About 95% of all real estate transactions reach a successful close. The NAR's Realtors Confidence Index Survey data varies from month to month but, generally speaking... 75% of total contracts sail through without delays 20% of total contracts have delay hiccups 5% of total contracts fall by the wayside Why Do Real Estate Transactions Fall by the Wayside? This is where the data g...

A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition – William Arthur Ward. But what happens when your windows are cloudy? You might think your cloudy window is just a cosmetic issue. [caption id="attachment_8356" align="alignright" width="300"] One good way to keep the neighbors from peeping.[/caption] Unfortunately, cloudy windows are not just cosmetic issues – cloudy windows are defective ...

[caption id="attachment_8333" align="alignright" width="300"] Four milestone inspections.[/caption] Should you have a new home inspected just before closing? No – We recommend to have a new home inspected at least four times, once for each phase of the process. Here are the milestones: Foundation – Inspect after forms have been removed and prior to back-filling soil against the found...

[caption id="attachment_8238" align="alignright" width="300"] You and your HVAC air filters.[/caption] Yes! Dirty and clogged air filters waste money on energy costs and cause damage to your HVAC system. #1 reason for HVAC system failure? Dirty air filters. #1 reason for dirty air filters? YOU! Despite our best intentions, calendar reminders, or strings we tie to our finger, we general...

Many homeowners have homes with asphalt shingle roof coverings with streaks- i.e., lighter here, darker there. [caption id="attachment_8190" align="alignright" width="300"] Splotchy roof on full display.[/caption] Take a peek at the photo and guess which areas are stained - lighter or darker? We hope it's obvious but if it's not, the darker areas are actually stained brown or black from a...

[caption id="attachment_8172" align="alignright" width="300"] Your energy bill going up in smoke.[/caption] Summer energy bills skyrocket just like fireworks when it’s steaming hot outside. Here’s a list of five cost-saving methods to help you declare independence from high energy costs. +1F:-3% It's a simple ratio. For each 1F increment above 72F, you save about 3% on your cooling expense...

Never fear, June is here- and it’s National Safety Month. Think you’ve heard it all before? Think again. It’s always good learning or refreshing how home safety can help prevent you and your family from getting hurt. One Size Does Not Fit All Home Safety. What comes to mind when you hear those two words together? Keeping your toddler or infant safe? Keeping your kids or teenagers safe? Keeping y...

[caption id="attachment_7064" align="alignright" width="300"] The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain.[/caption] The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain. A classic lyric from a classic musical. But unfortunately, it's just not true. Gravity applies everywhere, including Spain. Unless you live on the moon, gravity always forces water to seek the lowest possible point, which is y...

[caption id="attachment_6929" align="alignright" width="300"] The game never ends when the whole world depends on the turn of a friendly card.[/caption] Whether we have a fancy for an evening of five-card stud or visits to the casino, gambling with the safety of our deck is akin to playing the odds – the house always wins. Chances are that your deck is safe, but we’ve all witnessed news repo...

[caption id="attachment_6902" align="alignright" width="300"] Summer nights and pools are the prefect match![/caption] Pools are like relationships: complicated! But a pool also is just like any other property investment: Maintain = Enjoy vs. Neglect = Regret. Why It Matters: How Many Pools? Pools are a big market all over the nation- and world! According to the Association of Pool and Spa...