Real Estate Blog for Buyers and Sellers - Jeff Lauster

TALKIN' REAL ESTATE WITH JEFF

7 Simple But Effective Habits For A Cleaner and Tidier Home All Year

7 Simple But Effective Habits For A Cleaner and Tidier Home All Year

Aiming to have a cleaner and calmer home this year? You're still on the right track for a fresh start. Before life gets busier and mess slowly creeps back in, we’ve rounded up small but impactful habits to start now, and which you can actually stick to for the long term. It's as simple as it s
Why You Should List Your Home at the Beginning of the Year

Why You Should List Your Home at the Beginning of the Year

New year, fresh possibilities. And if you're a homeowner considering selling, you might be surprised to learn that the start of the year is also an ideal time to list. Listing your home at the beginning of the year can give you a competitive edge, get ahead of the market, and attract serious buy
Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell

Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell

Planning to sell this spring? While you may be tempted to hold off until the first blooms or the spring showers hit, that’s actually waiting too long to get started by today’s standards. Buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. So, it’s worth it to tackle repairs now and make sure
Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home?

Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home?

You may not want to put your homebuying plans into hibernation mode this winter. While a lot of people assume spring is the ideal time to buy a house, new data shows January may actually be the best time of year for budget-conscious buyers. Kind of surprising, right? Here’s why January deserves
Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate

Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate

If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you’ve probably thought: “I’d like to move… but I don’t want to give up my 3% rate.” That’s fair. That rate has been one of your best financial wins – and it can be hard to let go. But here’s what you need to remember… A great rate won’t make up for a home
Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 2]

Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 2]

When selling a home, it's not uncommon for your buyer to ask for more time before closing. This request to extend the closing date might be due to financing, inspection, paperwork delays, or life changes, among other reasons. It’s frustrating, yes, and may leave you wondering what it means for you
Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 1]

Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 1]

When selling a home, it's not uncommon for your buyer to ask for more time before closing. This request to extend the closing date might be due to financing, inspection, paperwork delays, or life changes, among other reasons. It’s frustrating, yes, and may leave you wondering what it means for you
Biggest Home Inspection Red Flags To Look Out For Before Buying

Biggest Home Inspection Red Flags To Look Out For Before Buying

You think you've finally found your dream home and your offer has already been accepted, which means you’re heading into the inspection. You’re already halfway through the process! However, since buying a home is one of the largest investments you can make, a comprehensive home inspection is al
More than 600 designers weigh in on the hottest kitchen trends

More than 600 designers weigh in on the hottest kitchen trends

More than 600 designers weigh in on the hottest kitchen trends Industry survey finds a push for neutral and natural and more organization Designers say neutral palettes and greens will be popular color choices in kitchens, like this one by Otogawa-Anschel Design Build in Minneapolis. (Spacecraftin
5 Reflective Questions To Ask Yourself Before Deciding To Buy A House

5 Reflective Questions To Ask Yourself Before Deciding To Buy A House

The moment you decide to become a first-time home buyer is a huge feat on its own. After all, buying a home is both a momentous financial and emotional commitment. And just like any critical decision, you need to be sure it's right for you, no matter what anybody else says. Asking the right questi
Don't Overlook These Signs of Foundation Problems on A House

Don't Overlook These Signs of Foundation Problems on A House

A house is only as stable as its base. It can have luxurious finishes and modern appliances, but without a strong foundation, it can pose safety concerns that can potentially put you and your family at risk. Foundation problems are dangerous since they can lead to significant issues throughout th
5 Ways to Involve Your Children in The Home Buying Process

5 Ways to Involve Your Children in The Home Buying Process

Since purchasing a new home is a monumental decision, house-hunting can be a stressful and emotionally draining experience. Add kids to the situation, and it can get even more complicated. However, involving your children in the home-buying process can make it more meaningful. Moving into a new home
Curb Appeal Projects to Focus On If You Want To Sell Your Home This Spring

Curb Appeal Projects to Focus On If You Want To Sell Your Home This Spring

What is curb appeal? To put it simply, curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of a home's exterior. It’s how welcoming a house looks from the street, which includes landscaping, exterior maintenance, architecture, and overall appearance. Why is curb appeal crucial to attracting potential buyer
Don't Know How Much To Offer on A House? Let These Questions Guide You

Don't Know How Much To Offer on A House? Let These Questions Guide You

Throughout your home-buying journey, there's nothing more exhilarating than finding the home of your dreams. You can’t wait to try new tasty recipes in that spacious kitchen or relax in your cozy nook with a book in hand. Once you think you’ve found The One and the daydreaming is over, the next th
7 Huge Signs It's Time To Sell Your House

7 Huge Signs It's Time To Sell Your House

Your home isn't simply one of your biggest investments. More than just a physical shelter, it’s a space where precious memories are made. But as much as you love your home, there will always come a time when you feel like it’s time to move. According to the National Association of Realtors® 2024 P
Down Payment Assistance Programs: How Do They Work To Help You Become A Homeowner

Down Payment Assistance Programs: How Do They Work To Help You Become A Homeowner

Buying a home is no easy feat. You usually have to put money down equal to a percentage of the final purchase price, or your down payment. Having this upfront cash on hand may not be easy for everyone. In fact, it's one of the major hurdles when buying a home. This is why down payment assistance p
Planning To Sell This Year? Don't Forget To Factor in These Closing Costs

Planning To Sell This Year? Don't Forget To Factor in These Closing Costs

If you're thinking about selling your home this year, you’ve probably been monitoring its value for a while so you can sell and still get a substantial profit. But before you start counting how much money you’ll make, don’t forget to factor in seller closing costs into the sale price. Let's take a
Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 2]

Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 2]

Planning to buy a home in 2025? With only a few days left ‘til the new year, it may seem like an extremely distant and daunting goal. But the good news is that you still have the whole year ahead of you, which means you can take it step by step. Getting started today is already a huge feat, so here'
Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 1]

Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 1]

Planning to buy a home in 2025? With only a few days left ‘til the new year, it may seem like an extremely distant and daunting goal. But the good news is that you still have the whole year ahead of you, which means you can take it step by step. Getting started today is already a huge feat, so her
What You Should Know About Buying or Selling A Home in Winter

What You Should Know About Buying or Selling A Home in Winter

From December to February, the real estate market is at its slowest due to the holidays and the cold weather in many regions. But according to the National Association of REALTORS®, over 11,300 existing homes and 1,600 new homes are sold per day on average from December to February. That's still a
Pros and Cons of Buying A Home Near A School

Pros and Cons of Buying A Home Near A School

During house-hunting, it isn't just the house itself that you have to consider. The property’s location still plays an important role, especially its surrounding areas and the neighborhood. A home’s proximity to a school will likely be one of the many factors you consider, whether or not you have ch
Got What It Takes To Sell Your Home? Here Are 6 Habits of Successful Home Sellers

Got What It Takes To Sell Your Home? Here Are 6 Habits of Successful Home Sellers

Selling a home can be a complex and stressful process. Even in the best market conditions, whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time home seller, reset your expectations and adjust your sales strategy accordingly to get your home sold for the price and terms you want. This guide outlines six
Can A Generator Add Value To Your Home?

Can A Generator Add Value To Your Home?

The simple answer: YES. Severe weather events increase in frequency and intensity each year, causing more unexpected power outages. This is why a generator is becoming a desirable home feature for both buyers and sellers. Homeowners are recognizing the importance of having a reliable backup power
Moving To A New State? Don't Forget To Add These Tasks To Your To-Do List

Moving To A New State? Don't Forget To Add These Tasks To Your To-Do List

After the complexities of the home-buying journey, moving to your new home is no easy feat. But moving across state lines? It adds a new level of intricacy that can overwhelm you if you don't plan for everything in advance. You might have already gone through the usual moving tasks, from creating
Heads Up! Here Are 5 Issues That Could Delay Your Real Estate Closing

Heads Up! Here Are 5 Issues That Could Delay Your Real Estate Closing

Whether you're the one buying or selling a home, the real estate closing is sure to be both exciting and daunting for you. Even though both parties agreed on a chosen date and might be pleased with the dollar amount on the table, there are still plenty of surprises that can be tricky to deal with.
7 Little Ways You Can Upgrade Your Bathroom (Without Draining Your Savings)

7 Little Ways You Can Upgrade Your Bathroom (Without Draining Your Savings)

Renovations can be expensive, even for a small utilitarian space such as a bathroom. But it's one of the most personal and private areas of our home, so, at some point in our lives, we’ve probably planned on turning it into a lavish space where we can have a relaxing self-care routine. If you’re som

7 Simple But Effective Habits For A Cleaner and Tidier Home All Year

7 Simple But Effective Habits For A Cleaner and Tidier Home All Year

Why You Should List Your Home at the Beginning of the Year

Why You Should List Your Home at the Beginning of the Year

Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell

Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell

Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home?

Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home?

Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate

Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate

Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 2]

Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 2]

Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 1]

Your Home Buyer Wants To Extend The Closing Date—What Now? [PART 1]

Biggest Home Inspection Red Flags To Look Out For Before Buying

Biggest Home Inspection Red Flags To Look Out For Before Buying

More than 600 designers weigh in on the hottest kitchen trends

More than 600 designers weigh in on the hottest kitchen trends

5 Reflective Questions To Ask Yourself Before Deciding To Buy A House

5 Reflective Questions To Ask Yourself Before Deciding To Buy A House

Don't Overlook These Signs of Foundation Problems on A House

Don't Overlook These Signs of Foundation Problems on A House

5 Ways to Involve Your Children in The Home Buying Process

5 Ways to Involve Your Children in The Home Buying Process

Curb Appeal Projects to Focus On If You Want To Sell Your Home This Spring

Curb Appeal Projects to Focus On If You Want To Sell Your Home This Spring

Don't Know How Much To Offer on A House? Let These Questions Guide You

Don't Know How Much To Offer on A House? Let These Questions Guide You

7 Huge Signs It's Time To Sell Your House

7 Huge Signs It's Time To Sell Your House

Down Payment Assistance Programs: How Do They Work To Help You Become A Homeowner

Down Payment Assistance Programs: How Do They Work To Help You Become A Homeowner

Planning To Sell This Year? Don't Forget To Factor in These Closing Costs

Planning To Sell This Year? Don't Forget To Factor in These Closing Costs

Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 2]

Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 2]

Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 1]

Buyers, Here's Your Guide to Make Your Homeownership Dream Alive in 2025 [PART 1]

What You Should Know About Buying or Selling A Home in Winter

What You Should Know About Buying or Selling A Home in Winter

Pros and Cons of Buying A Home Near A School

Pros and Cons of Buying A Home Near A School

Got What It Takes To Sell Your Home? Here Are 6 Habits of Successful Home Sellers

Got What It Takes To Sell Your Home? Here Are 6 Habits of Successful Home Sellers

Can A Generator Add Value To Your Home?

Can A Generator Add Value To Your Home?

Moving To A New State? Don't Forget To Add These Tasks To Your To-Do List

Moving To A New State? Don't Forget To Add These Tasks To Your To-Do List

Heads Up! Here Are 5 Issues That Could Delay Your Real Estate Closing

Heads Up! Here Are 5 Issues That Could Delay Your Real Estate Closing

7 Little Ways You Can Upgrade Your Bathroom (Without Draining Your Savings)

7 Little Ways You Can Upgrade Your Bathroom (Without Draining Your Savings)

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