Mike Martin, REALTOR, RE/MAX Traders Unlimited

09/24/2026

Hire an experienced labor crew to carry heavy power recliners without damage.

Moving a recliner is harder than it looks. Learn the right way to prepare, angle, and carry a recliner safely through doorways and stairs.

09/24/2026

Buying and selling at the same time and not sure where to start?

With houses staying on the market a little longer these days, selling first could be the right move. It keeps you from juggling two mortgages while you wait for your house to sell.

You’ll also know exactly how much equity you’re walking away with (probably more than you think), and you can put it straight toward your next home.

Not sure where you’d stay in between? That part’s manageable with the right plan.

Give me a call to talk through the pros and cons. We’ll figure out what makes the most sense for you – and how to make the whole process as stress-free as possible.
309-696-0861

09/22/2026

Geometric and textured wallpaper brings movement and interest to any space.

From wallpapering the ceiling to fully wrapping a room, here's how the pros are hanging wallpaper in 2026 for a style-led look

09/21/2026

Add shade to your with these clever ideas.

Whether you're entertaining, lounging, or soaking in your spa, these functional and beautiful backyard shade ideas will help you make the most of the season’s last blazing days, without breaking a sweat.

09/21/2026

Repeat buyers, you’ve got a big leg up on your next move.

It’s your equity, the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. Sell, and that equity turns into cash you can roll right into your next down payment.

That’s how a lot of repeat buyers put down 20% or more. But why do they, especially when they don’t necessarily have to?

Because putting more down saves you money in the long run. A bigger down payment means a smaller loan, so your monthly payment is lower and you’re paying less interest over time.

You can also skip private mortgage insurance, or PMI, which is an additional monthly fee required for loans with less than 20% down.

Talk to a trusted lender to figure out what down payment makes the most sense for your budget. And when you’re ready to kick start your move, let’s talk. 309-696-0861

09/19/2026

🎈🎈OPEN HOUSE 🎈TODAY, 11-12:30 🎈🎈
Come tour this spacious 5BR, 3.5BA English Tudor
on a wooded lot in Deerbrook Estates!
721 W. Deerbrook Drive, Peoria, IL • $365,000
https://rem.ax/721WDeerbrookDrivePeoriaIL-OH
See it today and make it your new home! 309-696-0861

09/19/2026

What’s the best way to pack your home? Find out here.

Master how to pack for a move with our expert guide. Get room-by-room checklists, packing tips, moving hacks & a free downloadable timeline. Start packing smarter!

09/19/2026

Need to move, but worried you missed the window to sell your house until next year or next spring? Don’t count yourself out of the market so fast.

About a third of all home sales happen in the last four months of the year – and that share has been growing every year since 2023.

Based on the forecasts, that means roughly 11,800 houses are expected to sell every single day between now and the end of December.

Buyers are still out there, ready to move before the new year. Let’s connect and get your house in front of them. 309-696-0861

09/17/2026

🎈🎈OPEN HOUSE 🎈SATURDAY, 9/19, 11-12:30 🎈🎈
Come tour this spacious 5BR, 3.5BA English Tudor
on a wooded lot in Deerbrook Estates!
721 W. Deerbrook Drive, Peoria, IL • $365,000
https://rem.ax/721WDeerbrookDrivePeoriaIL-OH
See it on Saturday and make it your new home! 309-696-0861

09/17/2026

Tidy your laundry room with these clever organizing tips.

We all want an adorable, organized laundry room that makes us feel thrilled to fold towels. Well, I can't promise the towel thrill, but I can tell you how to have a functional laundry room that doesn't trigger your gag reflex. First off, here's a guide on how to declutter for total beginners if you....