Stephen Tower II with Coldwell Banker Realty Houston, Texas

10/16/2026

Hiring a contractor to start a home reno is exciting—until they suddenly go radio silent halfway through the project. If this has happened to you, understand you’re not alone. Ghosting is an unfortunate yet common issue many homeowners experience at some point in time.

“Ghosting is almost never the first thing that goes wrong on a project. It’s usually the last and a result of a communication failure that starts long before the silence does,” explains Michael Gerstle, partner at Gerstle Snelson, LLP, a construction law firm in Dallas.

10/15/2026

There's a reason that there's a stigma against HOAs: Board members on a power trip can institute some ridiculous restrictions.

Living in a homeowners association can come with a legion of perks—like manicured common lawns, swanky amenities, and some rad Fourth of July barbecues. But anyone living in an HOA community will tell you straight out—there are a lot of rules enforced.

10/14/2026

Before you add another decorative detail to your garden, consider what you want it to highlight. Sometimes the plants provide all the personality you need.

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...

10/14/2026

Don't be tricked on Halloween. Choose the right realtor to always get the best treat.

10/14/2026

Everything in your home should have a place. Even those pesky, unsightly cables.

Looking for space to store your things at home? Everything you own is competing for space in your ho...

10/13/2026

If you’re building wealth through real estate, sometimes the biggest advantage comes from simple habits you can repeat consistently.

This BiggerPockets episode featuring Chad Carson focuses on the mindset and strategies behind long-term real estate success. The conversation highlights practical lessons around discipline, consistent action, and building wealth through steady decision-making rather than hype. It’s a useful remind...

10/12/2026

If you’re on a fixed income — like many people in retirement — controlling your expenses becomes more important than ever.

If you’re on a fixed income — like many people in retirement — controlling your expenses becomes more important than ever. One way to do that? Living somewhere with a lower cost of living. That’s part of the thinking behind finance website WalletHub’s 2026 ranking of Best and Worst States ...

10/12/2026

Why wait for spring to sell your home? 🍂
Fall can be a great time to put your home on the market. With serious buyers still searching for their next home, less seasonal competition in some markets, and motivated buyers looking to make a move before the holidays, your next real estate opportunity may be closer than you think.

Thinking about selling? Let’s talk about what your home could be worth in today’s market.

10/10/2026

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...

10/09/2026

The most memorable luxury homes usually feel lived in, and this one stands out for feeling stylish without feeling untouchable.

Lindsay Lohan gives a glimpse into the home she shares with her family, offering a more personal side of celebrity real estate. While the design is polished and upscale, what stands out most is how comfortable and livable the space feels. It’s a nice reminder that great homes aren’t just about l...