Susan Kaczorek - Re/Max Select Realty

05/29/2026

The tables below reflect MMI’s April repost, showing the variance in purchase and construction production volumes across states and counties from March to April 2025.

Each month, MMI’s Mortgage Benchmark Report highlights the U.S. counties and states seeing the biggest increases (and decreases) in home purchase activity. These trends aren’t just numbers—they’re a snapshot of where people are actively getting into homes.

05/28/2026

WalletHub scored each city on a 100-point scale, with higher scores reflecting greater affordability.

Flint, Michigan, once closely linked with the auto industry, ranks as the nation's most affordable real estate market, according to a new analysis from WalletHub. The personal finance site based its findings on 10 factors, putting the heaviest weight on the ratio of median home prices to household i...

05/27/2026

When painting or decorating a room, it's important to consider its orientation.

We evaluated the colors to see what hues would look best in a room with northern exposure and which ones would negatively impact the space. Ideally, you should select a shade with a warm undertone to balance out or even counteract the cool lighting. Selecting the right paint color will not only nega...

05/26/2026

Pros share where to focus your effort.

Selling your home can be a bit of a guessing game. While you can certainly work to make sure your home looks its best, it’s hard to know what potential home buyers are actually reacting to (or looking for) as they walk through your home. That said, there are ways to stack the deck in your favor to...

05/25/2026

You don’t need a property manager to do it well.

Deciding to rent out a property is an exciting step. Whether you are inheriting property, turning a former home into a source of income, or getting started in real estate investing, becoming a landlord is more straightforward than you might think, even for first-timers who have never managed a prope...

05/23/2026

Market pressures rise: With U.S. first-time buyer age hitting 40 and affordability at historic lows, early purchases are seen as a proactive wealth-building move.

A growing number of parents are purchasing property for children still in elementary or middle school, aiming to secure housing before prices climb further. In one Australian case, parents spent over $500,000 on a two-bedroom apartment for a child under 12, a move echoed by U.S. families facing simi...

05/22/2026

Smart layouts, vertical gardening, and multi-functional pieces can make small yards feel spacious and purposeful

Small yards demand intentional design to balance function and beauty. Techniques like square-foot gardening, vertical planting, and using tiered or stackable planters help maximize growing potential without overcrowding. Even narrow areas, such as side yards, can become lush pathways or compact seat...

05/20/2026

You don’t always need a huge down payment to buy a home, and more buyers are proving that in 2026.

A lot of buyers still assume they need a 20% down payment, but that’s not always the case. Many loan programs allow qualified buyers to get into a home with much less upfront. In 2026, more buyers are taking advantage of those options to make homeownership happen sooner. If you’ve been putting o...

05/19/2026

Despite second-home mortgage rates above 7%, some retirees see rental income potential strong enough to offset costs and build equity.

05/16/2026

This unique product is only available for homeowners ages 62 and older, but it could provide the financial boost these seniors need to weather today's economic volatility while putting them back on a path toward regaining their financial freedom.

News in late April that the Federal Reserve was keeping interest rates on hold once again, and not proceeding with a rate cut that would benefit millions, wasn't unexpected. But it was still a disappointing development for many, especially seniors and older adults who have been contending with eleva...

05/15/2026

If you're in the midst of making decisions about a kitchen renovation, you're probably wondering if there's a flooring option that makes the most sense for this oft-traveled, food-filled room.

If you're in the midst of making decisions about a kitchen renovation, you're probably wondering if there's a flooring option that makes the most sense for this oft-traveled, food-filled room. Well, according to professional contractor and HGTV's Mike Holmes, there certainly is. While it may be tren...