Melanie White, Realtor

10/11/2026

A lower home price can help your retirement budget, but walkability, safety, medical care, and community activities deserve just as much attention.

Choosing where to live later in life involves more than finding an affordable house. This list highlights cities across the country that combine home values below $400,000 with lower living costs, healthcare access, safety, walkability, and community activities. The featured locations range from Pun...

10/08/2026

Moving from renting to owning comes with new expenses, but planning for them early can help you feel more confident when the right home comes along.

Buying your first home is exciting, and it also helps to know what costs come with the move beyond the down payment. This piece walks through things like repairs, insurance, taxes, utilities, and maintenance so you can plan with fewer surprises. If homeownership is on your mind, this is a practical....

10/07/2026

Would you choose black mulch for your flower beds? Martha Stewart wouldn’t, but your garden can reflect your own taste. Where do you stand?

In this U.S. gardening feature, Martha Stewart shares her preference for natural-looking spaces, explaining that she avoids plastic accents and black or red mulch. Her approach puts plants at the centre of the design rather than decorative extras. She also makes room for individual taste, acknowledg...

10/06/2026

When you’re marketing a U.S. vacation rental, give clients a clear picture of its operating costs. Help them distinguish rental revenue from the money left after expenses.

Business Insider examines price reductions and slower sales in several U.S. vacation-home markets as ownership costs and less attractive rental returns reshape decisions. For realtors, the story highlights the importance of realistic pricing and clear conversations about client expectations. Conditi...

10/02/2026

Tree roots grow slowly, which means foundation damage often shows up the same way: slowly, then all at once.

Big trees add a lot of beauty and shade, but they can also create problems underground if they’re planted too close to your home. This article breaks down how tree roots can affect foundations, what warning signs to watch for, and when it’s time to bring in an expert. If you own an older home or...

10/02/2026

Higher mortgage rates are making buyers pay closer attention to one thing: the monthly payment.

And builders know it. Right now, 13.8% of new-construction listings are advertising reduced rates, giving some buyers a way to bring that monthly payment down.

So, if you're selling near new construction, that's something worth paying attention to. But it doesn't mean you automatically need to match what a builder is offering.

Depending on your house, your market, and the buyer, competing could mean negotiating on price, helping with closing costs, offering a rate buydown, or simply doing a better job highlighting what your house offers that a new build doesn't.

The point isn't to give more away. It's to know what you're competing against so you can choose the right strategy from the start.

If you're planning to sell, let's look at what buyers can get in our area and make sure your house is positioned to compete.

10/02/2026

The Mortgage Rate You See Online Isn’t Necessarily the One You’d Get.

You may have seen the headlines saying mortgage rates have climbed to the highest point since January 2025. And if that's left you reluctant to buy a home, here's what you need to remember…

10/02/2026

Higher mortgage rates don't just affect buyers. They can change what it takes to sell your house, too.

10/01/2026

If you enjoy a look inside celebrity homes, Tyler Perry’s estate is now listed for $57 million. The Mediterranean-style mansion sits on 22.5 acres in Beverly Ridge Estates.

Tyler Perry has listed his 22.5-acre estate in the gated Beverly Ridge Estates community for $57 million. The property centres on a roughly 24,500-square-foot Mediterranean-style mansion with grand entertaining spaces and a library, plus a swimming pool and fountain outside. Perry purchased the land...

10/01/2026

The Mortgage Rate You See Online Isn’t Necessarily the One You’d Get.

Headlines and social media make today’s rates sound high. But you have to remember, the rate you’re seeing online and your actual rate could be different. The only way to know what your rate could be is to talk to a trusted lender.

With the right help, you can find out what your real rate is – and where it can take you.

You may have seen the headlines saying mortgage rates have climbed to the highest point since January 2025. And if that's left you reluctant to buy a home, here's what you need to remember…