Welcome to St. Petersburg, a vibrant city where sunshine meets culture, and history blends seamlessly with modern living. Known for its beautiful waterfronts, thriving arts scene, and welcoming communities, St. Pete offers a lifestyle for everyone. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or looking to retire in a warm, scenic location, St. Pete has the perfect neighborhood to meet your needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, from the artistic streets of Downtown to the luxurious waterfronts of Snell Isle. Each community has its unique charm, and by the end of this guide, you’ll have a deeper understanding of where you might want to put down roots in this dynamic city. Downtown St. Petersburg Key Points Lifestyle: Urban living, vibrant arts and entertainment scene Key Attractions: The Dali Museum, St. Pete Pier, and more Housing Options: Luxury condos, apartments, historic homes Who it’s for: Young professionals, art lovers, and urban dwellers Downtown St. Petersburg is the heartbeat of the city. Known for its vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and walkable streets, it’s a hub for young professionals, creatives, and anyone who loves the energy of city living. Lifestyle Living in Downtown St. Pete means having access to a wide variety of entertainment options just steps from your door. Art galleries, theaters, bars, and restaurants line the streets, offering something for everyone. The nightlife is vibrant, but there are also plenty of quiet spots for those who enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're grabbing coffee at a local café or exploring one of the many museums, downtown has a rhythm that keeps things exciting. Key Attractions Downtown St. Petersburg is home to some of the city’s most popular attractions. The world-renowned Dali Museum, with its stunning architecture and surrealist art collection, draws visitors from all over. The St. Pete Pier, a newly renovated landmark, offers green spaces, restaurants, and breathtaking views of Tampa Bay. If you enjoy live performances, you’ll love catching a show at the Mahaffey Theater or the Palladium Theater, both located in the downtown district. Housing Options Downtown offers a range of housing options to suit various lifestyles and budgets. You’ll find sleek, modern condos with panoramic views of the bay, historic homes with character, and stylish apartments perfect for urban living. While prices tend to be higher here due to its prime location, the convenience of living close to the action makes it well worth the investment. Who it’s for This neighborhood is ideal for young professionals who want to be close to their workplaces, creatives who thrive in the arts scene, and anyone who enjoys the energy of an urban environment. If you're someone who loves being at the center of cultural events and having endless options for dining, shopping, and entertainment, Downtown St. Pete is where you’ll feel right at home.   Old Northeast Key Points Lifestyle: Historic charm with a close-knit community feel Key Attractions: North Shore Park, Coffee Pot Bayou Housing Options: Historic homes, charming bungalows Who it’s for: Families, history lovers, and those seeking a quiet yet central neighborhood One of the most charming and historic neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, Old Northeast offers tree-lined streets, brick-paved roads, and homes that date back to the early 1900s. Known for its strong sense of community, this neighborhood strikes a balance between being residential and conveniently located near downtown. Lifestyle Old Northeast is perfect for those who want a slower pace without sacrificing proximity to the city’s amenities. Residents can often be found walking their dogs, chatting with neighbors on their front porches, or enjoying a quiet afternoon at one of the local parks. Despite its peaceful vibe, the neighborhood is just a short bike ride or walk away from the lively downtown area. Key Attractions Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home with North Shore Park and Coffee Pot Bayou nearby. These green spaces offer walking paths, playgrounds, and spots for picnics. Coffee Pot Bayou is especially popular for kayaking and paddleboarding, with beautiful views of dolphins and manatees that frequent the waters. Housing Options The housing stock in Old Northeast is diverse, with historic Craftsman bungalows, Mediterranean-style homes, and larger estates. Many of the homes have been carefully restored, maintaining their original charm while offering modern amenities. If you're in the market for a home with character, this is the neighborhood to explore. Who it’s for Old Northeast is ideal for families, retirees, and those who appreciate historic architecture and a strong sense of community. The quiet streets, friendly neighbors, and proximity to both nature and downtown make it a desirable place for anyone looking to enjoy a slower-paced lifestyle while still staying connected to the heart of the city.   Snell Isle Key Points Lifestyle: Luxurious waterfront living with private amenities Key Attractions: Vinoy Golf Club, Snell Isle Marina Housing Options: Luxury waterfront homes and estates Who it’s for: High-income buyers, waterfront enthusiasts, retirees Snell Isle is one of St. Petersburg’s most prestigious and upscale neighborhoods, known for its luxurious waterfront homes and exclusive lifestyle. Located just minutes from downtown, this area offers residents a serene environment while remaining close to the city’s cultural and entertainment hubs. Lifestyle Life on Snell Isle is characterized by quiet streets, manicured lawns, and stunning views of Tampa Bay. The neighborhood is perfect for those who enjoy a private and relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like boating, golfing, and jogging along the waterfront. Residents here often gather for community events at the local Vinoy Golf Club, adding to the close-knit feel of this exclusive neighborhood. Key Attractions The crown jewel of Snell Isle is the Vinoy Golf Club, a historic golf course and country club that offers private memberships for residents looking to enjoy premium amenities like tennis, dining, and social events. The Snell Isle Marina provides easy access to the bay for boaters, making this neighborhood a favorite among those who love life on the water. Housing Options Homes in Snell Isle are nothing short of spectacular. This neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most luxurious waterfront estates, many with private docks and breathtaking views of the bay. The architectural styles range from Mediterranean Revival to modern contemporary, and the homes here often feature expansive gardens, pools, and private amenities. If you’re seeking luxury, Snell Isle delivers. Who it’s for Snell Isle is ideal for affluent buyers, retirees, and those seeking a luxurious, waterfront lifestyle. If you’re a boater or someone who loves the tranquility of living on the water, Snell Isle provides an unmatched level of privacy and luxury, all within a short distance of downtown St. Petersburg. Kenwood Key Points Lifestyle: Eclectic and artistic, with a vibrant community spirit Key Attractions: Grand Central District, Kenwood Dog Park Housing Options: Craftsman bungalows and mid-century homes Who it’s for: Artists, creatives, young professionals Kenwood is one of St. Pete’s most eclectic and artistic neighborhoods, where historic homes and a vibrant, creative community come together to form one of the most unique living environments in the city. Known for its strong ties to the arts, Kenwood is a favorite among creatives and young professionals who enjoy a neighborhood with personality. Lifestyle The artistic spirit of Kenwood is visible everywhere, from the colorful murals that adorn its streets to the historic homes with their distinctive architectural styles. The neighborhood hosts frequent art walks and community events, where residents gather to celebrate creativity. Kenwood’s proximity to the Grand Central District also provides easy access to galleries, independent boutiques, restaurants, and local breweries, offering a lively and engaging atmosphere. Key Attractions Kenwood is closely connected to the Grand Central District, a bustling area filled with art galleries, vintage shops, and great dining spots. The Kenwood Dog Park is a popular gathering spot for pet owners, offering a great space to socialize with neighbors. The neighborhood is also home to BungalowFest, an annual event where the historic homes of Kenwood are showcased. Housing Options Kenwood is known for its charming Craftsman-style bungalows, many of which date back to the early 20th century. These homes have been lovingly restored, maintaining their historic charm while incorporating modern amenities. The neighborhood also features some mid-century homes, making it a great spot for anyone interested in historic architecture. Who it’s for Kenwood is perfect for artists, creatives, and young professionals looking for an affordable yet vibrant neighborhood close to downtown. If you’re someone who values a strong sense of community, enjoys participating in local events, and loves living in a neighborhood with character, Kenwood is a fantastic choice. Find Your St. Pete Home Crescent Heights Key Points Lifestyle: Peaceful residential area, centrally located Key Attractions: Crescent Lake Park, nearby shops and restaurants Housing Options: Bungalows and ranch-style homes Who it’s for: Families, professionals, those seeking quiet living close to the city Crescent Heights is a quiet, residential neighborhood located just north of downtown St. Petersburg. Known for its friendly atmosphere and tree-lined streets, Crescent Heights is an ideal spot for those looking for a peaceful community that’s still conveniently close to the city’s amenities. Lifestyle Life in Crescent Heights is relaxed and community-oriented. Residents here enjoy walking their dogs, jogging through the quiet streets, and spending time at the neighborhood’s beloved Crescent Lake Park. The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown means that residents can easily enjoy the restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions of the city while coming home to a peaceful suburban environment. Key Attractions The standout attraction in Crescent Heights is Crescent Lake Park, a beautiful, sprawling green space with a lake at its center. The park is perfect for family outings, picnics, and outdoor activities, and it’s also a popular spot for runners and fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, the neighborhood is within walking distance to a variety of local shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering a blend of suburban living with urban convenience. Housing Options Crescent Heights offers a mix of charming bungalows and ranch-style homes, many of which have been updated with modern features while retaining their classic appeal. The homes here are situated on spacious lots with mature trees, providing a peaceful, residential atmosphere that’s perfect for families and professionals alike. Who it’s for Crescent Heights is ideal for families, professionals, and anyone seeking a quiet, safe neighborhood that’s close to the city. With its friendly community, easy access to parks, and proximity to downtown, it’s a great place for those looking to balance suburban tranquility with urban convenience.   Shore Acres Key Points Lifestyle: Suburban feel with a touch of waterfront charm Key Attractions: Shore Acres Recreation Center, easy access to water sports Housing Options: Waterfront homes, single-family houses Who it’s for: Families, boating enthusiasts, retirees Shore Acres offers a peaceful suburban atmosphere with the added benefit of waterfront living. Tucked away on a collection of small islands, this neighborhood is perfect for families and retirees who love being near the water while enjoying a quiet, residential environment. Lifestyle The lifestyle in Shore Acres is laid-back, offering residents a serene suburban feel with access to waterfront views and activities. It's a popular choice for families who want a safe, welcoming community where they can raise children. Many residents take advantage of the area’s access to the bay for kayaking, boating, or simply enjoying a relaxing evening by the water. Key Attractions The Shore Acres Recreation Center is a local hub for activities, offering a playground, swimming pool, and community events throughout the year. The neighborhood’s waterfront location provides easy access to boating and other water sports. Additionally, Shore Acres is just a short drive from downtown St. Petersburg, so residents can easily enjoy the city’s restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions while living in a more suburban environment. Housing Options Housing in Shore Acres is a mix of waterfront homes and single-family residences, many of which offer expansive views of the bay or nearby canals. Homes here range from mid-century designs to more modern builds, with options for buyers at different price points. For those seeking waterfront living without the high price tag of some of the more exclusive areas, Shore Acres is an excellent option. Who it’s for Shore Acres is ideal for families, retirees, and anyone looking for a quiet, residential community with the added perk of waterfront living. It’s also perfect for boating enthusiasts who want easy access to the water without living in a busy, urban area. The neighborhood’s relaxed vibe and family-friendly atmosphere make it one of the top choices for those seeking a balance between nature and community. Coquina Key Key Points Lifestyle: Affordable waterfront living with a relaxed vibe Key Attractions: Coquina Key Park, fishing and boating opportunities Housing Options: Affordable waterfront homes, condos Who it’s for: First-time homebuyers, boating and fishing enthusiasts, retirees Known as “The Friendly Island,” Coquina Key offers some of the most affordable waterfront living in St. Petersburg. This laid-back neighborhood is perfect for first-time buyers, retirees, or anyone looking for a quiet community with easy access to the water. Lifestyle Coquina Key is known for its relaxed, island-like vibe. The neighborhood has a welcoming community feel, with residents often enjoying evening strolls along the waterfront or spending weekends boating, fishing, or kayaking in the nearby bay. It’s a peaceful place to live, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and connect with neighbors. Key Attractions The neighborhood is home to Coquina Key Park, a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers playgrounds, sports courts, and picnic areas, as well as a boat ramp for those looking to spend a day on the water. Boating and fishing are a big part of life in Coquina Key, thanks to its prime location along Tampa Bay’s waterways. Housing Options Coquina Key offers a mix of affordable waterfront homes and condos, making it a popular choice for first-time buyers or those seeking an entry point into the St. Petersburg waterfront market. While prices are generally lower than in nearby Snell Isle or Shore Acres, the homes here still provide excellent access to the water, with many properties boasting private docks or water views. Who it’s for Coquina Key is ideal for first-time buyers, retirees, and anyone looking for affordable waterfront living. It’s also a great option for boating and fishing enthusiasts, thanks to its easy access to the water. The neighborhood’s quiet, friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for those seeking a peaceful, relaxed lifestyle near the bay.   Historic Roser Park Key Points Lifestyle: Artistic, eclectic, and full of historic charm Key Attractions: Roser Park Historic District, Booker Creek Housing Options: Early 20th-century homes, Mediterranean Revival and Craftsman styles Who it’s for: History lovers, artists, and young professionals Tucked away in a serene setting near downtown St. Petersburg, Historic Roser Park is one of the city’s hidden gems. Known for its rolling hills, brick streets, and early 20th-century architecture, this neighborhood offers an artistic, eclectic atmosphere and a deep sense of history. Lifestyle Roser Park is an ideal neighborhood for those who appreciate history and artistry. With its charming, narrow streets, lush landscaping, and historic homes, it feels like stepping back in time. The neighborhood has a very community-focused vibe, where neighbors are often seen walking their dogs or working in their gardens. Being close to the heart of downtown, residents can enjoy the quiet of Roser Park while still accessing city amenities with ease. Key Attractions The Roser Park Historic District is a major draw, with its unique blend of architectural styles, from Mediterranean Revival to Craftsman homes. Booker Creek winds through the neighborhood, adding to its picturesque beauty, and Roser Park itself offers trails and green space for those who enjoy the outdoors. The proximity to John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Bayfront Health makes it a convenient location for healthcare professionals. Housing Options Homes in Roser Park are largely from the early 1900s, offering a unique blend of Craftsman and Mediterranean Revival architecture. Many homes feature stunning details like wrap-around porches, stained-glass windows, and original hardwood floors. If you’re looking for a piece of history with modern upgrades, Roser Park offers that perfect balance. Who it’s for Roser Park is perfect for history lovers, artists, and professionals who want a unique, historic home close to downtown. Its artistic atmosphere and historic preservation efforts make it a top choice for those who appreciate charm, character, and a strong sense of community. Jungle Prada Key Points Lifestyle: Quiet, suburban feel with historic roots Key Attractions: Jungle Prada Park, Sacred Lands, Boca Ciega Bay Housing Options: Mid-century ranch homes, waterfront properties Who it’s for: Families, retirees, history buffs Located along the waterfront of Boca Ciega Bay, Jungle Prada is a peaceful neighborhood with a rich history dating back to ancient times. This suburban neighborhood offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle, while still providing easy access to nearby beaches and amenities. Lifestyle Jungle Prada is ideal for those seeking a relaxed, suburban lifestyle in a neighborhood with historic roots. The area is known for its natural beauty, with tree-lined streets, lush landscaping, and waterfront views. It’s perfect for families and retirees who want to be close to nature while enjoying a close-knit community atmosphere. Key Attractions The most significant historical attraction in Jungle Prada is Jungle Prada Park, which features ancient Native American mounds and is part of the Sacred Lands Preservation Project. The park offers walking trails and picnic spots with stunning views of Boca Ciega Bay. Boating and kayaking are popular pastimes in this area, with easy access to the water from various points along the bay. Housing Options Jungle Prada features a mix of mid-century ranch homes and waterfront properties, many with expansive views of the bay. The homes here offer spacious yards and a peaceful environment, with some located directly along the water. It’s a perfect option for buyers looking for a quiet, suburban neighborhood with historical charm and natural beauty. Who it’s for Jungle Prada is perfect for families, retirees, and history enthusiasts who want a quiet, suburban lifestyle close to nature. The area’s historical significance and beautiful natural surroundings make it an excellent choice for those seeking tranquility and a sense of history in their home. Conclusion Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Old Northeast, the waterfront luxury of Snell Isle, or the artistic flair of Kenwood, St. Petersburg’s diverse neighborhoods have something to offer everyone. Each neighborhood in this guide has its unique charm and amenities, catering to different lifestyles and preferences. From the quiet, suburban streets of Shore Acres to the creative energy of Historic Roser Park, St. Petersburg offers a wide range of living options to suit families, young professionals, retirees, and everyone in between. Its mix of historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and unbeatable waterfront locations make it one of the most desirable places to live in Florida. If you’re thinking about making St. Petersburg your home, this guide provides a solid foundation for understanding what each neighborhood has to offer. Whether you're seeking a historic bungalow, a modern waterfront estate, or a vibrant, creative community, St. Petersburg is a city where you can find the perfect place to call home.   Find Your St. Pete Home

Nestled in the heart of Clearwater, the Via Tivoli community offers residents a slice of Mediterranean paradise right here in Florida. Known for its upscale architecture, resort-style amenities, and prime location, Via Tivoli is a haven for those seeking a mix of luxury and convenience. A Mediterranean-Inspired Retreat As soon as you enter Via Tivoli, you’re transported to an oasis of Mediterranean charm. With its red-tiled roofs, lush landscaping, and palm-lined walkways, the community creates an atmosphere that feels like an exclusive resort. The attention to detail in every aspect of the design makes it a serene and visually stunning environment. Unparalleled Amenities for a Resort-Style Lifestyle Residents of Via Tivoli enjoy access to a variety of world-class amenities. Whether it’s the beautifully maintained swimming pool, perfect for cooling off during Florida’s sunny days, or the state-of-the-art fitness center, staying active and relaxed is easy. The community’s clubhouse serves as a social hub, where neighbors come together for events, or simply to unwind in the communal spaces. For those who love the outdoors, Via Tivoli is surrounded by lush greenery and scenic walking paths, offering peaceful strolls amidst nature without ever leaving the community. The proximity to Clearwater’s stunning waterfront means beach days are always just minutes away, enhancing the coastal living experience. Convenient Location One of the biggest draws of Via Tivoli is its unbeatable location. The community is just a short drive from Clearwater’s award-winning beaches, including the famous Clearwater Beach, known for its sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters. Residents also have easy access to a variety of dining options, shopping centers, and cultural attractions that make Clearwater a vibrant place to live. Plus, with Tampa International Airport only 30 minutes away, traveling in and out of town is incredibly convenient, whether for business or leisure. A Tight-Knit Community Feel While Via Tivoli boasts luxurious amenities and a prime location, it’s the sense of community that truly sets it apart. Neighbors enjoy getting to know one another, whether through community events at the clubhouse or simply chatting while enjoying the shared outdoor spaces. It’s a place where you can enjoy privacy while also feeling connected. Make Via Tivoli Your New Home Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a place to enjoy the best of Florida’s outdoor lifestyle, or a community with easy access to beaches and urban conveniences, Via Tivoli has it all. With homes offering a blend of modern finishes and Mediterranean charm, you’ll find the perfect balance of style and comfort. If you’re ready to explore the luxury of Via Tivoli living, contact Leisa Erickson at Engel & Völkers today at 239-789-7106. Let us help you find your dream home in this hidden gem of Clearwater!

In the competitive world of real estate, success often depends on the support and resources available to you. Joining a real estate team can be a game-changer for both new and experienced agents. Here are some compelling reasons why being part of a real estate team, like the Leisa Erickson Group, can elevate your career to new heights. 1. Collaboration and Support Working in a team means you're never alone. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with other agents, share knowledge, and get support whenever you need it. This collaborative environment fosters growth and helps you overcome challenges more efficiently. 2. Access to Training and Mentorship Real estate teams often provide access to training programs and mentorship from seasoned professionals. At the Leisa Erickson Group, we believe in continuous learning and professional development. You'll benefit from our team's collective experience and expertise, helping you stay ahead in the industry. 3. Increased Leads and Opportunities Teams usually have more resources dedicated to lead generation and marketing. By joining a team, you'll have access to a steady stream of leads and more opportunities to close deals. Our team at Leisa Erickson Group leverages cutting-edge marketing strategies to ensure a consistent flow of high-quality leads. 4. Administrative and Marketing Support Handling administrative tasks and marketing efforts can be time-consuming. Being part of a team means you can focus more on client interactions and closing deals while the team takes care of the back-end work. Our dedicated support staff at Leisa Erickson Group ensures you have everything you need to succeed. 5. Enhanced Credibility and Brand Recognition Working under a reputable team can boost your credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of clients. The Leisa Erickson Group has a strong presence in the market and a proven track record of success. Joining us means associating your name with a trusted brand, which can significantly enhance your professional reputation. 6. Work-Life Balance Balancing work and personal life can be challenging in real estate. A team structure allows for more flexibility and support, ensuring you don't burn out. At the Leisa Erickson Group, we prioritize the well-being of our agents, offering a balanced approach to work and life. Join the Leisa Erickson Group Today! If you're ready to take your real estate career to the next level, consider joining the Leisa Erickson Group. Our team is dedicated to providing the resources, support, and opportunities you need to thrive in this dynamic industry. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of a winning team that values collaboration, growth, and success. Contact us today to learn more about how you can join the Leisa Erickson Group and start reaping the benefits of being part of a top-tier real estate team. Your success story begins here!

Over the last five years, Tampa Bay has emerged as a leading destination for build-to-rent (BTR) homes, reaching its peak success last year. Across the U.S., 32 metropolitan areas have completed their BTR inventories over the past five years, yet more than half currently have no new projects in the pipeline. In Tampa Bay alone, the upcoming years will see the addition of over 1,300 new single-family rental homes. By 2023, the area boasted a total of 1,636 rental homes, catapulting Tampa Bay into the top 20 U.S. metros for future BTR developments. Notably, RentCafe places it 10th on their list. Also gaining traction in the BTR sector is North Port, which saw 749 rental homes built from 2019 to 2023, with 994 additional units currently under construction. Among the new developments, The Hadley in North Port is notable. This BTR community, located at 3000 S. Sumter Blvd. near key roads such as Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 41, will feature 268 units with one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, spread across 25 acres. The community will offer a range of amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, a resort-style swimming pool, community grilling areas, a pickleball court, a dog park, a pet spa with grooming station, billiards and shuffleboard, a Starbucks coffee bar, and 24-hour emergency service response. Another noteworthy transaction occurred earlier this month in South Hillsborough County, where Oak Haven, a 120-unit townhouse community in Riverview, was sold to Ark Homes for Rent for $31.8 million, translating to $265,000 per unit. Florida stands out in the BTR market, with four cities in the top 20 metros for ongoing BTR construction. Jacksonville leads with 1,836 units, followed by Tampa with 1,352 units, Orlando with 1,147 units, and North Port with 994 units. These cities are poised to add roughly 5,300 rental homes in the near future, indicating robust growth and continuing interest in Florida's build-to-rent market.

The Leisa Erickson Group proudly announces its remarkable achievement, securing the prestigious #6 position in Engel & Völkers Americas. This milestone is a testament to the team's unwavering commitment to excellence, exceptional client service, and unparalleled expertise in the real estate industry. Touted as one of the top teams within Engel & Völkers Americas, the Leisa Erickson Group has consistently demonstrated remarkable proficiency in navigating the ever-evolving real estate landscape. With a keen understanding of market trends, a client-centric approach, and an unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional results, the team has earned the trust and admiration of clients and colleagues alike. Leisa Erickson, the driving force behind the group, expresses immense gratitude for the team's dedication and the continued support of their clients. She remarks, "Securing the #6 position in Engel & Völkers Americas is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of our team. We are immensely proud of this achievement, which reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence and our unwavering commitment to exceeding client expectations." The Leisa Erickson Group has distinguished itself through its innovative marketing strategies, unparalleled market knowledge, and a personalized approach to each client's unique needs. Whether assisting clients in buying or selling properties, the team's expertise and professionalism have set the standard for excellence in the industry. Engel & Völkers Americas, renowned for its global network of real estate professionals and its commitment to exceptional service, recognizes the Leisa Erickson Group's remarkable accomplishments. The #6 ranking is a testament to the team's outstanding performance and its significant contribution to the Engel & Völkers brand. As the Leisa Erickson Group continues to set new benchmarks for success, they remain steadfast in their mission to provide unparalleled service, uphold the highest standards of integrity, and deliver exceptional results for every client they serve.

At the heart of real estate lies the captivating tale of properties that quickly capture the imagination and hearts of eager buyers. This narrative often intertwines with exceptional marketing efforts, sparking a swift and exciting journey toward a successful sale. At the Leisa Erickson Group, we recently witnessed such a vibrant story unfold with the remarkable property located at 255 Dolphin Way. Our approach to showcasing this property was dynamic and innovative, fueled by a meticulous marketing strategy designed to highlight its unique charm. Through the orchestration of two exclusive private showings and two bustling open houses, our team unleashed a wave of interest that saw the property attract an astounding four offers in a mere four days. What set this sale apart was not just the speed but the seamless fusion of our unparalleled marketing initiatives with the inherent appeal of the property itself. Our comprehensive promotional efforts, tailored to accentuate its finest features, paved the way for a swift and exhilarating journey toward a successful contract. This triumph at 255 Dolphin Way stands as a testament to the power of strategic marketing in the real estate landscape. The synergy between our dedicated team and the distinctive allure of the property created an atmosphere of excitement that reverberated within the industry. Yet, as exhilarating as this success is, it also serves as an inspiration to those contemplating their own real estate endeavors. If you find yourself hesitating to take that pivotal step toward listing your home for sale, consider the thrilling journey of 255 Dolphin Way as a beacon guiding you toward your next chapter. To assist you in embarking on this journey, we invite you to explore our home value tool below. Let it serve as a compass, providing insights and guidance as you navigate through your own unique real estate landscape. Don't let uncertainty hold you back; let the success of 255 Dolphin Way inspire your confidence in embracing change and seizing new opportunities in the world of real estate. The Leisa Erickson Group is committed to crafting success stories like these and guiding our clients toward their real estate aspirations. Join us on this exciting journey as we turn dreams into reality, one property at a time.

Thanksgiving is easily anyone's favorite holiday of the year. With each bite of the glorious roast turkey, spoonfuls of delicious mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce, and even a slice of pumpkin pie, we are transported closer to Christmas and the spirit of giving.    But with a great feast comes a huge cleanup, which many are not looking forward to. You may be all set and ready for the Thanksgiving dinner, especially if you’re hosting for the first time in your new home, but have you thought about the subsequent cleaning load?    Here are five easy and quick tips to make the Thanksgiving cleanup process easier and ensure the day’s more enjoyable for you and your loved ones.

Need to dig deeper into the home you're looking to buy? Asking the right questions — and not just the kind that randomly pops into your head — can help you get as much information as you need to put together a competitive offer. Likewise, you will be able to save time, money, and potential headaches if you hit all the necessary topics head-on. It’s part of your due diligence as a buyer, especially since this could be one of the biggest financial commitments you'll ever make.   If you're feeling stuck not knowing what else to know about the property, we’ve pulled together a list of some things that may not be so obvious to ask but can get you closer to finding a home that's a good match for your lifestyle and budget.   Utilities can vary depending on where you live and based on the systems and size of the property. Aside from your monthly mortgage payments, getting an estimate of your monthly maintenance and utility bills is just as important to ensure you can afford to comfortably live in the home.   Especially if you're a first-time home buyer, it’s best to learn how the home is being heated — by gas, electricity, solar power, or combination — and what the average monthly bill for each is. You’ll also want to inquire about water, waste removal, broadband, and any other applicable maintenance and utility costs. By breaking down information like this, you can have a general idea of how much you’ll spend and incorporate it into your monthly budget.   Have they overhauled the kitchen? Added another room? Broken down a wall? Installed a new HVAC? You'll also want to know what major renovations the owner has done since it will give you a ballpark idea of how much money they have spent, and what they hope to get out based on a project’s average return on investment. You can also check receipts from contractors to get a sense of what they paid for such upgrades.   But the most crucial reason is for you to guarantee that these additions follow local building codes. Any major improvements—structural additions, installing a new roof, any electrical and plumbing work, or installing/replacing the HVAC system—need to be done by a licensed contractor and be completed to code. Any sketchy renovations and/or mediocre construction can end up costing you money and your health. See whether the seller can produce a building permit for repairs and renovations that require one. If they don’t have the permits or if the work was done by a previous owner, you will need to double-check it with the local building department.   Owning a home means keeping up with its maintenance, which includes looking after each of its components. During showings, don't forget to ask about the age and condition of the home’s major systems, including HVAC, roof, water heater, and major appliances such as washers and dryers, stoves, and others.    Knowing these early in the process will help you factor in the cost of replacement when looking at the asking price. As a future homeowner, it’s a must to know if something needs to be repaired or replaced soon. Because the last thing you’d want is to find yourself in a situation where you need to shell out thousands of dollars to fix something that you thought was in pristine condition just a few months after moving in.   A roof, for instance, is a major component that’s also very costly to repair or replace. It’s critical to consider how much it will cost you on top of your down payment and closing costs if it’s old and needs repairs. If the roof has existing damage, the lender may require that it be repaired to approve your loan. So if the listing description doesn’t list the roof’s age, make sure to find out so you can avoid a costly disappointment later on. Additionally, you should ask the seller about the warranty information on appliances; requesting the original manufacturer warranties on any appliances or systems if possible. These will serve as documentation and will give you an idea of their remaining lifespan, as well as their potential replacement costs.   When choosing your first home, don't forget to check out the parking situation on the property. Will your car(s) fit in the garage? If you and your family have multiple cars, will there be room to park anywhere else on the property other than the driveway? Make sure you ask the rules about on-street parking to avoid fines or high insurance costs.    If you decide to throw a party, will guests need parking permits? How many permits are you allowed to get? Some streets may require a permit, which you may need to apply for. It would also be a good idea to visit the house after work hours and see how crowded the parking is on the street, especially if you live in a busy street which can be more difficult to navigate.   Are there rumors that the property is haunted? Had it been the scene of a crime? Is it located next to a cemetery? Did anyone famous ever live there? In many states, owners are legally bound to disclose if a death or major crime has occurred recently on the premises. You might not care if the house has a reputation or has any associated stories or rumors, but it's still a good idea to ask around.    There are what they call “stigmatized properties,” defined by the National Association of REALTORS® as any “property that has been psychologically impacted by an event which occurred, or was suspected to have occurred, on the property, such event being one that has no physical impact of any kind.” These conditions could give you room to negotiate a lower purchase price since a house that has some negative associations will often be harder to sell.

  Thank you, dear veterans, for your valor, strength, service, and dedication to protect us and keep us safe. Veterans sacrifice a lot to protect the country. And one way to show appreciation to them and their families is to make sure they know about the mortgage loan that's available to them: the Veterans Affairs loans by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.   Here are the top four advantages of VA loans:     No down payment - This is the biggest advantage of the loan program. Qualified veterans can purchase a home without making a down payment, no matter how much home they're buying.         Don't require private mortgage insurance (PMI) - Unlike other loans that require 20 percent PMI, VA loans do not, allowing military borrowers to save on their monthly mortgage payments.         Limits on closing costs and fees - VA loans actually limit the loan-related costs qualified home buyers can be charged, making home ownership more affordable.         A lifetime benefit - There's no expiration to this program, and veterans who qualify for a VA loan can use it over and over again.           Bottom line   VA loans are one of the most powerful mortgage options available on the market for veterans, service members, and qualified surviving spouses, which is why it’s so essential to learn about this program and its advantages. 

Whether you're a buyer looking for your first home or a seller preparing to put your property on the market, you’ve probably heard the term “concessions” in real estate. But what exactly does that refer to?   Seller concessions, which are also called seller assist or seller contributions, are the costs a seller agrees to pay to help the buyer when closing on the home. It's essentially a gift that a seller can offer to reduce the amount future homeowners have to pay out of pocket.    While both the buyer and seller have closing costs they’re responsible for, a buyer’s closing costs are usually 3% to 6% of the home’s purchase price. This is aside from the down payment, which means buyers need to have a good amount of money saved up just to get the keys to their dream home.   To sweeten the deal and close quickly, sellers can either pay a flat percentage of the buyer’s closing costs, or buyers can ask them to cover a specific expense, such as the home inspection or home appraisal. Either way, seller concessions are typically negotiated as part of the buyer’s offer on the home purchase. But while they’re relatively common in real estate transactions, they’re far more likely to occur in a buyer’s market. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 20 percent of sellers offered incentives to attract buyers.   Seller concessions can be received on all types of home loans, including conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loans. However, some rules set limits on the maximum amount that a seller can hand over, depending on the loan type. We’ll discuss more about this later on.   For home buyers, your closing costs will vary depending on your situation. In general, however, you should expect to pay 3% to 6% of the home's value in closing costs, aside from your down payment. This means you need to have a good amount of money saved up just to get the keys to your dream home. Here are some examples of closing costs and fees that a seller might be willing to cover: Property taxes Attorney fees Home appraisal Mortgage origination fees Real estate tax service fees Title insurance Mortgage discount points Inspection fees Homeowners insurance Homeowners association fees Purchase of a home warranty for the buyer Likewise, a seller concession does not always have to be monetary. It can be other things connected to a home that a buyer may put value into, or anything that can sweeten the deal for the buyer. For instance, a buyer may ask for any existing furniture, appliances, or other loose home items, and the seller agrees to leave them even though they’re not initially included in the sale.   Asking for seller concessions is a part of the negotiation process involved in a real estate transaction. But it's important to know when sellers may be more likely to offer concessions, and it can be in any of these situations:   It’s a buyer’s market In this circumstance, sellers have less negotiating power. And since fewer buyers looking for homes than there are houses for sale, sellers can better entice a fair offer by giving a concession.   When the house is overpriced Instead of having to lower the asking price, a seller may be willing to offer concessions.   When the home has been on the market for too long or it’s been a slow season. A home that has been on the market for more than a few weeks may raise a red flag to potential buyers. To help sell their home, a seller may be willing to make concessions. The same thing if a seller needs to move during a slow season, especially during the winter months when there may be fewer home buyers.   When a seller needs to move quickly It may be worth it for some sellers to agree to concessions if they feel it will help expedite the sale of their home, especially if they need to relocate as soon as possible or have already bought a new home, hence paying for two mortgages at the same time.    Seller concessions can benefit both the buyer and the seller. But just the same, it does have possible disadvantages on both sides.   For Buyers Pros You could save money on closing costs, which may lighten the financial burden of purchasing a home. Seller concessions can significantly reduce the capital you need upfront, which could allow you to close the deal. It can be a good alternative to repairs. If the home inspection report reveals something wrong with the home, and the seller refuses to fix it, providing seller concessions can be a good compensation.   Cons It could weaken your offer, especially if you're in a competitive market. If the seller might not be willing to pay some of the buyer’s fees, they might reject your offer quickly. If you include seller concessions into your loans, the loan balance goes up, which means you could end up paying more over the life of the loan. Since it can be tricky to determine whether it’s worth it to ask for seller concessions on your own, it’s best to hire an experienced real estate agent who understands the local market and can help you get the best deal.   For Sellers Pros Concessions can help sell your property faster, especially if you’re in a hurry to close. It opens up opportunities for a larger pool of potential buyers.   Cons You are decreasing their net profit gain from selling the property. Depending on what you’ll provide as a concession, it can be an added cost you need to consider, which can be a financial burden especially if you’re also in the market to purchase a different home and have closing costs of your own.   Mortgage lenders set limits to the amount a seller can cover for the buyer mainly for two reasons. The first one is to ensure that the market isn't being artificially inflated, and the second is to help ensure the buyer isn’t being influenced to purchase a home they otherwise shouldn’t afford with the low closing costs.    For conventional loans, which are loans issued by private mortgage lenders, the value of seller concessions is limited to a percentage of the purchase price of the home, based on the size of the buyer’s down payment. Sellers may contribute up to 3% for a down payment of less than 10%. Sellers may contribute up to 6% for a down payment between 10% to 25%. Sellers may contribute up to 9% for a down payment of 25% or more.   For government-backed loans, there are hard limits on the amount of seller concessions based on the purchase price instead of the down payment amount. For FHA and USDA loans, sellers may contribute up to 6%. For VA loans, sellers may contribute up to 4%.

Sure, the spring season is the peak time to put a house on the market. But with the cooler weather, vibrant-colored trees and falling leaves, picking apples, carving pumpkins, and enjoying turkey dinners, there's plenty to look forward to when fall comes. One of them could be a successful home sale if you plan to put your home on the market this season.  Housing inventory during fall tends to be lower than it is in the spring and summer months, so sellers might be more likely to attract serious autumn buyers. But to successfully sell your home, you might as well need to consider a few different approaches. Keep on reading to get a list of worthy tips that take your house from “For Sale” to “Sold” before the last leaf falls.   Boost your home's curb appeal.   Nothing screams autumn more than the gorgeous leaves falling, spreading warm colors in your backyard. However, keeping on top of yard cleanup is also one of the biggest challenges home sellers face in the fall. Because no matter how beautiful fall leaves are, they can make your whole house look untidy if not cleaned up regularly. So don’t forget to cross off these items on your to-do list: Rake up dead leaves and plants, tree branches, and other debris from your lawn daily. Trim hedges and tree limbs that could pose hazards to guests. Likewise, give special attention to any overgrown vegetation that could block the windows or any paths.   Clean the gutters. The last thing you'd want is for dead leaves to cause a bunch of damage to your home’s gutter system. If there are piles of leaves in the gutters, it is time to clean them out.   Add some popular fall flowers, such as chrysanthemums and marigolds. You can also add other colorful, seasonal planters on the steps and along the sidewalk.   Other simple projects, such as washing the driveway and sidewalks, or giving your front door a fresh coat of paint, can go a long way in boosting curb appeal so buyers will be drawn the second they see your home.     Embrace the season, but don't go overboard with the decor.   Feel free to incorporate the colors and spirit of fall in your living spaces. Add a quilt or throw pillows in bright red, orange, and/or golden yellow hues over your sofa or an entry bench. Use seasonal decor — think apples, pumpkins, wreaths of fall leaves and pine cones, cinnamon, and unscented candles — to create a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere The one thing you should never do: is overdoing your decor. Skip the scary Halloween decorations if you're having an open house or showing around that time since they can appear messy and distracting. The last thing you want is for a potential buyer to walk in your front door to be greeted by a bloody skeleton or sticky cobwebs hanging from your entryway ceiling fan. Try to be tactful and subtle with your decorations to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible.   Let there be more light.   Fall months mean shorter days, which means you can't depend on natural lighting to showcase your home’s best features. Plenty of potential buyers will want to look at homes when they get out from work, and nobody wants to walk into a dark and gloomy home when it’s already dark and chilly outside. The key is to maximize light to make your home look warmer and more inviting. It's also important to brighten up your house so that buyers can see your home’s best features. To accomplish this, consider bringing in extra tables and floor lamps to rooms with dark corners. You can also place spotlights throughout your home behind your furniture. You may also install under cabinet lights in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as additional lighting around staircases and walkways. Another popular tip is to refresh interior paint with warm neutral tones, which will reflect more light.   If your home’s exterior lighting currently feels lackluster, consider these creative but inexpensive lighting solutions to amplify your home’s appeal: Add solar lights along walkways Illuminate outdoor lounge spaces, including your porch or deck, with cafe or bistro lights to create a cozy ambiance.   Aim for spotless and well-maintained windows.   Summer thunderstorms can make your windows dusty and streaked, with layers of dirt covering the exterior window trim, by the time fall rolls around. You might not give it much attention, but buyers will definitely spot any smudges. Before you start showing your house, your windows have to sparkle to make a good impression. This will also help let in as much light as possible. Wash your windows and any glass panels in your doors inside and out. Remove the screens and spray them down to get rid of any accumulated dust and dirt. Don't forget to clean the exterior window frames. While you’re at it, check window seals and doors for drafts, and make extra efforts to insulate when needed since drafts are more noticeable in the fall.   Give your HVAC some TLC.   Depending on the region, fall months might feel damp and cold. When potential buyers walk through your home, it should feel warm and welcoming. This is why it's more important than ever to ensure that your HVAC systems are in good shape. Having your furnace inspected and cleaned by an HVAC specialist before selling your home can be beneficial as you can provide the receipt as proof it has already been completed. Also, remember to replace the furnace filter to help reduce any odors or fall allergens in the home and keep it smelling fresh.

If you've been thinking about listing your property for sale, you probably already know about the obvious costs associated with selling, such as real estate commissions and closing costs.  However, there are also such things as “hidden” costs, which include a variety of smaller expenses that you need to factor in to avoid unsettling surprises and help ensure that you get top dollar for your biggest investment. Read on to get a brief overview of these hidden costs of selling a home.   Unless you're selling as-is, you’ll likely need to spruce up your home before it hits the market. Preparing your property for sale typically includes general deep cleaning, doing minor repairs, and even some simple landscaping to help boost your home’s curb appeal.    The costs can vary greatly depending on the state of your property before selling and whether you hire out. Are you considering hiring a house cleaner? Do you have carpets that need to be professionally cleaned? And if you’ve neglected your home’s maintenance, you may have to hire a handyman to handle minor fixes, especially if you can’t do it yourself or don’t want to cut corners. Likewise, remember that even if you do the work yourself, you still have to consider the cost of supplies to make some upgrades.   Great staging can help buyers to visualize what it will be like living in the home. This creates a connection between them and the home that may lead to a higher offer. According to 2022 data from HomeAdvisor, staging costs between $786 and $2,812, with an average cost of $1,774. The price tag for this service can vary widely depending on the size of your home, your location, and other factors.   While it might be tempting to forgo this expense, it's imperative, especially in a tough market or if you’re selling a vacant home. Staging a vacant home can be more expensive, considering the cost of furniture rentals and other services. If you want to save some money, you can stage your house on your own or with the help of your real estate agent. While you won’t likely achieve the same design quality that a professional home stager can bring, you can make an impact by making sure you remove as much clutter as possible and designate a clear purpose for every room in the house. Adding little touches such as fresh flowers, a new doormat, a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter, and scented candles can go a long way too.   According to the 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers by the National Association of REALTORS®, 47 percent of buyers say that the first step they took in the home buying process was to look online at properties for sale. Since photos are being viewed first, you have to ensure that the pictures you use in your home's listing are done well. They must showcase your home’s best features so that potential buyers will be enticed to see the property in person.    However, professional real estate photographs don’t come cheap. While the cost varies by area and the size of your home, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for photos. Rates go higher for other services and packages that may include twilight photos, aerial drone photographs, real estate videos, and virtual tours. Since having professional real estate photos is a powerful way to market your property, don’t forget about this expense when listing your home for sale.   You might think your home was already in tip-top shape when it entered the market. However, when you accept a buyer's offer and they have the home inspected, the inspection report rarely comes back perfect. You’ll be made aware of your property’s minor issues, such as loose toilets or leaky faucets, as well as major issues like water damage, mold problems, or even faults in the foundation.    These unforeseen repairs can be one of the worst hidden expenses when selling a home since the buyer will often request for the seller to address at least a handful of them. Depending on your trusted real estate agent’s advice, you can always negotiate the issues and split the cost of repairs with the buyer to a predetermined amount. You can also flat-out refuse the requests and just lower the sale price so the buyer can make the repairs themselves. If you want the deal to go through and ensure a smooth closing, you’ll need to cover the total repair costs yourself, which could be thousands of dollars. This proves that regular maintenance can seriously pay off when it comes time to sell.    Since a lot of negotiating goes on in a real estate transaction, buyers often make conditional requests to be included in the purchase price. These are called seller concessions, which are costs that the seller has agreed to pay. A potential buyer may ask you to pay a share of their closing costs as a part of the deal. Or they may ask you to leave certain household appliances. Likewise, as stated above, you may agree to pay, to reduce the overall sale price to account for the cost of handling any major repairs instead of doing the work yourself. If you're in a situation where you might want to sell your property as soon as possible, offering seller concessions can help move your property faster.    Bottom line Here's a reality check: selling a home costs money. Before putting your property on the market, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the hidden expenses associated with selling to avoid being taken by surprise. With strategic thinking, careful planning, and the help of an experienced real estate agent, you can prepare for these costs and effectively allocate your resources so you can pocket your target profits at closing.

Buying a home, especially if it's your first one, is a truly remarkable feat. You’ve probably got a thousand things to consider and a million questions in mind. Where am I gonna live? What type of house should I buy? Which neighborhood is the best for my lifestyle? How much should I put as a down payment? How much mortgage can I afford? And the list goes on and on.  This is why it's best to hire a trusted and knowledgeable real estate agent to help you in your house-hunting journey. Expect them to be your go-to person for almost all the advice you’ll need regarding the complicated, and often stressful, homebuying process.    And yet, if you ask them certain questions, you might be puzzled to find them feeling tongue-tied. Be aware that there are some queries that your realtor couldn’t answer legally. This is because some things are off-limits under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), a federal law enacted in 1968 that prohibits discrimination in the purchase, sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, religion, sex, skin, color, nationality, or family/economic status.   Real estate agents may be accused of “steering” clients to specific neighborhoods when they answer certain questions or even give out selective information. While these inquiries may be asked innocently or out of curiosity (maybe in the hopes of getting an inside scoop), housing professionals who respond to them can face fines, consequences, and other penalties in court. Here are a couple of such questions—and what you can do to find the answers yourself. Don't be surprised if your trusted real estate agent refrains from answering any questions related to the family status of an area. And no matter how much you ask, your agent wouldn’t find you a neighborhood based on any particular family makeup.  Families are a protected class under the FHA. So for agents, answering any inquiries about them can be risky, even if a buyer’s asking out of curiosity. This may include questions such as, “Do families with children live in this area?”, “Is this a good place to raise kids?”, or “Is this a good place for me as a single?” and other similar ones. If an agent says a certain neighborhood is not all that family-friendly, it could imply that families with children aren’t welcome. Similarly, saying that an area is a good place for kids could make buyers without children feel uncomfortable, which can be treated as a form of discrimination. As a home buyer, it’s best to do your research by visiting the neighborhood at different times of the day to observe the comings and goings of most residents and make your own judgment. If you have a family or are planning to start one in the near future, it’s also best to look into nearby playgrounds, recreational centers, and other things that you may enjoy.    Are you looking to live in a melting pot? Or maybe you want to live near others who have a similar background (e.g. Italian/Spanish/Chinese/Asian) as you? You may be able to ask a friend or anyone living in the neighborhood about the specific nationalities and races that mostly make up a community, but not a real estate agent. Similar to the family-related question, such discussions can come uncomfortably close to “redlining”, which is a form of discrimination in which buyers are steered toward or away from neighborhoods based on the color of their skin.    Instead, a good and cautious agent will tell you to do some legwork by looking at the U.S. Census and other government data to get information about the demographics of a community. They will also urge you to invest some time in the neighborhood and make an assessment of your own. After doing your research, you can then direct your agent to show you homes in a specific geographic location.   Requesting your realtor to find you a “mostly Catholic neighborhood” or a “Mormon neighborhood” because you are one is also impossible because sharing any information concerning religion could also put them in hot water. If you want to know the religious makeup of a community or it's a concern to you, your realtor can provide you with a complete list of nearby places of worship. You can also do your own research to find out the places of worship around the area, which you can then visit to get a feel of the community.   Agents must always remember that real estate is color-blind and neutral. Whether it be about faith, lifestyle, race, ethnicity, or language, a realtor cannot influence this part of the potential buyer’s decision-making process without running afoul of fair housing laws.   The word “safe” is highly subjective. Besides, there's no guarantee that there won’t be any crime tomorrow, next month, or anytime in the future in what is considered a “safe” neighborhood. Everyone’s tolerance for crime is also different, so an agent cannot determine what will make someone feel safe and protected, or unsafe and uncomfortable.    Crime statistics can also be interpreted as references to race or ethnicity, which is why prudent realtors will choose their words wisely and direct buyers to reach their own conclusions. Fortunately, crime statistics are a public record and you can certainly look into them on your own. You may visit the nearest local police precinct and check its website, or search online for recent crime reports and any other information related to the safety of the area.   Another question where your agent will keep their lips zipped? Anything regarding a certain school or district, as well as the quality of schools in the area. The racial divide can also run deep in U.S. schools, which is why a realtor has to be very careful. Because similar to the word “safe”, talking about “good” schools can be rightly or wrongly construed as discrimination.    As a buyer, you may have a different concept of what a “good” school is. Do you care more about test scores? Maybe the sports team rankings are important to you? If you want to know more about the schools in the area, your trusted realtor can help you by introducing you to one of many websites that rank schools, such as GreatSchools.org. They may also refer you to school information websites to help with your research. Spend some time perusing their newspapers or reading about the schools in local publications. You may also talk to local teachers and administrators. Best of all, tour the school and see for yourself whether a school is good and appropriate for your children's education.   Bottom line As a home buyer, you should know what questions you can expect to not have answered even by your experienced real estate agent, especially when it comes to things that have nothing to do with the house itself. Understand that it's a good thing when they give you an awkward silence as a response. This also means it’s an opportunity for you to research, explore, and make your assessments before getting your dream home. 

You've only just started your house-hunting journey and learned that a house you’re interested in is located in a neighborhood with an HOA. You might have heard them before, but you might still be wondering, what is an HOA? More precisely, what does it do and how does it affect your home-buying decisions?   If you haven’t had dealings with an HOA before, we’ll walk you through exactly what it means, what it does, and what are the most crucial things you need to know before living in a community that has one. What is an HOA? HOA, which stands for homeowner association, is a private organization and the governing body of a subdivision, condominium or townhouse complex, or any planned development. It is run by a board of volunteers who are residents of the community. The HOA makes and enforces the rules for the properties and their residents, helps manage, organize, and preserve the community, as well as protects and increases property values.   If you become a homeowner in a neighborhood with an HOA, you automatically become a member. This means you'll agree to their terms, owe them monthly or yearly payments, and be able to enjoy the shared amenities and services they provide.   How does an HOA work? HOAs usually form when a community is built. When a developer acquires land for a planned community, they create the homeowners association and then hand it off to the people who buy houses in that community. The homeowners vote for a board of directors to run the association. The board then decides on the community's features and services, collects monthly, quarterly, or annual fees to cover the expenses, and sets community rules and standards. These rules are described in a governing document called a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions or CC&Rs.   Although some states have statutes that govern how HOAs run, most states do not oversee or control how HOAs function. Instead, many homeowner associations are governed through voting and member participation.   5 crucial things to know before buying a home in a neighborhood with an HOA Living in a community run by an HOA can have its pros and cons. Here's what you need to know before making that purchase! The rules and regulations, often referred to as the CC&Rs, often cover all kinds of community standards and violations. Request copies of these documents and read through them carefully ahead of time. It will help you become familiar with the rules concerning the following: Pet regulations - There may be limitations on the type of pets, breed, size, and how many pets or animals you can have. You might be looking for a house with a huge backyard where you can raise chickens or bees, for example, but your HOA might have some restrictions when it comes to any backyard farming.  Parking - Be mindful of any rules regarding parking overnight on the street, leaving your garage door open for an extended period of time, or parking for any commercial vehicles and RVs or trailers. Property modifications - Some changes you might want to make may require approval from the board and/or your neighbors. Likewise, some property additions might not be allowed at all. Leasing or renting restrictions - You may need to get permission from the HOA board to be able to rent the home. Or you may be required to join a waitlist if there are already too many homes in the neighborhood that are being rented. This is crucial if you want to use your home as a future investment property.   Don't forget to also explore any rules regarding: Noise levels Yard decorations Yard work and maintenance Fencing height and placement Exterior paint colors and other design choices Use of shared amenities and common areas (pools, parks, community centers, basketball courts, etc.)   Before joining a neighborhood with an HOA, it's crucial to get a clear understanding of the financial obligations that come with it. One of your responsibilities is to pay HOA fees, which are regular payments made by members to cover various expenses such as maintenance, repairs, and upkeep of the common amenities.  By being aware of exactly how much these dues are and how often you need to pay them, you can calculate them into your total monthly costs. You can then determine whether the HOA fees align with your financial capabilities and expectations.  Furthermore, you should also review the HOA’s financial statements and keep an eye out for the association’s financial health. These documents provide insights into the association’s income, expenses, and reserves. You’d want to ensure that the HOA has a well-maintained reserve fund that can be used to handle unexpected expenses, such as repairs and emergencies.  It’s also a good idea to review the minutes of recent HOA board meetings to become familiar with the issues they’re discussing, including any planned assessments, common homeowner requests, and the timeline for completion of small and large projects.   HOA fees also vary depending on the range of amenities and services that the community offers. When considering a home within an HOA, check what amenities are available and how they could affect your membership. Is there a community pool? Do they have playgrounds for kids? Are there basketball or tennis courts? These extras can be beneficial to your daily life and help cultivate a vibrant sense of community.   However, remember to be vigilant when it comes to the quality and upkeep of these amenities. It's not just important that they are available and accessible; also check whether these spaces are being kept clean, well-maintained, and in safe condition.  In addition to amenities, don’t forget to check the scope of services provided by the association. These may include tasks such as landscaping, trash collection, snow removal, security, and other maintenance and repair duties.    Every community's HOA works differently. Typically, people within the community elect the members that they believe will best represent community interests, making up the board of directors or a similar governing body. But some HOAs are professionally run.    Ask your real estate agent or a community representative for the HOA’s contact information so you can ask them questions directly. This extra step will help you understand how the HOA board communicates, how they handle disputes, their decision-making process, and the level of influence and input individual homeowners have in shaping the community’s policies and rules. Are homeowners encouraged to attend board meetings and are they able to voice their concerns and opinions? You can then get a glimpse of the sense of transparency and inclusivity that the community fosters. If the association in the community you’re interested in is being managed professionally by a private company, you might want to investigate its reputation. You might want to avoid investing in a property in a community whose HOA is involved in frequent drama and petty politics.   Understand that HOAs are legal entities and that they have the legal right to enforce rules and issue punishments for rule-breakers. Before settling in a particular neighborhood governed by an HOA, explore how rules are set and enforced, what penalties are in place for not following them, and the process for resolving disputes.   In some HOAs, the consequences may include being fined or sued, or worse, having the HOA place a lien on your property or foreclose on your property.

What is a gallery wall? A gallery wall is a grouping or collection of paintings, photographs, art prints, and other personal treasures and items that are hung on a wall. Gallery walls are not just a decor trend but a decorating staple. They were able to stand the test of time simply because they are one of the most striking yet cost-effective ways to add a touch of visual interest to an otherwise blank and boring wall.    Furthermore, a gallery wall doesn't just add character and personality to your living space. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase your memories—special family moments, travels, favorite life events—and turn them into a striking piece of art. You can also think of it as a collage of the things or images that you like to look at every day and make you the happiest.   Best places to hang a gallery wall Since a gallery wall is a terrific solution to liven up forgotten spaces, the perfect and most common spots include the blank walls in the living room, especially the space over the couch or under the stairs, hallways, and staircase walls. Other places may include a wall in your home office, above the baby's crib, over a bar cart, above a fireplace mantel, or even on two adjoining walls.   5 Tips For Hanging A Gallery Wall Like an Expert If you recently got your home keys and are looking forward to incorporating your personality into your living spaces, or you're a homeowner who wants to simply refresh your place, these expert tips can help you in curating and designing your gallery wall. If this is the first time you're making a gallery wall, take the time to decide what your theme or subject matter will be so you won’t be overwhelmed with your collection. For personal photos, you may group them by themes, e.g. special family moments, memorable places, travel photos, children’s artworks, etc. If you’re using art or a collection of prints, you can keep your display cohesive by grouping those with the same type of frames, similar artwork, or with the same color theme.    But if you don’t want to get limited by any themes, you can arrange an eclectic mix of all your favorites. You’re also not just limited to photos or prints, as you can add a variety of items such as mirrors, small sculptures, plates, and even plants and unusual objects.   When your collection is ready, you'd want to choose a picture or object that will be your gallery’s center or hero piece. It could be the biggest picture you have or the largest and most stunning art piece. If you’re arranging an eclectic collection, your focal point could be a large mirror, a clock, or any of your largest treasures. Then you could tuck in the smaller pieces all around the largest piece to give it a balanced look, depending also on your chosen layout or template.   If you're hanging photos, remember that frame selection is also important. You decide whether to put them on simple, minimalist frames that will help the art to stand out on its own. Likewise, you can also use different styles of frames with the same color, or opt for similar frames with lots of different colors. Using ornate frames can also add layers of narrative, especially for historic artworks. You can also leave some pieces unframed to create texture and contrast, making the decor more visually appealing.   Take the time to draw out your layout first before you start hammering. This extra step helps take the guesswork out of the process by making sure you got proper spacing and symmetry in your arrangement.    Extra steps to make sure you end up with an aesthetically pleasing gallery wall: Measure your wall space. Lay out all of your possible pieces on the floor first, then measure the overall height and width of the grouping to make sure it'll fit on the wall where you plan to hang it. Trace the outline of the pieces onto a large piece of paper and then cut them out. You can then move them around on the wall with painter’s tape until you’re satisfied with your desired layout. For the spacing around your pieces, design experts suggest allowing 3 to 4 inches between each piece.   For the spacing around your pieces, design experts suggest allowing 3 to 4 inches between each piece. Make sure that there's even distance between frames so that the gallery wall won’t look uneven or messy. Likewise, keep the entire collection between two-thirds to four-fifths of the size of the wall so it won’t look cramped or awkward.

The process of moving into a new house, even when you've done it a couple of times already, will always be stressful and difficult. It’s much more than relocating to a new place, especially when you have to leave a home you’ve lived in for years. It’s where you’ve made thousands of memories with your loved ones and shared countless meals and meaningful conversations with friends. Maybe this was your first home with your spouse or the house where you had your firstborn. If you’re moving to a different neighborhood or state, it might be even more difficult to part ways with the people you love and care about in your neighborhood. Saying goodbye is never easy, even to a place you've loved and called home. However, moving is an inevitable part of life, so we’re here to make it a little bit easier for you. If you happen to find yourself feeling lonely about this huge transition, especially for families with children, here are sweet ways to say farewell forever to a place that was so much more than four walls and a roof.   Go through each room, either by yourself or as a family, and take the time to reminisce about your favorite memories from each specific space. Let everyone bid their own special farewell by sharing a fun or interesting story that happened in that particular room.    Think back on the happy times you spent with your kids in their bedrooms, reading their favorite books or telling them stories. Or the renovated bathroom where you enjoy relaxing bubble baths at night. Your dining room must have a treasure of memories of awesome family meals and get-togethers. After each family member has given their goodbyes, leave the room together and close the door behind you as a symbolic gesture of moving on.   Of course, one of the best ways to help you remember your old home is to make sure you have plenty of photos. Once you've decided to sell and before packing all of your belongings into moving boxes, snap pictures of each room, even when they’re messy. Or if you’re someone who already likes taking photos, collect those you’ve already taken, especially when you’re enjoying the little moments with your loved ones—chilling in front of the TV on a weekend night, your kids playing in the garden, you and your spouse lounging on the patio with your favorite drinks, and so on. Anything special to you around the house and the neighborhood, snap a photo of it to help you remember.   You could print the photos out and arrange all of them in an album, with the address and the dates you lived there on the front cover. For those with younger kids, you can encourage them to help you make a scrapbook. If you want to go all out, grab a camcorder and film everything. All of these will serve as a lovely and realistic record of your time at your old home. And if you’re having mixed feelings about moving, these honest images showing the good and bad elements of your house might help you become more excited about your new abode.   Another way to help you remember the time of your life at your beloved house is to commission a painting or a professional photograph. This could be your departing gift to yourself that will always remind you of your old house and the memories you had there, and which you can put up in your soon-to-be home.   If a tangible keepsake is what you're looking for, check around your property and see what you can bring as a souvenir. One common suggestion from moving experts is repotting your favorite small plant, shrub, or young tree that you can bring to the new house. Even seeds from fruit trees, which you can grow at your new property, can be a meaningful souvenir as a symbol of uprooting and replanting.   You've probably had a housewarming party when you got the keys to your home. Now, it’s the time for the opposite: a house cooling party. Even though moving is stressful and busy, it’s an amazing way to share memories and say goodbye to your house. It doesn’t need to be fancy, and never mind if you’ve already started to pack. Besides, it’s a great way to empty your pantry and fridge before your move.    Your immediate family members and long-time friends, as well as your trusted neighbors and other local acquaintances, should be in attendance. And for sure, they won’t mind a few boxes when it’s time to share a final good meal together and reflect on the happy times you’ve had as you lived in the home. Of course, don’t forget to raise a glass to your home and take lots of pictures.

When it comes to purchasing a home, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding your dream property. However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks of maxing out your budget for this significant investment. By buying a home that is within your means, you can maintain financial stability and preserve the ability to pursue other important financial goals.    In this blog, we will explore several compelling reasons why stretching your budget to its limit when buying a home may not be the wisest choice. After all, homeownership isn't cheap, and the expenses that come with it don’t just end at the closing table.   Maybe you love to travel but still want to settle roots in one location. Or you want to start saving as early as now for your retirement. Or maybe you just want to guarantee you'll have enough funds in case of emergencies. Buying less house than you can afford means you’ll still be able to free up money in your budget which you can use for your other goals: savings, travel and leisure, emergency fund, college fund if you have kids, and even retirement fund. You don’t want to give up these objectives just to pay a large mortgage payment, ensuring that you have the freedom and flexibility to live your life as you’d like.   If you borrow the maximum amount you can afford, you might find it harder to stay current on your mortgage payments in case your life situation changes. Just think of any of these worst-case scenarios that can happen after you sign the dotted line: you lose your job, take a pay cut, your car breaks down, or you or anyone in your family have had a medical emergency.  Depleting your savings just so you can buy a bigger home puts you at a greater financial risk in case such things happen. You can lessen this risk by keeping your monthly mortgage payments affordable and ensuring you have an emergency fund that won't leave you financially vulnerable.   While your potential mortgage payments are more fixed than rent and you think you can afford it, remember to give yourself as much wiggle room for rising costs. Higher grocery bills and energy costs, especially if you're moving to a bigger home, can make it harder to figure out a budget that you can comfortably afford each month. Likewise, homeowners association fees and property taxes also go up every year. While no one can plan for inflation, try to leave enough room when you’re putting together a post-home buying budget.   Perhaps one of the things you're looking forward to the most when it comes to having your own place is decorating it to your style and liking. And since most homes don’t have furniture and appliances, you’ll most likely need to buy these big-ticket items, which could dent your wallet. Even things such as rugs, blinds, and other necessary fixtures aren’t cheap. Purchasing a house within your budget will help you afford pieces of quality furniture and decor that will complement your space, as well as durable appliances that will last.   Finding the perfect property is a dream come true until you realize you aren't truly prepared for situations like leaky pipes, pest infestation, tree removal, or even gutter cleanings. If you’ve been renting for a long time before buying your first home, know that you can no longer count on your landlord to come over and fix things.    Maintaining and improving a home isn’t cheap, nor will it be easy. This is why it’s critical to limit your spending during your home search so you can have extra funds available for any maintenance and repair. It’s safer as well to have a cash cushion for renovation projects after move-in day so you can improve your home to your specifications and enjoy your space comfortably.   Being house poor means you're spending most of your total income on homeownership expenses, including mortgage payments, property taxes, maintenance and repair costs, utilities, and insurance, among others. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck and are having a hard time making ends meet because your mortgage is too expensive, the bliss and excitement of living in your dream home could be short-lived. You will soon find yourself stressed out just thinking about your house-related bills, and having little cash for the occasional splurge or a well-deserved vacation.

You may not think much about it, but plumbing is an integral part of your home's systems. Plumbing issues such as dripping faucets, leaky pipes, running toilets, or frustratingly low water pressure do happen. Some of these may occur due to regular wear and tear. Unfortunately, some are downright results of poor plumbing practices and maintenance, which could lead to more serious issues including drainage problems and water damage, to name a few.  Here are five mistakes and poor habits that many homeowners make, and some tips on how to avoid them:   Some items should never go down the sink drain, especially oils, fats, and grease. Dumping too much grease down the kitchen sink can clog your drain and do real damage over time. Once the grease has cooled down to a reasonable temperature, simply toss it in the trash or a disposable container. The same goes for other items such as eggshells, coffee grounds, and any food waste.   Another common plumbing mistake of many homeowners and people, in general, is flushing down materials other than toilet paper or natural human waste. While it is usually just common sense that you shouldn't flush things such as feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, cotton swabs, and even toys and other odd items, this is a common problem in homes with children and teenagers.   These types of items may initially go down the toilet perfectly well, but then they’d get stuck somewhere along the drain line. They can cause backups and clogs in your home’s plumbing system that can be difficult to remove, and can even cause flooding that can damage your home entirely. Flushing such materials can also be damaging to the environment since city sewer systems are not equipped to handle them, so it’s best to just dispose of them in the trash. Since children are often curious to see if they can flush toys and other stuff, it’s best to watch over them if they’re playing with toys near the bathroom.   If you're reaching for that commercial drain cleaner too often, thinking that it’s a miracle product that can unclog every drain around your home, it’s probably time to look for an alternative. Commercial drain cleaners, while a short-term solution, can cause bigger problems in the long run. These products contain harsh chemicals that can damage metal traps in your home’s plumbing system, corrode pipe walls, and destroy not only metal pipes but also PVC pipes, which can lead to leaks and costly replacements.   Experts suggest that instead of grabbing a liquid drain cleaner, use natural solutions first such as a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by boiling water to loosen up the clog, or alternative products like a drain snake or a power auger. And honestly, if you often find yourself dealing with clogged drains, it might be time to call a local plumber to find the problem quickly.   It's a common mistake for many homeowners and DIYers, thinking that they can leave the water on as long as they work quickly on any water-related project. But this rarely goes as planned, and could result in an even bigger problem: household flooding and possible dripping down to the floors beneath.    This is why it’s critical to turn off the water at the main water shut-off valve or at least turn off the shut-off valve to the fixture you’re planning to work on. Taking those extra few minutes to shut off the water supply could save you thousands of dollars in damage to your property and belongings.    Plumbing repairs take time and money, which is why many homeowners choose to handle some plumbing issues on their own. However, one of the most common mistakes DIYers make is over-tightening faucet supply tubes, pipes, plastic fittings, and bolts that hold down toilets or fixtures. They think that the tighter it is, the better, but that is often not the case. Over-tightening can cause fittings to split, crack, or break altogether, which can also cause a leak. And the worst part of this small error is, it could take weeks for a fitting to completely break, and by then you could be dealing with a leak that could cause major flooding. Likewise, under-tightening can also cause leaks. Check your fixtures and fittings often to see if they were looser than when you installed them.   Bottom line Having a home you can call your own means living up to the responsibilities associated with it, including repair and maintenance. Never ignore minor plumbing issues as they can come back to haunt you. And if you don't feel confident enough to tackle them yourself, it might be best to call a local professional to fix them rather than suffer from a costly and more stressful situation later on. 

When you put up your home for sale, keep in mind that last-minute notices to show it to prospective buyers are always a possibility. But we trust that you've done all the huge and critical tasks even before listing, including deep cleaning, depersonalizing, and making little but necessary repairs.    Now, all you need is a simple checklist just in case you get a call from your agent that a buyer wants to see your house in an hour… or less. Here are a couple of tasks you can do to further make a good impression and lessen the stress of every single home showing.   Bottom line Remember that any home showing has the potential to lead to a sale. And while it's better for buyers to see a messy home than no home at all, that extra charm of keeping it clean and tidy might just seal the deal. The key is to maintain a good cleaning and organizing habit so every home showing will go a bit smoother even if you are still living in the home.

For homeowners who fall behind on their mortgage payments, mainly due to a sudden financial crisis, such as unemployment and other income loss, unexpected debts, interest rate hikes, or economic downturn, among others — the two main options available are either a short sale or foreclosure.  In both cases, the owner is forced to part with their hard-won investment, turning their homeownership dream into a nightmare.    Let's take a closer look at what these things are, their differences, and which is the better option for any homeowner depending on their situation and timeline.   A short sale occurs when the homeowner or property holder owes more on the mortgage balance than the sale price of the property at the point they want to sell. It happens when the home has substantially depreciated in market value since its purchase. For example, if the homeowner sells a house for $200,000, but still has a remaining mortgage loan balance of $250,000, that would be a short sale. The homeowner or seller is technically “short” by $50,000.   No short sale may happen without the blessing of the lender. Once the short sale is approved by the lender and the property is sold, all proceeds from the sale go to the lender. The homeowner gets nothing and ideally will be free of any financial obligations for the home.    However, one thing to watch out for is the so-called “deficiency judgment”, which the lender can file against the homeowner to make up for the loss. While many states outlaw this practice, it's critical that you read over your paperwork or ask about it to ensure you won’t have any personal liability.   A foreclosure, on the other hand, is a legal process that takes place when a homeowner (or borrower, in this matter) stops making mortgage loan payments for a significant period of time. After three to six months of missed payments, a lender will issue a Notice of Default with the county recorder's office. The notice is to inform the homeowner that foreclosure proceedings have started, and they could be at risk of getting evicted.    After receiving the notice of default, the borrower enters into what’s known as the “pre-foreclosure period”, which can last anywhere from 30 to 120 days. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to work with your lender to avoid foreclosure, either through any of the following: Paying the past due balance in full; Modifying the mortgage terms and reducing your monthly payments; Selling the home through short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure.   If the debt isn’t resolved by the end of the pre-foreclosure period, the lender will step in and foreclose on the home. The homeowner will be evicted and a foreclosure auction will be scheduled to sell the house to a third party. If the property isn’t sold at auction, the lender becomes the owner and it’s then considered a bank-owned or real estate-owned property.     SHORT SALE FORECLOSURE Homeowner's involvement Voluntary by the homeowner but requires approval from the lender Involuntary for the homeowner; the lender takes legal action to take control of the property   Speed and timing Typically takes 90 to 120 days or even longer, since the bank won’t approve the sale without a buyer agreeing to its demands Moves along much faster since lenders want to recoup the costs incurred by the unpaid mortgage   Impact on credit score Far less damaging to the borrower’s credit score Will stay on a borrower’s credit report for seven years   Living in the home Homeowners can stay in the home until the sale is completed Homeowners are forced to vacate   Payment terms (for buyers) Can be bought with a mortgage loan Can only be purchased with cash   Method of sale Listed by a real estate agent specializing in short sales Auctioned