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5 simple ways to increase your home resale value

Getting top dollar on your home is a real thing, and some mistakes can cost you tens of thousands in earnings (browse our blog for stories). Here are 5 simple ways to make sure you get it right.

1. maximize the usable value of each room.

Take advantage of every inch of your home by maximizing the usable value of each room. Consider removing bulky furniture, adding functional storage solutions, and creating multi-functional spaces that can serve multiple purposes.

2. stage through the buyer's eyes.

Stage it correctly. That doesn’t always mean renting furniture — and it definitely doesn’t mean leaving out cookies and welcome signs. What it does mean is arranging your space and decor to…

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how to boost your home's energy efficiency this spring

Increasing the energy efficiency of your home not only reduces your carbon footprint, but also helps to save money on energy costs. Below are some tips to help make your home more sustainable this spring.

1. clean your refrigerator's coils.

Doing this simple task will allow your fridge to draw less power when cleaned from dust and grime.  As a result, your fridge will run more efficiently and last longer.

2. insulate wall, ceilings, and windows.

Insulation is crucial in keeping your home warm during the colder months and cool during the warmer months. Insulating your home helps to keep the heat in and saves you energy costs. Consider using eco-friendly insulation materials, such…

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what you get when you work with a REALTOR®

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you'll ever make. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned real estate investor, it can be a complex and overwhelming process. That's where a REALTOR® comes in. They are licensed professionals who can provide you with expert guidance and support throughout the entire real estate transaction. In fact, NAR data shows that a median REALTOR®-listed home sold for $120k more than by owner last year. Read on to learn more about all the key benefits of working with an agent.

1. experience you can't beat.

One of the main benefits of working with a REALTOR® is building your wealth with a foundation valuable of market experience.…

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a hopeful perspective on the 2023 market

It's a new season in the real estate market, and we're ready to talk about it in a positive way. Below are reasons why you should have a hopeful perspective for this 2023 market.

1. annual home values are stable.

There is still high demand from buyers, and inventory is low —meaning that prices are not predicted to plummet anytime soon. For sellers, this means your equity is predicted to remain stable so far.

2. the market is normalizing.

Just because we aren't seeing a boom like in 2020, that doesn't mean the market is crashing. Instead, things are going back to normal. Let's face it — as much as the artificially lowered interest rates made mortgages more appealing and equity high for sellers,…

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here for all your winter real estate needs

The arhome brand is here for you all year round, even during the cold winter months. As the holidays approach, we want to take a moment to reflect and appreciate all the opportunities we had to serve you. Below are some highlights of what we do and who we are.

1. a strong support system.

This year we continually grew in ways to support our clients. Every year, our #1 goal is for everyone who walks through our doors to feel cared for, supported, and to receive personalized service uniquely tailored to their needs. We are thankful for all the relationships we built this year! Our transaction staff, showing staff, marketing staff + front desk staff all worked hard to support our agents, so that they…

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prepare your home for easy holiday hosting

The holidays are approaching! What better way to prepare than finding fresh and easy ideas to host? Get your home ready with these 5 steps.

1. pre-stock guest spaces

Make your guests feel right at home with nicely stocked guest spaces, like fresh sheets and extra blankets. Give an extra touch in the guest bedroom with a tray of mugs, hot cocoa, and tea to give that "bed and breakfast" feel.

2. prep your serving areas

Have some sofa tables, counter space or buffet tables that could work as serving spaces? Clear them up and pre-set with a drink station or candies for the season to quickly turn them into a dessert bar or more!

3. add holiday scents

Hosting can be a lot of work, so get in the…

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vintage home trends that are now cool again

Did you know that some of today's home trends were actually totally cool a long time ago too? Here's a list of trend you may not have realized date way back:

1. woven furniture is back in style.

About 50 years later, rattan chairs, bed frames, and consoles are appearing in homes and adding extra textured accents.

2. light wood is in.

Everyone is ready to change their floors to a lighter wood again, as opposed to dark cherry tones that were the latest hit. Lighter wood tends to add a bigger + brighter feel to the space.

3. mid-century modern can be found everywhere.

The minimalist style of mid-century modern furniture with legs adds a simple + airy look. It allows you to draw attention to…

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a breakdown of buyer closing costs

Preparing for a home purchase can be daunting - but it doesn't have to be. Know what to be prepared for so you can make a strategic plan. Don't forget to budget for extra closing costs that come on top of your down payment. Get an estimate from your lender and make sure you know what to expect before you set your home price range.

Here's what buyers should expect at a closing:

1. down payment

This is the money that the home buyer pays upfront for the property. Down payments are usually a percentage of the purchase price and typically range from around 3% to 20%, but there is no limit to how much you are allowed to put down.

2. lender fees

Lender fees are the cost of processing your loan, such as…

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3 mistakes first time homebuyers make 

It costs an average of $25k more to buy a home today than at this time last year!  First time buyers, don’t make these costly mistakes:

1. forgetting about closing costs

Don’t forget to budget for extra closing costs that come on top of your down payment. Get an estimate from your lender and make sure you know what to expect before you set your home price range.

2. lowball offers

Low ball offers are not a good negotiation tactic. Even if you think the home is overpriced, a crazy low offer could offend the seller and hurt your position. In today’s market, where over-asking bids are the norm, this would mean not skimping when bidding on a home you love — if you do, chances are you’ll get outbid and…

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