Kris Ann Bradley, Realtor

06/19/2026

Builder incentives aren’t always simple price cuts, and knowing what to ask for can make a real difference when you’re shopping new homes.

New construction can come with more room to negotiate than buyers sometimes expect. This article breaks down common builder incentives, including mortgage rate buydowns, closing-cost help, upgrade credits, and other perks that may be available at different stages of a project. The big takeaway is si...

06/18/2026

The most important factor to weigh before splurging is "adherence to the home's price range and location. If you over-improve — say, install a $200,000 kitchen in a $900,000 home in a $1 million neighborhood — you'll never recoup that money.

Upscale improvements can certainly be worth the investment if executed with a sense of balance between design panache, functionality, and market sensibility. The most important factor to weigh before splurging is "adherence to the home's price range and location. If you over-improve — say, install...

06/17/2026

Long-term housing trends tend to follow people and employment, which is why growth markets keep showing up on lists like this.

This article looks at ten U.S. markets that analysts believe are well positioned for future housing growth. Factors such as population gains, job creation, affordability, and local economic development all play a role in the rankings. While no forecast is guaranteed, the list offers an interesting l...

06/16/2026

AI is starting to play a bigger role in rental housing, but questions about fairness, accuracy, and accountability are still catching up.

From maintenance requests to tenant screening and customer service, artificial intelligence is becoming a larger part of the rental housing experience. Supporters say it can improve efficiency and response times, while critics raise concerns about transparency and legal responsibility when mistakes....

06/15/2026

Part of the appeal of buying a home is becoming the master of your own domain—no landlords, no lease renewals, just a space where what you say goes.

It's understandable that homeowners associations can cause some consternation. HOAs govern the rules of a community, from landscaping standards to exterior paint colors, and enforce them through fees and fines that homeowners have little choice but to pay.

06/14/2026

The number of homes available for sale is measured not only by the number but also by time. Understanding how housing inventory is calculated will help you determine the supply and demand in a real estate market.

Housing inventory is calculated by the number of homes currently listed for sale in a particular market, then expressed as the number of months it would take to sell all of those homes. The result is known as the "months of supply."

06/13/2026

A down payment can feel overwhelming, but consistent savings and a clear plan often matter more than trying to find a quick shortcut.

Buying a home takes more than finding the right property. It also requires preparation, especially when it comes to saving for a down payment, closing costs, and the expenses that come with moving. This article highlights a practical money-saving approach that can help future buyers build financial....

06/12/2026

If your patio feels a little plain, borrowing a few ideas from an English cottage garden can make the space feel warmer, softer, and more inviting.

A great patio doesn't have to be perfectly polished to feel special. These English cottage-inspired ideas focus on comfortable seating, colorful plantings, natural textures, and lived-in charm that makes an outdoor space feel welcoming. Whether you're working with a small courtyard, a backyard patio...

06/11/2026

A stronger credit score, lower debt, and a bigger down payment can all make a real difference before you start comparing loans.

Mortgage rates can make a big difference in what your monthly payment looks like, so this is a useful read before you start house hunting. Bankrate walks through practical steps like improving your credit, lowering debt, saving more upfront, and comparing offers from multiple lenders. It’s a good ...

06/10/2026

From furniture pieces to plants to paint colors, here are a few staples of the eternally chic.