. Each credit reporting agency, Experian, Equifax and Transunion, will hav...

09/15/2026

Just by cleaning and decluttering, you are already making great strides to present your home in a more inviting and attractive manner. So important when trying to sell.

09/13/2026

By replacing old shower heads with low-flow heads, you'll cut water usage and the water bill. Here are 11 key home improvements to consider with an eye toward savings.

Smart homeowners think of their homes as more than just a place to live. Their houses are also their biggest investment. By strategically investing modest sums of money now, you’ll see major savings later. Here are 11 keys spots to spend money with an eye toward saving. Heating and air conditionin...

09/12/2026

Need to clean up that kitchen clutter? Try repurposing an old CD rack to hold all those pesky plastic container lids. Checkout more clever kitchen storage hacks here.

If chaos in the kitchen is sending you to the drive-through window a bit too often, it’s time to take control with the help of some time-saving, storage-friendly kitchen hacks. Here are five to get you started. Pull-out shelves. If you have to kneel down and rummage through deep corner cabinets, p...