Cynthia Trapp with Cressy & Everett Real Estate

08/11/2026

Evaluating Storage Space When Touring Homes
Storage is rarely the first priority for buyers touring a home, and it shouldn't be the first thing they consider. Kitchens and floor plans usually command the most attention, while storage receives far less notice. But a home that looks spacious during a showing can feel cramped once the boxes are unpacked.
Inspect...

Storage often gets overlooked during a home tour. Here's what to check in closets, the kitchen, the garage, and other hidden corners before you make an offer.

08/11/2026

Discover family-friendly events in South Bend, St. Joseph & Benton Harbor this August, from movie nights to meteor showers, before school starts!

08/08/2026

How to Prepare Your Home for a Summer Open House
A summer open house asks more of a home than people realize.
Buyers may arrive warm from the car, distracted by weekend plans, or already tired from seeing other houses. They arn't always walking in with a blank slate. The house has to win a little patience from them.
That doesn't mean every room needs...

Summer open houses bring heat, glare, and quick first impressions. Here's how to help your home feel comfortable before buyers start looking closely.

08/08/2026

My office hosted a fascinating class yesterday, familiarizing our agents with our brokerage’s AI platform. We all learned so much about how this technology is impacting our industry and ways it can help us be more efficient. Thank you John De Souza for being a thought leader and helping our agents learn, grow, and stay ahead of the curve.

08/06/2026

Colorful flowers to brighten a gloomy Thursday.

08/06/2026

How to Improve Your Home's Outdoor Lighting
Most people don't think much about outdoor lighting until something feels off. The front walk is hard to see, or the porch feels dim. The backyard is pleasant during the day, then disappears once the sun goes down.
Small changes can help more than a full redesign. The point is not to make everything...

Better outdoor lighting can make your home feel safer, warmer, and easier to enjoy. Start with the areas people actually use after dark.

08/05/2026

Woohoo! 🎉 80!!

08/04/2026

Why Commute Times Matter More Than You Think
Commute time is one of those things buyers tend to round down in their heads.
Forty minutes becomes "about half an hour." A route with three bad intersections becomes "not too bad." A home that's farther out starts to feel reasonable after you've seen the kitchen, the yard, or the extra bedroom you...

A commute can seem simple during a home search, but daily routines tell a different story. Here's what buyers may want to test first.

08/04/2026

I’m so thrilled to present this beautifully kept 1930s bungalow- everything has been completely updated except the charming original features you love, like hardwood flooring, wood trim, and built-in storage. Virtually everything else is brand new, from the bathroom to the major systems and mechanicals, roof, septic tank - even the ductwork!
Make your appointment to see it for yourself.

OFFICIAL LISTING website. 3507 N 5th Street, Niles, MI 49120, 924 square foot, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms, asking price of $199,000, MLS ID 26040254