Sam Thomas's Blog

When it comes to listing their home, most home sellers want three things: 1) to make a lot of money, 2) to put in minimal time and effort, and 3) to sell quickly. But the reality is, selling a home is rarely that simple. And homeowners who try to do it themselves—or receive bad advice—can end up ...

Over the past few years, many of us have spent extra time at home—and that means we appreciate the personal design touches that make a house cozy and comfortable more than ever. Some of us have adapted our dwellings in new ways, from creating functional home offices to upgrading the appliances we...

Last year, one factor drove the real estate market more than any other: rising mortgage rates. In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to pump the brakes on inflation.1 And while some market sectors have been slow to respond, the housing market has re...

As the end of 2022 approaches, many people may be considering the question of whether 2023 is the year they should buy a house. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are several factors to consider when determining whether now is the right time for you to take this bi...

If you're ready to sell your home, the first and most important step is to understand the current state of the real estate market in your area. This will give you a sense of what you can realistically expect to receive for your home and help you determine the best asking price. To get a handle on...

Negotiating Repairs During The Option PeriodAs a real estate agent, I've seen firsthand how negotiations for repairs during the option period can be more difficult than negotiating price. It's a common scenario: a buyer finds their dream home, but upon closer inspection, they realize that there a...

10 Questions You Should Ask Your LenderAs a home buyer, it's important to understand the financing process and what you can afford. Working closely with a lender can help ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about which mortgage is right for you. Here are...

Decorating the outside of your house for the holiday season is a time-honored tradition for many people. If you're wondering whether you should decorate the outside of your house one week before Christmas, there are a few factors to consider.First and foremost, it's important to consider the weat...

Should I FSBO my home since the market is cooling?Selling a home can be a complex and time-consuming process, and many homeowners wonder if they should take on the task themselves or hire a real estate agent. This decision can be especially difficult in a slow market, where the demand for homes m...

Understanding the value of your home is important for a variety of reasons. You may be considering selling your home and want to know how much it is worth in order to set a competitive asking price. You may also be refinancing your mortgage and need to know the value of your home to determine the...