Kieva M., Realtor

07/04/2021

It's 4th of July! How are you celebrating?

07/03/2021

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...

07/01/2021

Don’t say "No" to a spur-of-the-moment showing. You’ll be ready in no time with this handy checklist.

Your house is on the market and your agent just called with great news. Buyers are interested in seeing your home. The not-so-great news? They want to come in less than half an hour and your house is a mess. Don’t miss out on a chance to sell your home. Use this quick and easy …

06/29/2021

All excited about designing an outdoor space? Pour a cool drink, relax and review these ideas.

American homeowners love their outdoor spaces. At the end of a day’s work, or on the weekend with friends, relaxing on a gorgeous backyard patio or deck is one of life’s great rewards. So let’s do it in style. Plan for good times. Before you turn the first shovel of dirt for a patio or …

06/27/2021

Kitchen faucets have come a long way since grandma’s day. Here’s a guide to today’s latest and greatest sink hardware.

Today’s faucets are attractive, sleek and come in a beautiful array of shapes, sizes and even colors. Perhaps the most eye pleasing are the various swan neck designs, which are popular for their form and function. Available finishes range from nickel and bronze to copper, brass and stainless steel...

06/26/2021

Builders sometimes take a chance and build a "spec" home. What does it mean for you as a buyer and how can you benefit from it?

When shopping for a new home, one of the options you may encounter is a builder’s spec home. Builders construct “spec” homes, short for speculative, hoping to interest a buyer who needs a home as soon as possible. Typically, all that is left to be done in a spec home are the finishing touches,...

06/24/2021

Before you lower the asking price of your home, consider these important factors.

If your house has been up for sale for two months — or longer — without a nibble of interest, it’s probably time to ask yourself some tough questions. What causes a house to languish on the market and when should you lower the price? Pinpoint the problem. With a Comparative Market Analysis or ...

06/22/2021

Looking for cash in retirement? Could a reverse mortgage be right for you?

You may have heard the term “reverse mortgage,” but have you ever investigated how they work? Here’s a tutorial to help you understand if a reverse mortgage is right for you. What is a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, is a tool typically us...

06/20/2021

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

06/19/2021

Don’t sweat the paperwork when it’s time to shop for a mortgage on your new home. Learn about the new consumer-friendly forms that will make your choices easier to understand.

If you haven’t bought a home in recent years, the paperwork you’ll be confronted with will look a little different this time around. That’s because of new regulations put in place following the 2008 financial crisis. Under the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dod...

06/17/2021

You've probably heard of the "MLS" as it relates to listing homes. Read this article to learn what it is and how it can help sell your home.

The Multiple Listing Service, or MLS as it is known in the real estate world, is the No. 1 source of listing information on homes for sale in the United States. Whether buying or selling, the MLS plays a big role in the marketing and sales of homes across the country.

06/15/2021

Save yourself some money and preserve Mother Earth. Here are some tips and tricks to lower your utility bills.

Once homeowners have been stung by high energy bills, they’re quickly motivated to save resources and money. Check out these energy-saving tips. While some require a significant investment, others are relatively cheap or even free. Cheaper options include: Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED...