Ron Beard - District Director

06/05/2024

Monitoring of showings in a home is a sensitive legal issue, and it's essential to be aware of privacy laws and regulations. Here are some key points.

Homeowners may want to use electronic monitoring equipment — video and audio — to monitor guests in their home in two situations. Is this legal?

06/03/2024

Did you know that home value appreciation combined with extra payments on principle can help you expedite reaching 20% equity and eliminate the need for Private Mortgage Insurance? Learn more about PMI here.

Buyers who put less than 20 percent down on a home might find themselves with a higher-than-expected monthly payment. The extra money, which often takes first-time homebuyers by surprise, is for private mortgage insurance. What is PMI and why does the lender require it? Lender’s risk. When a borro...

06/01/2024

👩‍🏫 Moving In Tip: Focus on unpacking one room at a time - it helps you stay organized and makes the process feel more manageable. What's your #1 Tip for newbies?

05/31/2024

When storms hit, dodgy roofers may exploit homeowners. Here's how to find a reliable contractor and avoid storm chasers.

Unfortunately, bad roofers often exploit besieged homeowners after storms strike. Protect yourself and find a quality roofing contractor.

05/29/2024

Selling a home involves many complexities, and hiring the right agent is crucial. Here's what to expect when working with a reputable real estate agent.

The complexities of selling a home can be daunting. You don’t have the time or inclination to sell it yourself so what should you expect when hiring an agent to list and sell your home? A specific plan. The agent representing you should put together a detailed plan for marketing your home for the ...

05/27/2024

🇺🇸 On this Memorial Day, let's reflect on the cost of liberty and express our deepest gratitude to those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

05/25/2024

Small Room Design Tip: 🖼️↕️ Utilize vertical space with artwork arrangements. It draws the eye upward, making your space feel more open. Do you find this look chic or too busy for your taste?

05/24/2024

When you're in need of a locksmith, it's crucial to choose a reliable professional. Here's a quick guide to help you make the right decision.

When you’re locked out of your house or need to change your home locks a locksmith is an invaluable resource. Here are tips on hiring a pro.

05/22/2024

Before diving into a remodeling venture, consider the why behind your project. If a hefty resale payoff is the goal, tread carefully - some improvements yield less than expected. Here are some remodeling projects that may not give you the return you hope for.

Before jumping into a home remodeling project, think hard about the reasons behind your proposed renovations. If an anticipated big payoff at resale time is one of your top priorities, you might want to reconsider. Here are a few of the biggest home improvement losers:

05/20/2024

A crucial note for homebuyers: Lead, once common in housing construction, poses risks, especially in pre-1978 homes. Lead-based paint must be disclosed in all transactions, including "For Sale By Owner." Here are some more hazards to be aware of in older homes.

Homes built before 1990 are considered “older” by today’s standards, and those built before 1920 are considered vintage or “heritage.” Owning an older home brings a whole set of challenges not found with newer homes, one of them being the use of environmentally dangerous building materials...

05/18/2024

💡 Modernize your space on a budget by updating fixtures and hardware before listing your home. Swap out dated elements for more contemporary choices. It makes a big difference!

05/17/2024

Microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic, are pervasive and potentially harmful. While you can't solve the global issue alone, here are some things you can do around the home to make a difference in reducing microplastic pollution in your environment.

Microplastics are possibly the most universal pollutant on the planet. So what exactly are microplastics, and how can you protect yourself?