Catherine Lord Realtor

09/04/2026

Improper bathroom fan use is fairly common, so you may not even know that you are using it incorrectly. This article talked to home reno and mold experts about how to use your bathroom fan properly.
https://www.thespruce.com/are-you-using-your-bathroom-fan-incorrectly-12066131

Bathroom fans are designed to vent odors and moisture outside the home, but many people use them incorrectly. Find out what mistakes you may be making.

08/29/2026

It's understandable if you’ve been putting off buying or selling a home until things settle down. But you may be waiting on something that’s already happened. While everything else has felt shaky, the housing market has become one of the steadiest things out there.
https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2026/08/26/worried-about-a-housing-crash-the-numbers-tell-a-calmer-story/

A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.

08/21/2026

Buyers who stay in the market may find greater negotiating power and opportunities to offset the higher borrowing costs.
Sellers are increasingly showing willingness to negotiate, giving buyers more leverage than they had during the frenzied housing markets of recent years.
https://www.nar.realtor/news/real-estate-news/as-mortgage-rates-mostly-hold-steady-agents-say-waiting-could-cost-buyers

Mortgage rates remained mostly unchanged this week, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.65%, according to Freddie Mac. Elevated borrowing costs continue to weigh on housing demand, but buyers who remain active may find advantages in today’s slower market.

08/14/2026

Buyers naturally focus on the largest visible expenses — mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance and the down payment.
The challenge is that maintenance doesn't behave like a mortgage payment. Instead, it arrives unpredictably.
https://www.homes.com/learn/maintenance-is-the-homeownership-expense-many-first-time-buyers-overlook/

Key takeawaysHomeowners should budget for more than occasional repair bills.Comparing a mortgage payment directly to rent can underestimate the true

08/07/2026

Once your home goes on the market, real estate agents may call to show your home anytime, day or evening. When you get the call that buyers are on their way, so is a handy checklist so you can be ready to show at any time.
https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/sellersadvice/tips-to-keep-your-home-show-ready-at-all-times

Once your home goes on the market, real estate agents may call to show your home anytime, day or evening. Keeping your home

08/02/2026

Homeowners insurance has always been part of owning a home. But over the past few years, it’s become a larger expense for many homeowners – something that’s especially frustrating when affordability already feels tight.
https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2026/07/30/buying-a-home-heres-what-you-should-know-about-home-insurance-costs/

If buying a home is on your radar, you've probably been keeping an eye on mortgage rates and home prices. But don’t forget about homeowners insurance.

07/18/2026

Accessory dwelling units are great for secondary housing, guest suites, in-law apartments, and home offices, but there are things to be aware of before you commit to adding one to your property.
https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/what-to-know-about-accessory-dwelling-units

07/10/2026

Saving for a down payment can feel like the hardest part of buying a home. Here’s something you may not have seen coming. Some people are getting their foot in the door with a smaller down payment.
https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2026/07/02/down-payments-are-smaller-than-theyve-been-since-2021/

Saving for a down payment can feel like the hardest part of buying a home.

07/03/2026

Summer is one of the best times to fall in love with your home all over again. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home, planning to stay for years, a few strategic updates can dramatically improve your home’s appearance while adding value.
https://www.talktotucker.com/talk/talk-to-tucker-blog/boost-your-homes-first-impression-this-summer-without-breaking-the-bank/

Simple landscaping, paint, and lighting ideas that add beauty and value. Summer is one of the best times to fall in love with your home all over again.

06/19/2026

Everyone wants to renovate. Problems can arise when homeowners take on tasks themselves without the proper training or preparation. Keeping renovations on track is simple - if you know what to look out for so you can avoid big mistakes.
https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/the-7-worst-mistakes-you-can-make-while-renovating-and-how-to-avoid-them

Everyone wants to renovate. And now more than ever, they want to do it themselves. While all that remodeling is great for the economy and also, presumably,...