Gail Strom, Realtor

06/16/2024

Wishing all the great Dads out there a Happy Father's Day!

06/15/2024

In the home improvement arena, there’s no doubt men and women see things differently. Here’s how to find common ground in your battle of the sexes.

If you’ve got a full-fledged battle of the sexes going on at your house regarding home improvement priorities, it’s time to call a timeout. Finding common ground is the key to deciding which projects to tackle first and which can wait. You’ll both be happier and your home-improvement efforts w...

06/14/2024

In the market for a construction loan? Here are your loan and closing options.

When planning to build a custom home, buyers have their choice of two types of construction loans. The traditional type involves two closings, one for the construction phase and one for the permanent mortgage. The newer, more popular version is the so-called one-time close, also called a constructio...

06/12/2024

Are you in the process of selling your home with pets living in the house? Here is how to clean up those accidents quickly!

Pet accidents are inevitable, reminding us all of the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Hurry, grab some supplies and let’s get that mess cleaned up and the odor removed. Soiled carpets. Quick removal of pet waste is essential. Left to dry, stain and odor removal become...

06/10/2024

Are you a wine connoisseur with a need for in-home wine storage? Check out the possibilities - from mini fridge to custom wine cellar.

There are wine drinkers and then there are wine lovers, for whom the drink stirs passion. If you fall into the latter category, perhaps you’ve considered adding a wine cellar or dedicated wine refrigerator. Do you need it? Most wines today have already aged about two years from making to purchase ...

06/08/2024

Here’s how to build great neighborhood relationships that pay real dividends.

Ask homeowners what builds value in their homes and they likely will name things like kitchen upgrades, a new deck or other hard assets. What may not come to mind as readily is the value of having great neighbors. Yet having a harmonious neighborhood pays off in personal satisfaction and ultimately....

06/07/2024

Know these five effective ways to win a bidding war on the home of your dreams.

If you live in an area where homes are selling for asking price or more, you could find yourself in a bidding war. Here are five tips to reduce your stress and come out on top. Have your money in order. Do a solid budget analysis and know precisely how much you can afford to […]

06/05/2024

Why wait to stage your home for someone else? With a little work, you can enjoy a designer-worthy kitchen every day of the year.

You’ve probably heard that staging your home will help it sell faster and for a higher price. But why wait to put your best decorating foot forward until you’re ready to move. Do it for yourself, and enjoy. If you later decide to sell, you’ll be ahead of the game. Here are a few tips […]

06/03/2024

Is a second home in your future? Here’s the lowdown on mortgage approval and tax implications.

Are you in the market for buying a second home? You probably have lots of questions — what’s it like to qualify for a mortgage on a second home, and are there still tax advantages? Let’s take a look. Mortgage risk. Since lenders view second homes as being a higher risk for default than first [...