The Tony Brown Team

05/22/2026

Eco-friendly patio materials like reclaimed brick or permeable pavers add charm while reducing environmental impact.

Small yards demand intentional design to balance function and beauty. Techniques like square-foot gardening, vertical planting, and using tiered or stackable planters help maximize growing potential without overcrowding. Even narrow areas, such as side yards, can become lush pathways or compact seat...

05/18/2026

If you’ve been waiting for mortgage rates to settle down, the latest move shows why it helps to keep your numbers updated.

Mortgage rates moved up again, reaching their highest level in about five weeks, according to CNBC. That doesn’t mean buyers are out of the market, but it does make the payment math more important. A small rate change can affect what feels comfortable month to month, especially when home prices an...

05/17/2026

Retirees also explore side hustles like house sitting and renting unused space, and overseas options such as Greece’s low-tax Golden Visa.

Average mortgage rates for second homes stand at about 7.03%, roughly 0.25% to 0.50% higher than primary residences. Still, retirees in high-demand areas are renting properties to cover mortgages, HOA dues, and management fees, sometimes generating extra profit. Experts stress treating the venture l...

05/16/2026

The median new construction home sold for $387,400 in March, the lowest level in nearly five years. Prices have fallen 6.2% in the last year, even as older homes are still slowly appreciating.

The price relief for new construction buyers comes as builders continue to adjust to the housing market’s affordability problem. Many are slashing prices to compete in high-supply markets in the Southeast and Mountain West, and building smaller homes with simpler finishes that are in reach for mor...

05/15/2026

This unique product is only available for homeowners ages 62 and older, but it could provide the financial boost these seniors need to weather today's economic volatility while putting them back on a path toward regaining their financial freedom.

05/14/2026

Hollywood starlet Angelina Jolie has put her legendary Los Angeles estate on the market for $29.9 million—nearly two years after confessing that she wanted to leave the U.S. for good and move abroad.

Jolie, 50, purchased the extraordinary dwelling, which was once home to iconic filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, for $24.5 million in 2017, less than a year after she filed for divorce from fellow on-screen star Brad Pitt, and it has served as her primary residence ever since.

05/13/2026

If you're following real estate from an investment angle, this is a useful reminder that job growth and population trends still matter.

Real estate investment stories can be helpful, as long as they’re read with some local context. This U.S. News piece looks at markets that may appeal to investors, including places with population growth, job activity, and rental demand. It’s not a substitute for understanding a specific neighbo...

05/11/2026

Savvy homeowners pay attention to these hidden pitfalls long before putting up a “For Sale” sign. Knowing what hurts property resale value gives sellers a powerful edge and helps avoid costly surprises.

A home can look like a dream on paper and still scare off buyers the moment they step inside. Small quirks quickly turn into major deal-breakers when buyers compare multiple listings in a competitive market. Features that once felt trendy or personal can quietly slash your home’s resale value and ...

05/10/2026

This season feels more measured than the usual spring rush.

The spring housing market arrived with rising inventory, mixed price signals, and mortgage rates that remained high enough to keep affordability concerns in focus. Many buyers chose to wait due to affordability concerns and general economic uncertainty. Sellers responded by pricing more carefully to...

05/09/2026

Color Strategy: Use nature as a guide—mirror forest or garden colors in tile placement, gradients, or mosaics for a personalized and harmonious look.

If you have the spring urge to redecorate your bathroom, the tiles on the floor or walls are a good place to start. White subway tiles can never be truly outdated — it'd be like saying that water is going out of style. They aren't bad, they're just a bit plain. Overall, home decor trends have been...