Housing Chatter delivers the news you need to know about current events in the housing market in simple terms. We have no political or institutional affiliations so you can be confident that our content and commentary is unbiased. Housing Chatter is brought to you by your professional Realtor®.

Take Halloween to the Next Level With These Haunting How-Tos

Pulling off an elaborate Halloween display can take some trick-or-trial-and-error. If you’re spooked by the prospect, check out these tips from people whose neighborhoods go all-out to accommodate crowds of costumed revelers. Pick a theme If you’re going to decorate, choose a theme so your display doesn’t look random, said Miriam Cole, whose Louisville, KY ... Read More »

Why New Construction Homes Are a Hot Choice for Homebuyers

According to a recent Trulia survey, twice as many people prefer new homes to existing homes. So what qualifies as "new"? "New" means exactly that: just-built properties that have never been lived in before, or homes purchased in the pre-construction phase. On the flip side, "existing" or resale homes are considered pre-owned properties, most of which were ... Read More »

Tips for Baby Boomers Entering the Real Estate Market

Many soon-to-be retirees own a home, have paid off their mortgage and haven’t been in the real estate market for 25 years or more. A lot has changed, however, and the tips and tricks of the trade that worked in the ’80s could backfire if applied today. Though technology and the flow of information have dramatically altered the process of buying and selling h ... Read More »

Home Repair Showdown: Warranty vs. Insurance

OK, so it’s not actually a showdown. In fact, home warranties and home insurance policies almost never really go head to head because they fill separate needs. If you’re a first-time home buyer, however, terms such as warranty, premium and deductible can be confusing. Here’s a guide to the two types of coverage that can help with your home repairs. Similari ... Read More »

How Do I Know If I Can Trust a Contractor?

WHY CAN’T I FIND A GOOD CONTRACTOR? Where are you looking? When it comes to finding a reliable pro for your remodeling project, the closer to home you look, the better. Friends, family members, and neighbors are the most trusted source for contractor referrals, says the National Association of Home Builders. A referral from someone you know is a great pla ... Read More »

11 Telltale Signs Its Time to Move

Moving is no easy feat, but sometimes it's very, very necessary. Think you might be on the brink of a move? Here are the telltale signs it's time to start breaking out the boxes! 1. Bursting at the Seams Have you outgrown your home? Is the family getting bigger by the year but the bedroom count stays the same? Perhaps you are getting tired of waiting in li ... Read More »

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Water Heater?

Have you ever had one of those mornings? It's hard enough to drag yourself out of bed, but you think a steaming hot shower just might help to get you in shape for the long commute to work. You head, bleary-eyed, to the bathroom and turn on the tap. Oops! Only cold water is coming out. Twisting the faucet every which way doesn't help. Eventually you have to p ... Read More »

When It Comes to Home Buying, Location Is King

The real estate adage “location, location, location” has been around for decades. Real estate agents, investors and experienced home buyers will tell you that location trumps everything. I always advise clients that you can make changes to a home, but you can’t change the location — short of moving the house. Some neighborhoods change over time, of course, ... Read More »

To Tell the Truth: Consequences of Lying to Your Insurance Agent

No, your nose won’t grow if you tell lies to your home insurance agent. But your bank account could shrink – because you might not be covered for some costly incidents that standard policies typically cover. Let’s take a look at some common situations in which homeowners might be tempted to lie – and the consequences if they do. The keeping dogs lie Home ... Read More »

9 Things You Must Know When Buying a Brand New Home

Newly built or pre-construction homes are the house of choice for many homebuyers. Trulia recently asked people Americans whether they would prefer to buy a newly built home or a previously-lived-in home, and a whopping 41 percent said they wanted brand-spanking new. Why? Most people cite modern features and the ability to customize the home during the con ... Read More »

10 Interior Design Trends That Turn Off Home Buyers

You want your home to look its best, and maybe you've been inspired by the interior design trends you've seen in magazines, on TV or on design websites. But following some of the hottest home remodeling and interior design trends can backfire when it comes time to sell your home. Buyers want to picture themselves in a home, and highly individualistic touch ... Read More »