Zena Napelenok - Chinowth & Cohen Realtors

06/12/2026

How to Decide Between a Starter Home and a Forever Home
Starter home or forever home? Here's the thing — most buyers approach this question backward. They start by browsing listings and then try to figure out what they're actually looking for. But the starter-versus-forever decision really needs to come first, because it shapes everything: your budget,...

Starter home or forever home? Here's the thing — most buyers approach this question backward. They start by browsing listings and then try to figure out what they're actually looking for. But the starter-versus-forever decision really needs to come first, because it shapes everything: your...

06/05/2026

What to Look for in a Home Inspection Report
You've made an offer, it's been accepted, and now comes one of the most important steps in the buying process: the home inspection. The report that follows can run anywhere from 20 to 100 pages. That's a lot of information, and knowing how to read it makes all the difference.
Not All Issues Are Created...

You've made an offer, it's been accepted, and now comes one of the most important steps in the buying process: the home inspection. The report that follows can run anywhere from 20 to 100 pages. That's a lot of information, and knowing how to read it makes all the difference. Not All Issues...

05/28/2026

How to Choose Lighting That Makes Rooms Feel Larger
The right lighting can do more for a room than almost any other design decision. Paint colors, furniture arrangement, and clever storage all play a role in how spacious a space feels — but lighting is often the element that ties everything together. Understanding a few key principles can help you transform...

The right lighting can do more for a room than almost any other design decision. Paint colors, furniture arrangement, and clever storage all play a role in how spacious a space feels — but lighting is often the element that ties everything together. Understanding a few key principles can help...

05/25/2026

Freedom has a cost, and today we remember those who paid it ❤️ Behind every flag is a name, a family, a story, and a sacrifice that changed generations forever. Remembering them today with deep gratitude. 🇺🇸 Happy Memorial Day!

05/21/2026

How to Assess Natural Light When Touring Homes
Natural light is one of those qualities that listing photos don't always capture accurately. A room that looks bright and airy in listing photos might tell a different story in person — and the reverse is just as true. When you're touring homes, taking a few extra minutes to evaluate how light moves...

Natural light is one of those qualities that listing photos don't always capture accurately. A room that looks bright and airy in listing photos might tell a different story in person — and the reverse is just as true. When you're touring homes, taking a few extra minutes to evaluate how...

05/07/2026

What Buyers Should Know About Flood Risk and Insurance
Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't anticipate,...

Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't...

04/30/2026

What Happens Between Offer Acceptance and Closing
Your offer has been accepted. It's an exciting milestone — but if you've never bought or sold a home before, you might be surprised to learn that the journey is far from over. The period between offer acceptance and closing day is one of the most activity-packed stretches of the entire real estate...

Your offer has been accepted. It's an exciting milestone — but if you've never bought or sold a home before, you might be surprised to learn that the journey is far from over. The period between offer acceptance and closing day is one of the most activity-packed stretches of the entire real...

04/23/2026

What First-Time Buyers Should Know About Property Surveys
Buying your first home comes with a long list of steps, and a property survey is one you do not want to overlook. While it may not get as much attention as the home inspection or the closing disclosure, a property survey plays an important role in protecting your investment.
What Is a Property Survey?
A...

Buying your first home comes with a long list of steps, and a property survey is one you do not want to overlook. While it may not get as much attention as the home inspection or the closing disclosure, a property survey plays an important role in protecting your investment. What Is a Property...

04/16/2026

How to Spot Renovations Done Without Permits
A freshly updated kitchen, a finished basement, or a brand-new bathroom addition can make a home highly appealing. But before you get swept up in the upgrades, there's an important question worth asking: was any of that work actually permitted?
Unpermitted renovations are more common than many buyers...

A freshly updated kitchen, a finished basement, or a brand-new bathroom addition can make a home highly appealing. But before you get swept up in the upgrades, there's an important question worth asking: was any of that work actually permitted? Unpermitted renovations are more common than many...

04/10/2026

What to Know About Homeowners Associations Before You Buy
Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make, and if the property you're considering is part of a homeowners association (HOA), there's an extra layer of research worth doing before you sign on the dotted line. HOAs can offer real value, but they also come with responsibilities...

Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make, and if the property you're considering is part of a homeowners association (HOA), there's an extra layer of research worth doing before you sign on the dotted line. HOAs can offer real value, but they also come with...