Katherine Smith - Realtor

08/21/2026

Your front porch is the first part of your home most guests see. Does yours say “Welcome!”? Here are some ideas to help.

Whether your front porch is a tiny stoop or a full-blown wraparound, you can decorate it just as you would any room in your home to make it a welcoming introduction to the rest of your house. Not only will you gain curb appeal, but you’ll also create a space where you and guests want to spend time...

08/19/2026

Giving your front door a fresh coat of paint and new hardware will go far in making a great first impression on potential home buyers. Don't forget these other exterior facelifts before listing your home.

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression, and that holds true for your house as well. So, when prepping your home to sell, don’t forget to spruce up the exterior and the surrounding yard.

08/17/2026

When applying for a mortgage, should you lock in your interest rate or let it “float?” Here’s how to decide.

When applying for a mortgage, one of the first decisions a buyer must make is whether to lock in an interest rate on a mortgage. It’s somewhat of a gamble, but can be less stressful by paying attention to financial trends. How the process works. While shopping for homes, it’s also wise to shop f...

08/15/2026

If your house is lacking color, try adding window boxes. They are relatively inexpensive, or if you are handy you can easily DIY them in an afternoon.

08/14/2026

By replacing old shower heads with low-flow heads, you'll cut water usage and the water bill. Here are 11 key home improvements to consider with an eye toward savings.

Smart homeowners think of their homes as more than just a place to live. Their houses are also their biggest investment. By strategically investing modest sums of money now, you’ll see major savings later. Here are 11 keys spots to spend money with an eye toward saving. Heating and air conditionin...

08/12/2026

Are your unsightly foundation walls spoiling your home's curb appeal? A simple flowerbed is one solution. Find other makeover tips here.

Does your otherwise attractive home have an unsightly foundation wall that spoils its curb appeal? Here are five ways to make that ugly wall disappear. Paint it. Typically, the foundation wall has a thin veneer of concrete mortar spread over it similar to stucco, for a smoother cosmetic look. Choose...

08/10/2026

Does student loan debt make a first home purchase difficult? It can! A great payment history, with no missed or late payments, is a great way to boost your lending profile. Read on for more tips.

If you’re worried your student loans will prevent you from buying your first home, don’t fret. Here’s what you need to know to land that first house.

08/08/2026

When moving into your new home, before you unpack your first box, make your bed. You will glad you did after a long day of unpacking.

08/07/2026

There are several steps you should take to protect your online personal information, but the most basic is creating strong passwords for all your accounts. Let’s crack the code for fortified passwords.

What elements make for a strong online passwords? Here are some simple security tips to protect your personal data from being hacked.

08/05/2026

When listing your home for sale, be sure to vacuum carpet and dust mop hardwoods and tile - every single day. Find other ways to keep that pet hair at bay here.

Managing pet hair is a major challenge for even the most diligent housekeeper -- especially when it’s time to put your house up for sale. Here are a few tips from a pet lover who keeps a squeaky clean home. Floors collect the most hair. Make it a priority to vacuum carpet and dust mop hardwoods an...