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

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.

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.

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. 

If you're starting to feel the stress of the holidays, just know it’s normal since this season demands a lot for most of us. Thankfully, here are some practical strategies to keep stress under control and make it a truly enjoyable season. ","url":"https://vimeo.com/784034139","width":240,"height":240,"providerName":"Vimeo","thumbnailUrl":"https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/1574217837-bea710076dd78121e63794919396796891d21b8896a2b2f750b6b120dfbc68b8-d_200x150","resolvedBy":"vimeo"}" data-block-type="32"> ">

It's the season of gifts, food, decorations, a lot of festivities, and of course- burglaries. Wait, what? Unfortunately, it’s the less cheerful reality of the holiday season. According to the FBI, 18 percent of home burglaries happen in December, and police only solve 13 percent of them. And if you’re going away on a holiday vacation, the last thing you’d want is to find that your place has been ransacked, with your valuable items missing. Criminals are already on the prowl, so it won't hurt to be extra cautious. We’ve compiled a list of simple but savvy ways to safeguard your property against theft and break-ins during the holidays.   While you're out having the time of your life somewhere, burglars can have the time of their life looting your place. So if you’re planning to travel this holiday season, keep your plans off your social media networks. Burglars can be technologically savvy nowadays, and divulging too much information online about your trip compromises your home security and makes you an easy target for them. They can quickly identify you or your family and search for your home address, even if you think you have the highest level of security on your Facebook or Instagram accounts. No matter how excited you are, wait until you are home before posting about your vacation so you won’t broadcast your absence. If you want to give updates to your family or close friends, give them a call. Also, adjust your privacy settings and confirm your location services are in manual mode so you won’t broadcast your location.   It's a sight many of us are probably looking forward to this time of year—a wonderful Christmas tree all lit up, with lots of pretty wrapped gifts underneath. But putting these festive decorations next to a window or other areas that are highly visible to the street is also a sight good enough for burglars to window-shop. It’s a visual invitation for them to size up your home and break in, especially once you’re away. Minimize temptation by making sure you set up the tree and gifts away from windows or other places with a view. If the front room is your best choice, use thick curtains or blinds to conceal your home’s interior and block the view from the outside. You may also consider hiding gifts temporarily, only taking them out in time for the opening of presents.   ‘Tis the season of gift giving and holiday shopping. And we know how joyful it is to get that spectacular flatscreen TV you've been saving for months, the latest laptop model, or any other big-ticket items that come in branded packaging and boxes. However, make sure you pay attention to how you dispose of your trash. Never leave empty boxes on the curb, unless you want to unintentionally advertise to everyone who drives down your block (including opportunistic burglars) that you’ve got a new TV. If you’re not mindful, burglars don’t need to see the inside of your home to know what valuables you have and what they can get their hands on. So wait until garbage day until you can discard boxes of expensive items. Or better yet, see if you can break down the boxes into smaller pieces and conceal them in an opaque trash bag. Burglars are always on the lookout for such garbage items, so don’t send them an invitation to go in.   If you're expecting packages this holiday season but won’t be home to receive them, don’t make the mistake of sticking a note on your front door telling the delivery company to just leave the packages on your porch. Doing so only gives burglars the assurance that you’re gone. A report revealed that almost 1 in 7 Americans have fallen victim to package theft or what they call “porch pirates.” A smart move would be to contact the shipping company directly and give them special instructions about where to leave packages. If you’ve done all your holiday shopping and will be receiving lots of deliveries, you may also want to invest in a secure parcel drop box to keep on your porch.   With family and friends coming and going this holiday season, it's tempting to have a spare key hidden in an inconspicuous place around your home to make it easier for them to let themselves in. Did we mention under the potted plants or inside a fake outdoor socket? Well, that is a huge no-no! Experienced home invaders know all the best key-hiding spots, and you’re giving them an easy way to get in once they get their hands on your key. So stop hiding your spare keys around the house, or better yet, get rid of them altogether.   Are you going out of town for the holidays? Make your home look like someone is there, even if it's empty. Take advantage of smart home technology to control lights, TVs, and more from anywhere. Having lights on a timer is also preferable because you can turn them on automatically at specific times. Or better yet, invest in a monitored home security system, which can work perfectly with motion sensor lights. Maintaining a presence even when you’re gone will help reduce the chances of your home being the next target.   Even with all the aforementioned precautions in place, a lack of visible activity in the home, especially for a long time, is likely to raise a burglar's suspicions sooner or later. This is why it’s best to make arrangements with a trusted friend or neighbor and have them drop by to check in on your home. You can ask them to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity while you’re gone. Depending on what applies to you, you can also pay someone to shovel your walkways if it snows, collect your mail and packages, take out the trash, and more.

The home buying and selling journey is a massive undertaking for anyone. It takes plenty of time, expertise, negotiation, patience, and sometimes, even a little bit of luck. And as far as luck goes, many follow these superstitions still, even when it comes to real estate. And since it's the season of holidays and festivities, we thought we’d touch on a lighter but equally interesting topic around the subject.  Let's take a look at these ten most common beliefs and traditions that anyone might be curious about, even those who aren’t superstitious. Are you familiar with any of these?   Here's a moving day tradition that’s been important in many countries. New homeowners bring a carb or starch (either bread or rice; whatever is a staple in their place) together with salt when entering their house for the first time and before bringing anything else into it. Bread or rice represents the idea of prosperity so that the homeowners will never know hunger. Meanwhile, salt is believed to keep their lives filled with flavor and brings luxury.  Other homeowners further this tradition by sprinkling some salt at the doorway to prevent evil spirits from entering. But since this means you need to sweep it after, it’ll bring us to the next superstition.   According to popular belief, you shouldn't bring an old broom into your new home. The old broom sweeps all negative energy and experiences from your previous home into your next home, including all of the bad luck you want to leave behind. Even if you aren’t superstitious, a nice, new broom signifies a fresh start, and you won’t be bringing all the dirt and dust to your next home.   Are you moving soon? You may want to pay attention to the day you move. According to Indian tradition, it's important to choose an ‘auspicious day’ to move into your new house. Rainy days, as well as a Friday and a Saturday, are considered unlucky and may prevent you from settling into your new home. On the other hand, Thursday is considered the luckiest day to move. This belief even applies to those who want to put their house on the market. Other Western culture superstitions claim that April, July, and November are the most unlucky months to move.   Smudging is a Native American ceremony where a sacred plant (often sage) is lit, allowing it to smolder and release its aromatic smoke throughout the new dwelling. Smudging cleanses the home and drives away evil spirits and negative energy lingering. The ritual ends with a blessing, mantra, or prayer to bring in new energy. Some sellers also do this to bring good luck and sell their homes quickly.   Another popular superstition is scattering coins around the living room to ensure prosperity. Some homeowners even place coins in the corner of every room, believing it will bring financial good fortune.    The most popular superstition held to help home sellers sell faster is burying a statue of St. Joseph. St. Joseph is considered the patron saint of families, working people, and house sellers and buyers. He was a working man and a skilled carpenter, which may account for him being the patron saint of workers and things to do with houses and real estate.  Although selling your home quickly at top dollar is achieved through the expertise of an experienced real estate agent with professional marketing strategies, some sellers believe they will have a quick sale after burying a statue of St. Joseph. This statue is buried upside down (this way he will want to get out faster) near the sale sign, facing the house. Prayers are said to him for a speedy and favorable sale. Once the home has sold with his aid, dig him up and place him in a position of honor in the new home.   Have a friend who recently got the keys to their new home or a new neighbor just moved next door? If you're thinking of what to give them as a housewarming gift, you can cross knives off your list. Bringing a gift of knives is a no-no as it is believed that their sharp edges will sever your friendship or could cause a bad relationship between neighbors.   As strange as it sounds, a southern legend claims that painting your front porch blue will ward off ghosts and spirits. The reason for this was the belief that ghosts were unable to cross water. Since they mistake the blue porch for water, they stay away.   If you don't want Thor to accidentally burn your house down with a streak of lightning, it is believed that placing an acorn on a windowsill would protect it.   Whether you're already a homeowner or you’re soon-to-be, at some point, you’re likely to do a renovation project that will require you to use a ladder to reach high areas. Did you know that many people avoid walking under ladders for fear of the bad luck it will bring? Another popular superstition dating back to the medieval period involves ladders. Walking under a ladder is unlucky because of its connection to the symbol of the gallows. The gallows were where the hangings took place, so people wanted to avoid that fate, and superstition was born.

Owning and buying your first home is the perfect reason to host Thanksgiving dinner. And since it's next week, chances are you have already made a checklist and started getting ready for the long-awaited holiday. But if you haven’t or still need a few reminders to make your festivities even a little less overwhelming, we’ve rounded them up shortly but sweetly so you’ll have plenty of time to prepare not only your home but yourself so you can prioritize what really matters.   Cleaning and getting rid of any clutter around the common areas in your house, especially in the living room, entryway, bathrooms, kitchen, and dining room, will help get your home ready. This is especially true and critical in your kitchen where most of the preparation will take place. Address any usual hotspots where things tend to accumulate, such as drawers, cupboards, and even on the countertops. If you don't have time to clean the entire home, at least clean your bathroom and kitchen. Also, empty and clean the trash cans and line them up with fresh bags. Tidying up your home is a tedious part of any holiday celebration, but making the effort will surely be worth it.   If you're the kind of Thanksgiving cook who starts preparing and cooking certain foods ahead of time, including stuffings, stocks and sauces, pie crusts, and other desserts, you’ll need more room in your fridge to stock these things. So clean your refrigerator and freezer and start making space now. Sort through those leftovers and toss out anything that is expired or too old to eat, and plan to make use of any good ingredients you have on hand. Also, take stock of condiments that may need refilling. Having plenty of space in your fridge will make your holiday meal prep easier and even perfect to store your delicious leftovers.   Decluttering your kitchen and cleaning out your fridge will allow you to see what ingredients you need for your Thanksgiving prep. Finalize your list and purchase them a few days ahead of time. This way, you'll have plenty of time to run back to the store in case there’s something that you inevitably forgot. There’s nothing worse than making a last-minute trip to the local grocery store on Thanksgiving Day, only to find out that it’s closed.    It's critical you make sure all appliances are in working condition before the holiday. Clean and test them out, especially your oven, dishwasher, and even small kitchen appliances that will help make your life easier during meal prep. If you’re a first-time homeowner who hasn't used your oven yet after you settle into your new home, this is your chance to check and double-check to make sure your oven works.   Make sure you'll have enough dishes, glassware, cutlery, and even serving dishes, bowls, and platters for all your guests and holiday meals. Remember that they don’t have to match unless you’re aiming for a sort of formal gathering. They’re perfect as long as they are clean and in decent condition. If you’re considering a more casual dining celebration, consider using paper plates. Also, check for things like tablecloths and other essentials so you’ll still have plenty of time to shop for any new pieces or replacements just in case.  Likewise, since there’s a huge chance you’ll want to send your guests home with leftovers (and even keep some for yourself), don’t forget to stock up with enough plastic or takeout containers.   Taking care of the table decor the day (or even several days) before saves you a little bit of stress. Not only will you have one less thing to do and worry about on the big day, but it can also help you identify gaps in your tableware situation. Whether you opt to go all-out with some Pinterest-inspired arrangements, or just go for a simple but nice tablecloth, pretty napkins, and DIY place cards, and other seasonal centerpieces, setting the table in advance will also give you ample time to shoot and take pictures before the busy day.   The ultimate tip: Enjoy! This tip might be the simplest to do but also the easiest to forget. Throughout the course of the busy, loud, and messy day, always remember the point of Thanksgiving. Even if you might not be able to pull it off perfectly, the most important thing is to give thanks and truly enjoy the spirit of the holiday with the people you get to celebrate it within your humble home.

For many first time buyers, saving for a down payment is one of the most challenging steps in fulfilling their dream of purchasing a home. Oftentimes, they know they can afford their potential monthly mortgages (which could be less or equal their current rents), but the upfront costs of buying, such as down payment and closing costs, may be too much for them to pay. This is why it's possible to get a little help in the form of a down payment gift from a family member or relative, close friend, or even a charitable organization. And it’s actually becoming more popular, especially among millennials. In the National Association of REALTORS® 2020 Generational Trends Report, 13 percent of home buyers (and 27 percent for ages 22 to 29) indicated their source of down payment to be a gift from their relative or friend.  So if you’re lucky enough to find down payment fund as one of your gifts under the Christmas tree this year (or maybe you’re the one who wants to give it), it may not be as simple as opening your cash gift (or handing someone a wad of cash) and going straight to the lender to use it to buy a home.  Down payment gift funds, whether you’re giving or receiving it, are closely regulated by lenders and must meet certain requirements. Here are certain rules that the gift giver and recipient should know to avoid trouble down the road. While we may automatically consider a family member, like parents or siblings, when thinking about who can give a mortgage down payment gift, there are other entities who could also be eligible gift sources. But because cash can come with strings attached, and lenders want to make sure that the gift money is nothing but a gift (which will be discussed later on), there are restrictions on who can give money (or who you can give money to) to help purchase a home. For conventional loans If you are getting a loan through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, gifts can only be from a family member or relative. This may be your spouse, child, siblings, parents, grandparents, or anyone related by blood, marriage, adoption, or legal guardianship. Soon-to-be family members such as your domestic partner, fiancé, or even future in-laws are also eligible to give funds for a down payment.   For FHA loans The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has its own set of rules when it comes to giving or receiving down payment gifts, although they offer a broader eligibility range. If you are getting an FHA loan, you can receive down payment funds from family members, friends who have a clearly defined and documented interest in your life, employers, labor unions, government agencies, and even charitable organizations.    For USDA and VA home loans VA loans (backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) and USDA mortgages (given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture)may have fewer restrictions, but the down payment gift funds cannot come from anyone who would benefit from the proceeds of the purchase, such as the seller, developer, builder, your real estate agent, and some other entity.   There are no limits on the amount of money someone can give you for a down payment or to cover closing costs. However, rules still apply depending on the type of loan and property you're purchasing. Some types of loans may need you to contribute a certain amount of the down. The key is to check with your lender for the latest regulations on how much you can really use. Likewise, there can be tax implications on the person giving the gift funds. They may be liable if the amount exceeds the gift tax exclusion limit. As of 2020, for instance, any individual can give funds up to $15,000 without a tax penalty. On the other hand, parents who are married and are filing jointly can give up to $30,000 per child for a mortgage down payment (or any other purpose), without incurring the gift tax. For a down payment gift that exceeds the said amounts, the donor must file a gift tax return to disclose the gift.    You need to confirm the relationship between you and the giver and provide the right paperwork. If you're fortunate enough to have a family member or any eligible entity who can give you funds towards your home’s down payment, you’ll need to confirm your relationship with the gift-giver and provide your mortgage underwriter more information about where the funds came from. For lenders to confirm that the new money isn’t a loan, you’ll need these things: 1. A down payment gift letter - If your lender has a template letter for this purpose, you will need to send it to the funds’ donor. If there isn’t a template, you might want to ask what information should be included so you can draft your own. The letter typically includes details about the gift-giver, such as the name, address, contact phone, relationship to the borrower, and address of the property to be purchased. The date when the gift was transferred and the amount of funds given to the borrower must also be indicated. The donor should also write a sentence explaining that the fund is a gift and that there isn’t any expectation of repayment. The letter must be signed by both the gift-giver and the borrower. 2. The gift-giver’s bank statements - This is to show they have the funds to give the buyer as much money as promised. 3. A bank slip from the buyer’s account - This is to indicate when the money was transferred, to verify that the cash is from a legitimate source and that the borrower has an appropriate relationship with the donor, and to confirm the information provided in the letter.   Remember: you can't pay back the gift. Down payment gift funds need to be just like that—a gift and not a loan that is expected to be paid. You need to make it clear with your mortgage lender that the money you received was entirely gifted and not something that you need to pay back eventually, because by then it will be considered mortgage or loan fraud. Besides, it can also put your loan qualification at risk since your debt-to-income ratio will be factored when you get a mortgage.    Try to make it a “seasoned” gift money. It might make more sense to try and make your gift money “seasoned”, especially if you know that someone is going to help you buy a home (often in the case of parents or other relatives). Lenders refer to it as seasoned money when it has been sitting in your bank account for some time, at least for two months. When the gifted money is given in advance, you often don't have to worry about writing gift letter documentation.   Bottom Line Down payment gift funds make it easier for first-time home buyers to afford a home. If you anticipate accepting help, remember to consider the rules above so you can accept such a gift in a proper manner. Be upfront with your mortgage lender if you plan on using gift funds for the down payment. Don't forget to also talk to the individual or entities who are planning to give you money about the tax implications and other considerations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a stop to many of our daily activities and routines. It has also forced us to practice our “new normal”, such as maintaining social distancing and following stay-at-home orders as much as possible. Many businesses have been affected, and the real estate industry is no exception. In some markets, home buying and selling activities may have declined, so in turn moving service providers are left with fewer people wanting to relocate. However, people will continue to need to move amidst this health crisis. And if you are one of those whose move is critical right now—especially if you have to relocate for a new job, you just closed on a new home, or the home you own was recently sold—there are steps you can take to accomplish it as safely as possible. Is moving essential? According to the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA), moving has been deemed an “essential service” by the federal government. This means movers can continue to operate their businesses so you won't be left pushing your huge couch out the door on your own.  However, cities and states across the country have their own way of enforcing social distancing and restricting permitted business operations to services they deem as “essential.” So even if moving is generally an essential service, the orders may be different in your locality so it’s important to ask your realtor and do your research as much as you can. Here are some tips on how to move to your new home safely during the coronavirus pandemic:   1. Research your movers and see if they provide virtual estimates. Do your homework on the moving companies that are still operating in your area in this time of pandemic. Contact them and ask about their current sanitation procedures, whether their workers have necessary supplies, like masks and gloves; how often do they disinfect their trucks and vehicles, and other safety measures in place to protect everyone involved in the process. You may also check the moving service provider's website to view their COVID-19 policy, and then ask them directly for any questions or concerns.  Traditionally, movers will visit your home to provide a quote. But with social distancing requirements, a virtual estimate and a fully contactless service is your best bet to move safely while this health crisis is ongoing.  If you have already found a mover you want to work with, ask for a virtual estimate, which often includes a video call walk-through of the space. You may be asked to provide some measurements so they can prepare for any large furniture or tight spaces. In a virtual survey, you must take into account the size of the rooms and the items in each room. If in case you’re already halfway through your packing, inform them about the number of your boxes and the sizes/dimensions of each. Discuss with them best practices for moving day and how you can prioritize your health and safety. Also, confirm if there is a reasonable cancellation or rescheduling policy in the event that you need to change your plans. Don’t forget to make alternative plans in case the company ceases to continue operations at the time of your move.   2. Plan and pack ahead. If you can't figure out how many boxes you’ll need for your move, take advantage of packing calculators available online so you can get an estimate based on the number of rooms and people in your household. This way, you won’t have to make the extra run to the store in case you didn’t purchase enough. If you’re still in doubt, it might be better to buy a few extra. And while letting the moving company handle the packing and unpacking of your home is more convenient (although somewhat pricier), the safest option during this time is to pack your belongings yourself. You’ll be in control of handling and disinfecting each of your belongings, and you won’t have to worry about the movers touching more surfaces to limit the spread of the virus or any potential germs.    3. Buy new moving boxes instead of using free or recycled ones. In the not-so-distant past, it was normal to reuse boxes from your local grocery store or neighborhood networks to save money. However, due to concerns about the coronavirus' ability to remain active on surfaces (it can survive on cardboard boxes for as long as 24 hours), this approach isn’t recommended. The AMSA’s guide for consumers who are moving during this pandemic suggests purchasing new moving boxes and tapes from your mover. Boxes and moving containers that are already available in your home are fine, but if you need any extras, just play it safe and buy them new.   4. Wear masks, gloves, booties, and other protective clothing. Follow CDC's recommendation to wear masks, gloves, booties, and other protective equipment while you’re packing your things and even during your move for everyone’s safety and to help curb the spread of the virus. The crew members of your moving company will also likely do the same.   5. Minimize contact and practice social distancing whenever possible. If you can, designate one family member that will interact with the movers once they arrive to minimize contact. Also, make sure that everything is packed and ready even before they get into the home. Many movers also make it their new protocol to practice social distancing between themselves and their clients, so do your best to do the same.   6. Provide hygiene products and sanitizing materials. On your move-in day, be sure to leave out enough products that your movers can use in following necessary hygienic practices while they are transporting items to and from the moving truck. Place soap and paper towels next to sinks, and provide plenty of hand sanitizer by the main door. This way, even if the movers came equipped with their own supplies, you can use the supplies to wash your own hands after making contact with any surfaces. You may also want to provide other protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and face shields that everyone involved in the moving process can use.   7. Disinfect as you pack and after unpacking your belongings. Use this opportunity to sanitize every item in your home as you pack them. The same approach should also be done to your moving boxes before you put in your belongings. Disinfect everything, from books and lamps to furniture and appliances, while having your mask and gloves on.  It won't hurt to be cautious, especially since the coronavirus can be spread by asymptomatic carriers. Once the boxes and items are brought into their proper places, thoroughly clean and disinfect everything before using them again just to be safe. Likewise, wash your hands properly after handling any items the movers touched. And don’t forget to disinfect high-touch objects and surfaces after the movers leave, especially door knobs, handles, and light switches.   8. Delay your move if you or any family member is feeling sick or displaying symptoms of the virus. Don't think twice about delaying or postponing your move if you’re feeling under the weather or if anyone in your household is experiencing coronavirus symptoms. Let your mover know right away if you suspect the illness so they’ll put additional protocols into place to protect their workers. Also, inform them if you or anyone in your family is isolating or under quarantine due to exposure. Transparency is very critical, especially during these times where the health and safety of everyone involved should come first.  If you made a deposit with your moving company, contact them if they can be flexible or make an exception during this pandemic so you’ll be free to change your plans without penalty. Although rescheduling can be very inconvenient, it’s not worth putting others at risk, so delay your move until you get the all-clear from a health professional. If you or someone in your family belong to a high-risk group, such as individuals over 60 and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, reconsider moving if at all possible until the situation is more safe.   Bottom Line Moving is even more challenging during this health crisis, especially if you have kids or any high-risk family member. You and your moving company should do careful planning and take extra precautions to be able to pull it off. Our homes are our safest haven for now, so no matter how difficult the task of moving is, once you get past such a hurdle, you can focus on keeping yourself and your family safe.  

Having a work from home option is a huge advantage during this pandemic, especially since stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders are still being enforced. This is why video conferencing and online meetings among companies are now the new norm. If you're one of those who have such a set-up but feels like your home still needs some TLC and it’s not cut out for formal meetings, we’ve come up with a collection of modern homes and scenic locations you can use on your next Zoom meeting. These video backgrounds are perfect if you’re already tired of Zoom’s pre-set options—like the generic outer space scene and the Golden Gate Bridge—or if you just want to try something new and fun. Give these backgrounds a go and transform your home or location instantly! With all the fears and anxiety surrounding us now, a little levity could go a long way especially when we’re connecting with others!   How to change your background on Zoom: Choose your favorite background photos and save them to your desktop. Then, on Zoom, click Account Settings. Navigate to the Virtual Background option on the Meeting tab and verify that the setting is enabled. Click “Virtual Background” then press the plus sign to upload the photo of your choice. It will show up as the mirror image, but you can choose to turn it off if you'd like. These scenes look pretty realistic (just don’t move around too quickly!) and will add some fun during those virtual meet-ups.   Home office/Workspace:   Living room:   Bedroom:   Kitchen:   Mini library:   For your virtual hangouts and full-on Zoom parties: In this time of social distancing, work isn't the only thing we’re using Zoom for. It’s also best for your group hangouts, online parties, virtual happy hours, and more! So download these party-ready backgrounds and have fun while catching up with your loved ones and friends.    If you're dreaming of your own outdoor space someday, why not try it out now! Pretend you’re sitting on a rattan chair or relaxing in a hammock as your work day ends.   For when you're missing the sand on your toes:   Pretend you're sitting in one of those lounge chairs with a cocktail ready!   Defeat cabin fever with these rustic but cozy cabin home interiors.   Reminisce about those weekend brunches at your favorite coffee shop, or pretend you're mixing your own drinks at an industrial-style bar. Newer Post Older Post   Tips for Moving Safely to a New Home During the Coronavirus Pandemic   5 Ways To Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space Back to Blog Home Back to Top

Without a doubt, our favorite movies are the ones we can relate to in one way or another. And whether you're buying a home or starting your house search, it’s a good thing to know that there are movies you can definitely relate to. A lot of movies touch on real estate, even if they do so subtly or as a side plot. Here we have selected five movies whose little lessons could go a long way in your journey to finding your dream home: 1. The Burbs (1989) Starring: Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, Carrie Fisher Synopsis: This comedy horror-thriller film depicts an overstressed suburbanite and his fellow neighbors who have suspicions about the new family on the block who bought a house under strange circumstances. They are convinced that their new eccentric neighbors are part of a murderous Satanic cult. Handy lesson: Introduce yourself to your neighbors BEFORE buying your home!   2. The Money Pit (1986) Starring: Tom Hanks, Shelley Long Synopsis: This film focuses on a young couple who moves into a huge and expensive house, which turned out to be a hopelessly dilapidated property. They decided to buy it after being seduced by the promise of a bargain home and by the seller's sob story and insistence. Handy lesson: Make sure your home inspection is thorough! Like really, really thorough!   3. Beetlejuice (1988) Starring: Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin Synopsis: Beetlejuice is a comedy-fantasy film that revolves around the spirits of a deceased young couple who are haunting their former home, only to find out that the home has new inhabitants. They hired a malicious ghost to scare them and drive them out. Handy lesson: Always double check that the former residents have actually moved out!   4. Back to the Future (1985) Starring: Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd Synopsis: A teenage high school student accidentally traveled back in time through the time-traveling machine DeLorean, which was invented by an eccentric scientist who's also a close friend. Handy lesson: Consider how the value of your home changes as your neighborhood changes, especially if you break the time-continuum!   5. Up (2009) Starring: Edward Asner and Jordan Nagai Synopsis: This heartwarming animated film centers on a 78-year-old widower who travels to Paradise Falls in South America in his home equipped with balloons to complete a promise made to his late wife. However, a young “Wilderness Explorer” inadvertently became a stowaway when he visited the elderly's home to earn his final merit badge. Handy lesson: Love your old home, but need to move? Consider moving the actual house!   If you're planning to buy a home in the near future, don’t forget to add these movies to your binge-watch list this holiday season!

When it comes to laws in the United States, every state is different, especially when it comes to real estate and property management. But there are also real estate laws that are nothing short of bizarre or just downright weird and humorous. If you're looking to move to any of these cities or states, this might help you know some fun facts and trivia about your potential new neighborhood. Here are some of them: Want some privacy in your yard? No matter how much you dislike your neighbors, you can't go all the way in building a fence on your property. There are laws that exist to dictate how high your fence can be. In Rhode Island, for instance, you can put up a fence but not more than 6 feet. Any fence higher than that is considered a “spite fence,” which is often constructed to annoy neighbors and as such, a private nuisance. The state will make you remove it or lower it immediately. This fence law is enforced so that residents can get unobstructed views and to prevent conflict between neighbors. On the other hand, California also has this kind of law that disallows spite fences exceeding 10 feet. And while we’re discussing fences, putting up a traditional white picket fence is not allowed in Scranton, Pennsylvania. For any buyer, having the right number of bathrooms is crucial when looking for a home. But in Waldron, a tiny island located in the Puget Sound which sits between Washington State and Canada, there is a law that prohibits having more than two toilets in any property or building. The island isn't yet fully developed but does have a small elementary school and a post office. The ban is intended to help limit development on the island, and also seems to aim to conserve the town’s water supply. People who live there like it to be kept private and quiet, and want to keep it that way.  Couches, chairs, mattresses, chaise lounges—you name it. You cannot have any upholstered furniture, or any furniture not manufactured for outdoor use, in the yard or on the porch of your home in Boulder. The restriction was passed to curb the dangers of setting those things on fire. It is because local college students, who were known for their party atmosphere, would get drunk and had a habit of setting fires to the said couches. Since passing in Boulder, many other cities, such as Ames, Iowa, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Columbia, Missouri, decided to pass a similar law. Now, if you're looking to live the outdoor life of your dreams in any of these cities, you wouldn’t mind the hard chairs, would you? If you want to live in Ridgeland, do know that you are not allowed to put burglar bars outside of your windows. If you want to add an extra layer of security to your home and couldn't let go of the burglar bars, you can always put them on the inside of the windows. Although admittedly, yes, they aren’t pretty. Also, you wouldn’t be able to open the windows and get some fresh air from time to time. However, if you bought an old home and it has burglar bars that were installed before 1996, you can keep them. Want to sleep in a little longer on a Sunday? But you couldn't because you got woken up early in the morning by a neighbor mowing their lawn, using a leaf blower, or fixing their roof. You won’t have this kind of problem in states like New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Hawaii. In these states, it is illegal for DIYs to be done on a Sunday, so as to avoid conflict between neighbors.  Let’s take a closer look. In New Jersey, it’s illegal to do any house painting outside or do any roofing jobs on a Sunday. Likewise, in Schenectady, New York, it’s unlawful to fill nail holes with putty. In Hawaii, using a leaf blower is prohibited, while the ban for using lawn mowers is in place for residents of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Want to move or just visit Aspen, Colorado to experience the cold winters and have some epic snowball fights? While millions of people flock to Aspen every year for some fun in the snow, be reminded that it is illegal to have snowball fights in the area. To put it clearly, you can't throw snowballs at any public or private property, people, or vehicles, according to the Aspen municipal code. It takes the fun out of a snowstorm, eh?

Tiny homes. We've seen them on the HGTV series and admired their cute and alluring interiors on Pinterest. But what exactly are these? These diminutive dwellings maximize the functionality of the limited space while basking on the idea of green living because of the reduced carbon footprint. The tiny house trend also highlights “dramatic downsizing” without the stress of spending most of your life paying off a mortgage.   So, how “tiny” is a tiny house? According to the 2017 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers by the National Association of RealtorsⓇ, the size of a typical single-family home that was recently purchased was 1,870 square feet. Tiny houses, on the other hand, are only between 100 and 400 square feet. Just imagine: at least 144 of these 400-square-foot homes could fit on a football field! Like their regular-size counterparts, the costs of tiny homes also vary depending on the materials used and the customizations added to the unit. You have three options on how to get it done: you can have a custom house, choose a pre-fab model, or if you'd like to put your DIY skills to the test, you may build it yourself. Made-to-order models from manufacturers and developers, like Tumbleweed Tiny House Co. and Wheelhaus, could start from an average of $57,000 and up. Meanwhile, more complex luxury tiny houses could be worth more than $140,000. It’s still cheaper compared to a family home that has a median price of $235,000. But if you’re the kind of person who’s handy and can actually build something on your own, you might as well build it by yourself. The average cost of building a tiny home is between $35,000-$40,000, but you can have it for less depending on the materials you will use. But, just remember that you need to be ready for unexpected costs of building the house. You also need to think about the time you’ll spend on doing the actual labor. Some homeowners claim they have built their tiny homes for less than $10,000, but that price tag is only an exception. Even if you have enough space in your backyard or you own an empty land, you can't just put or build a tiny house in there without consulting with the local ordinances. Apparently, even tiny houses need to comply with the city’s building and zoning restrictions. Where you can build a tiny house also depends on how “tiny” it is. Under the federal building code, the minimum size for a home is 120 square feet. It should also meet building codes, such as having a minimum ceiling height, minimum square footage for a habitable room and bathroom, and two means of egress in case of a fire. Aside from the federal rule, each state and/or cities also have their own local laws that builders need to comply with. In areas like Oregon and Wilmington, NC, there’s a minimum size for a tiny house. But in areas like Spur, TX, Sarasota County, FL, and Philadelphia, there are no size restrictions as long as the dwelling meets standard building codes mentioned above. There are also laws for tiny homes on wheels and tiny homes that serve as accessory dwelling units, but they are more lenient compared to the rules for houses that are attached to a foundation.   The rise of tiny-home communities aka The Tiny House Movement The tiny house movement has been gaining momentum. There are now over 50 tiny-home communities across the U.S., according to real estate site Trulia. These communities are either already established or under development, and each caters to a different crowd and promotes a different lifestyle. According to the Tiny House Community, a website for owners, the tiny-house communities can be found in areas such as Bedford, IN; Del Valle; TX; Fairfield, IA; Lemon Grove Village in CA, and Palm Coast and Orlando, FL, among others. But what sparked the rise of this movement, which is now a huge real estate trend? While experts said there are multiple driving factors, the main ones they cited are the economy and the environment. According to Francesc Zamora, author of the coffee table book "150 Best Mini Interior Ideas,” in an interview in Realtor.com, tiny homes are generally more affordable, which means smaller mortgages for home buyers. Many people who lost their homes due to unemployment or foreclosure during the 2007 financial crisis also turned to tiny homes as an affordable alternative to traditional housing. Similarly, because smaller houses are cheaper and easier to maintain, they have less impact on the environment compared to large houses. So these houses are perfect for people who are willing to downsize and live a simpler life in an environmentally-friendly house.   As with any real estate trend that's developing these days, living in a tiny house isn’t for everyone. The advantages of moving into a miniature home can be very appealing, including lower mortgage and utility costs, and less maintenance, but there are challenges as well. Aside from the local building and zoning restrictions, you need to consider whether it really fits your lifestyle. If not, can you adjust so you can handle the limited space? If transitioning to minimalist living is what you’re aiming for, can you forgo most of your belongings (Hello, limited storage space and goodbye clutter!) to live simply? For many tiny homeowners, the shift was more enjoyable because it also pushed them to spend more time outdoors and abandon the stress brought on by many material things.

Many real estate agents are there exclusively to help us navigate the intricate process of buying or selling a home. Yet, don't be surprised because there are also some who are exceptional in assisting renters in finding a nice and desirable apartment, condo, or any rental property. Their level of service may depend on the location and the agent themselves. Real estate agents will guide you on your search and help narrow down your options. Since they know the ins and outs of properties, they can match you with the right neighborhood and apartment size and amenities within your price range or fit your budget. They can also help you schedule tours for you to see the rental firsthand. To boot, they can also negotiate a lower rent with the property manager or landlord or obtain better terms that will make your life easier as a tenant. Here are five common situations where you may benefit from hiring a real estate agent when you're looking for your next apartment or rental property:   1. Finding an apartment in your area is like a battlefield. In larger cities with highly competitive markets, such as New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, using a real estate agent is necessary to help you get appointments for unit tours and showings and lock in that perfect rental property. These cities have huge populations of renters, so hiring a realtor can give you a huge advantage in your search. Likewise, agents also have access to rental listings available in the Multiple Listing Service or MLS.   2. You're relocating to a new city. Moving to a new city can be both challenging and overwhelming. More so when looking for your next apartment where the neighborhoods are unfamiliar. In this circumstance, you can take advantage of a local real estate agent’s knowledge about available homes, apartments, and rental properties. It will also be helpful if you can’t have a longer visit to your next city until your final relocation date.   3. Scheduling a tour or property showing is difficult. Sometimes, it can get difficult to contact a property manager via phone or email (especially in larger cities) or get to the leasing office of the property you are looking at if you are moving into a new city. A real estate agent can help make it possible to schedule a tour or after-hours showing, especially in these troublesome situations. Having an agent represent you can also give you more credibility since the property manager will know you are serious about your search.   4. You're looking to rent a single-family home. According to MarketWatch, single-family rental homes make up over one-third of all rental properties in the US. There are about 16 million rental households, and the high demand is showing no signs of slowing down. If a single-family home rental is what you’re looking for, you may realize that it can be harder to find listings and schedule showings unlike if you are looking into apartment buildings, which often have a property manager on-site. Real estate agents have access to the local multiple listing service, thus, they will know which houses are available for rent and can help you schedule tours faster.   5. You're a first-time renter who wants to better understand the complicated matters regarding your lease. While most tenants can find a place on their own without the help of any real estate professional, it isn’t surprising to feel overwhelmed with all the complicated matters a rental lease entails. Before signing the dotted line, enlisting the help of a real estate agent can help you understand all the vital information included in your lease. They can also be very helpful if you’re the type who doesn’t want to waste your precious time sitting in front of the computer, trying to browse for rental properties and narrowing down your options, but still having difficulties getting tour schedules to see properties.   One thing to remember is that realtor fees and how much you have to pay vary by city or location. Common rates are usually equivalent to one month's rent or 15% of the annual rent on the apartment. Likewise, you may or may not have to shoulder the fees. Sometimes, it will be the landlord or property owner who will pay the agent after finding a desirable tenant. In cities like New York City where the competition for apartments is very high, brokers typically require a fee of one month’s rent. In Seattle, on the other hand, agents collect a flat fee of a few hundred dollars from the renter. It’s important to discuss fees upfront before you sign any agreement and work with a real estate agent. Make sure you understand how the professional can help you find a rental property, and how much he or she will get paid. Understand what fees you will be responsible for, and what will be shouldered by the property management or your potential landlord. There are many ways to find a real estate agent who helps not only home buyers or sellers but also services renters. You can check online for local rental listings and websites of real estate firms. You may also know about reliable real estate agents from personal referrals. Ask your families or friends for the names of experienced agents whom they've already worked with when they bought or sold a home. Chances are even if they don’t work with rentals, they probably have a colleague or a team member who also deals with rentals with whom they can connect you.   Bottom Line Hiring a local real estate agent to help you find that perfect rental property you're aiming for means you can take advantage of the professional’s knowledge and expertise of the general real estate market. Depending on your location, an agent can be a godsend to help leverage your property search. They can also be helpful when you're negotiating terms with your potential landlord. So go ahead. Understand your situation and explore your options so you can make smarter decisions as a renter. Whether you plan to get help from a realtor or not, the lessons and experiences you acquire from being a renter will help you when you start your house-hunting later on. You never know, the real estate agent that helped you score a nice apartment may also be the one to help you find your dream home when the time comes.

Do you find yourself attending open houses or looking in the classified ads when you're thinking of upgrading to a new house? You might even have a real estate agent's number handy so you could have them show you new homes. But have you ever considered checking on foreclosure listings? Rather than paying the market price of a new home, you can opt to buy a foreclosure that just needs a little TLC. You might even get a good bargain on the house, ending up with a home that would be worth much more than what you paid for it. If you've been following the real estate market trend then you've observed the rise in foreclosure inventories. An increase in foreclosures is an opportunity—that is if you're willing to put money and time into purchasing foreclosures to have it rented out or flipped—buying and selling in a short period of time without actually living in the home. Now is a great time to invest in foreclosures, however, just like any type of investment you must do your research and consult an expert before you dive in. Take note that not every foreclosed property would be a great deal. Profiting from foreclosures can't be guaranteed and if you want to get into the business you must approach the process carefully and always know when to drop the sale. The time that you have to retain the ownership on the purchased foreclosure may vary by the demand for houses in the location. Learning how to profit from a foreclosure requires you to determine how to add value to a property and effectively budget the purchase price and repair to maximize your profit. There are four things that you should check out before diving into the process of profiting on a foreclosure. First, you should have a list of foreclosed property or properties that have potential. Next, research the area pricing and the demand for real estate properties in the market. Of course, you have to consider your budget from purchasing the foreclosed property to renovating it. Lastly, you have to find a reliable contractor that would take care of all the renovations and ensure that the foreclosed property could be listed back to the market. Once you've decided to try out profiting from foreclosure properties, here are five things that you need to keep in mind throughout the process: 1. Start Now, Revisit Later Even if you're not yet ready to start investing in foreclosures, it's best to prepare ahead of time. Start tracking distressed properties now to give you a practical idea about the workings of the foreclosure process. You can attend foreclosure auctions to see how the buying process works. In these auctions, you can also get a chance to talk to other investors to discover how they have profited from buying and selling foreclosures as well. It may get too overwhelming so you might want to consider finding a knowledgeable local real estate broker who specializes in foreclosures. Some brokers work with banks that have foreclosed homes in their inventories. They could help you find repossessed homes a little more easily than just waiting for another auction. 2. Get Local Take advantage of being in the know of foreclosed properties in your area and start preparing before other real estate investigators get wind of the distressed property. Foreclosure properties which have been mentioned in public records, advertisements, and real estate listings attract investors into diving head first to get the deal. Being a resident of the area, you could get dibs on the property, review the price that the investor bought the home for, how long he held the property, the amount it sold for and when it was sold, long before the information becomes available in the county clerk's or country assessor's office. 3. Rent or Sell Check out the foreclosure property if it has been vacant for a long time. Chances are, damages may have worsened over time or it was vandalized by the former owners if they have been forced out. Depending on the location of the property, you should find out if the home has been winterized causing bad pipes and other problems. After assessing scopes for fixtures, decide whether you want to buy and rent out the property or repair and sell it as quickly as possible. 4. Calculate for Repairs Before the foreclosure sale, it's high time to contact the homeowner of the distressed property. While there is not much competition to deal with at this stage, going with this strategy would have the homeowner give in and get rid of his debt in whatever way he can before the tedious foreclosure process begins. Advanced assessment of the property would allow you to budget for repairs up to a certain degree of cosmetic touch-ups. Take into consideration the hiring of contractors when you plan for repairs. 5. Set Your Limits You might get carried away in winning your first bidding war leading to spending more than what you had intended to. Always consider at least 20% in profit when setting a price after bidding and repairs costing estimate. Also, since you're still a beginner, focus on one property at a time and learn to test the waters before venturing on the next opportunity.   Foreclosure investments are a fast-paced environment and may make you feel that you have to move quickly to not lose the opportunity. However, if you're just trying out foreclosure investment as your new venture, it would be best to be cautious with your steps to not incur substantial losses on your first try.

Keeping up with home maintenance tasks can be daunting, especially for new homeowners. It may be hard to accept the fact that sometimes you have to cancel a weekend brunch so you can clean out the gutters and mow the lawn. While these responsibilities could be frustrating, it's what you have to do to protect your biggest investment. Staying on top of these tasks can save you from costly repairs later, and can keep your house running as good as new. While there are many tasks that homeowners should complete each season, this list outlines the chores you should take care of once a year. If you're a homeowner who is or will be celebrating the anniversary of your home purchase, it’s a good idea to start off with this to-do list and give your home the TLC it deserves. 1. Check and update your smoke alarms, alert systems, and carbon monoxide detectors. Alarm systems and smoke detectors are crucial to minimizing damage and saving lives in the event of a fire. Change the batteries of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and ensure that the systems are in working condition. Now is also a good time to check your fire extinguishers. Make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher and see if it is still within the expiration date. 2. Pressure wash. One of the best ways to make your home's exterior look clean is through power washing. Doing so will also minimize the risk of mold growth and infestation, particularly if you do it once a year. Give your house a good scrub by using a garden hose, renting a power washer or hiring a professional cleaner to do the job. Don’t miss out on cleaning the siding, windows, and patio as well to get rid of any grit. For heavily soiled areas, spot-clean them using cleaning materials that won’t harm your plants. 3. See if your house needs a freshening up with paint. To check if your house's exterior needs a fresh coat of color, look for signs of chipping paint. New paint will not only give your home a new look, but it will also protect it from water damage and rot. This job is best started in the spring. 4. Check your home's humidity levels. The humidity level in your home should be kept at average levels: between 30% and 50% humidity. High humidity is dangerous because it can cause mildew and black mold, while low levels can cause damage such as chipping paint. Low humidity can also make you and your family uncomfortable, causing itchiness and even sore throats! Check your property's humidity using a hygrometer at least once a year. 5. Clean your air filters and air ducts. You should clean your air conditioner parts at least once a year to ensure clean air is circulating in your home. You can clean the air filters and air ducts by yourself or hire a maintenance technician to do the job. 6. Check for termites and pests. For many homeowners, just the thought of having termites in their home can make them cringe, but facing reality is another thing. You should include a termite inspection, which costs no more than $100, in your annual checklist to make sure these pests are not taking over your property. Likewise, don't forget to book an appointment with a pest control service once a year. Unless you want your home to be infested with bugs and other critters, you have to include it on your cleaning schedule. 7. Clean your tile and grout. Cleaning the tile and sealing the grout lines need to be done at least once a year. Not only will it make your home look clean but will help prevent mold growth. While there are many firms that offer professional tile and grout cleaning, you can also do it yourself. You just have to carefully choose the products or materials you'll use so you won’t damage your tile or prevent further damage. 8. Sort out your things and declutter. After spending a year or more living in your home, it might surprise you to realizehow much “stuff” has piled up, taking over your storage space. It's a good thing to sort through your belongings and declutter unnecessary items after you’re finished doing the essential maintenance chores.

We often talk about starting a home improvement project, like a bathroom or kitchen remodel, because we're dissatisfied with the house and are looking for ways to make it even better. But what if the first thing that’s hindering us from appreciating our biggest investment is the enormous amount of clutter that we’ve accumulated over the years? Decluttering is a difficult thing to do, especially for those who have been planning to downsize or simply move out of their current home. Deciding which items to keep, which to give up, donate, or throw out will never be easy. But too much clutter in our home can lead to chaos that can cost us money, time, and even limit our productivity and concentration. According to the Ikea Life at Home 2017 survey Beating The Battles, having “too much stuff” was the single biggest cause of stress in the home. And the simple act of choosing which items to keep and which to discard can ultimately free people from guilt and worry and allow them to focus on what really matters most in their lives, even if taking that step is difficult. New Year is a good time to have a fresh start, so right now is a great time to achieve a more peaceful home by decluttering and organizing your stuff. Here we've gathered some of the best techniques and principles to help you declutter so you can appreciate your home more. Before starting anything, think about what your goals are and your reasons for decluttering. If you don't have a clear goal in mind, you’ll start enthusiastically after sorting through a few items, then find yourself losing momentum because you haven’t started with the right mindset. Experts suggest you create your vision first and think things through before you start organizing. Don’t just say to yourself that you’re going to organize your closet or sort through your cupboard. Instead, think about how you want to maximize your storage space, how you want to store your clothes, or how you can easily get to your preferred herbs and spices when you’re cooking your meals. Take the time to assess your space and understand how you want to organize a particular area in your home. If you're still having a hard time deciding where to start, begin with something easy. Get rid of any broken or expired items, especially hair, makeup, and other cosmetic products, old prescriptions, and medicines. The same goes for any food or canned goods in your pantry that are already past their expiration date. Make it easier for you to focus on your goals by organizing one room or area at a time. Break the job into smaller parts so you won't get overwhelmed with the task at hand. Try choosing a space that makes you feel uncomfortable — whether it’s your makeup and beauty products taking over your vanity drawer, the shelves crammed with books you don’t have time to read, the pile of messy clothes in your dresser, or the unruly cords and cables in your home office. Taking it item by item will help you get things done in a short amount of time. Things like gifts, souvenirs, and inherited items can be the hardest things to part with. Putting a great deal of sentimental value on every item we've ever received as a gift or every item we’ve ever purchased on a vacation is a trap that we all fall into, and it can be impossible for you to get rid of unnecessary clutter if you don’t learn to let go. Even though these things can be connected to a specific memory in our lives, the fact remains that these are still objects, and while some may be worth keeping forever, it’s worthwhile to examine whether all of those items are still creating a positive effect on your life, or if they’re contributing to your stress. It’s important to remember that you are not required to keep all the gifts you’ve received in your lifetime. When evaluating an item, determine whether it is really worth keeping. If you can retain the precious memory without keeping the physical object, then it might be wise to let go. You can check these tips by The Spruce to help you get rid of sentimental clutter without feeling guilty. As you set out to declutter a space in your home, adapt the four-box technique suggested by Becker in BecomingMinimalist.com to help you with this process. Prepare four boxes that will be titled trash, give away, keep, and relocate. As you consider and evaluate each item, try to place them into one of these four categories so it will be easier for you to sort things out later on. After you've finished, you can return and double check all the items in the boxes and then put them back in their proper locations, or think of ways to discard them. You can always donate them, pass them on, give them away to friends and relatives, or sell them for some extra cash. The biggest pitfalls when organizing are the unending distractions and diversions that will come your way. When you start the task, do your best to ignore any texts, email alerts, or notifications from your social media accounts. Also, avoid the temptation to finish that book you found in a drawer you were cleaning, or review the full menu of a restaurant in that flyer you were supposed to throw out. These little distractions could send you down another path and make you lose focus on your goal. So outsmart these temptations at all costs and remember the tips given above to achieve an organized home. Many of us just don't have the time to focus on getting rid of unnecessary items, but we can still manage the issue if we acquire less stuff to begin with. Before bringing a new item into your home, take a hard look at the things you already own. Disorganization could cost you money when you bring home a new item only to realize you already own something similar. When there’s less clutter, you’ll spend less time trying to find things, less time wondering if you already have something, and less money overall when you’re able to find things quickly and know you don’t need a duplicate. After you're finished, take a step back and look around. Have you missed any area that still needs attention? Once you’re happy with what you’ve accomplished in your newly organized home, it’s now easier for you to dream of your next home improvement project.

The process of selling, buying, and moving into a new home can be very complicated and overwhelming. But on the lighter side, it is also a journey full of fun and exciting discoveries. Part of a homeowner's discovery and realization is finding their ideal neighborhood, their dream backyard, their perfect kitchen, and a wall full of snakes... Wait, what?! Yes, you've read it right. As bizarre as it sounds, homeowners from around the world have discovered many strange and unexpected things on their properties. Some may have lived in their home for a couple of months before encountering weird things, while others already owned their home for years before finding things that are impossible to anticipate. Here we reveal some of the strangest discoveries that happened in our own backyard. Well, you may consider them to be a fun and interesting part of real estate—just don’t forget the hard-earned lessons you can pick up along the way.   1. Some serious cash Well, the first word you can think of is: lucky, isn’t it? Artist Josh Ferrin discovered the treasure stashed away in the attic of his home in Bountiful, Utah. When he brought up the discovery—a total of $45,000 in cash and coins—to his family, there was some disagreement on whether they should keep it or return it to its original owners. To teach his two boys the value of honesty, Ferrin returned the money to the previous homeowners despite the thoughts of car and house payments in his head. He says it was a “teachable moment” for his kids that he would never get back again. How cool and sincere was that? 2. World War II love letters In this digital day and age, sending and receiving handwritten love letters is a practice that can really make your heart melt. When Zac and Shannon Carter bought a renovated 1970s house in Pensacola, Florida in 2016, the home inspector informed them he discovered a stack of old letters in the original cabinetry. It wasn't until the Carters moved in that they realized the letters, postmarked from 1948 to 1949, contained a blossoming love story between a World War II veteran and his sweetheart. They couldn’t help but read the vintage letters and understood that the letters belonged to the original homeowner, veteran William Middleton. Middleton wrote them while he was in school in Georgia after serving in WWII and sent them to a woman named Doreen in Canada. The Carters later learned that the two eventually got married and had children, so they passed on the letters to them to let them read their parents’ wonderful blossoming story. 3. An old cemetery While the first two discoveries were pleasant surprises, not all homeowners were fortunate enough to encounter such things. This one is quite a good setting for any ghost or haunted story. Of all the things homeowner Helen Weisensel can find in her century-old home in Jefferson County in Wisconsin, nothing can be as disturbing as unearthing a child's skull in the basement while they were doing much-needed repairs on its foundation. They soon found out that her home was built atop an old, long-forgotten cemetery. Archaeologists and local historians even estimated it to be among the earliest burial ground in the county, and more human remains were uncovered. Subsequently, Weisensel’s nightmare started. She was flooded with pertinent inquiries from her neighbors asking her if she’d experienced weird things happening in her home. And since her remodeling project involved her trying to fix her house and do some serious foundation work, it all became impossible the moment her home was discovered to be an official historic burial ground. 4. Mammoth bones Unearthing something of a prehistoric significance is already a delight of its own. Well, more so if you made the discovery in your own backyard. When Iowa man John and his two sons went blackberry-picking near a creek on their property in Oskaloosa in 2010, one of his sons noticed what he believed to be a ball in the creek. That piqued John's curiosity and interest in archaeology when he realized that the “ball” was no toy—it was actually a 4-foot-long femur of a mammoth dating back as far as 100,000 years ago. That started a historic archaeological event as John’s backyard has become an excavation site, with the University of Iowa’s Museum of Natural History leading the search. Besides the mammoth’s femur, they had found its feet bones and thoracic ribs. Experts say while it is not unusual to find mammoth fossils in Iowa, it’s a rare find to discover so many bones belonging to the same animal in the same place. 5. A wall full of snakes Here we have Ben and Amber Sessions, who found what seemed to be their picture-perfect five-bedroom rural home in Rexburg, Idaho. It seemed like a real deal since it was listed for just over $100,000. Until they found a snake in their yard, which is no big deal since they help keep mice away. But soon after moving, they found dozens more every day. Ben even found over 40 snakes in his yard in a single day. Soon, they also spent sleepless nights listening to what seemed like slithering noises on the walls. When Ben removed a panel of siding it revealed dozens of snakes living in their crawlspace. Their new dream home was in fact what's known by locals as “The Snake House.” It was sitting atop an enormous snake hibernaculum, a kind of den where the snakes gather in large numbers to hibernate in winter. What’s more troubling is that they also found out that their tap water (which has a curious taste and smell) was infested with snake musk and feces, a good way for anyone to catch salmonella and other diseases. The Sessions also referred to their home as the “Satan’s Lair.” The home also had a distraught history of owners leaving in haste after finding out the snaky problem. It turned out that the only way to neutralize the issue of a snake den beneath the home was to raise the entire house off its current foundation and lay down a new concrete foundation beneath it. But that job would cost a massive amount, even more than $100,000 at that time. So in 2009, the Sessionses also ended up abandoning their home and had to file for bankruptcy. According to real estate experts, the Sessions’ story is a valuable lesson for all home buyers to give importance to due diligence when searching for your dream home. 6. A hidden room full of toxic black mold Back in 2005, young couple Jason and Kerri Brown with their 2-year-old daughter found a sweet deal in a form of a five-bedroom, two-bath house that was in foreclosure for $75,000 in the cozy town of Greenville, South Carolina. As they started renovations on the fixer-upper, they removed bookcases in a bedroom when it revealed a passageway that led to a hidden room—a secret corridor! Well, it can be an exciting discovery for any new homeowner especially if it looks like a passageway towards a hidden world like Narnia. However, it turned out the secret room has a serious mold problem and that the house is contaminated with toxic black mold. What seemed to be a pleasant surprise turned into a nightmare for the young couple. Inside the room, the first thing they found was a chilling note from the previous owner saying: “You Found It! Hello. If you're reading this, then you found the secret room. I owned this house for a short while and it was discovered to have a serious mold problem. One that actually made my children very sick to the point that we had to move out." It was from George Leventis, who'd lived there for a while. After discovering the problem, since he has little money and was unwilling to take the matter to court, he stopped paying the mortgage and moved out. But not without leaving the note to serve as some warning. The Browns have taken it very seriously and hired an environmental engineer to do further testing. The house’s toxicity levels turned out to be so high they have to permanently cancel their move-in plans and took the serious matter to court. 7. A live artillery shell There's the story about our love letters dating back in WWII. Then there’s this real bomb scare for a family who lived in Goshen, Indiana. Wally and Linda DeForests found a live mortar round in their basement as a kind of a housewarming gift after moving into their home in 2010. Linda initially discovered the approximately foot-long military-grade weapon sitting in a cubby space while she was hanging things on the wall. She even told her husband she found a “torpedo.” The DeForests have had help identifying what it was from their consulted family friend and army veteran Joshua Blackenship, who kindly explained that it was either a round for a mortar or a lightweight anti-tank weapon. The family contacted the Elkhart Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit to come and take it away. Some police officers discerned the old mortar round may have been from the Korean or Vietnam War. Well, it’s a quite a unique way for the DeForests to be introduced in their new neighborhood and be welcomed in their new home.   8. Faberge figurine Since we started with finding some hard cash, let's cap off this story with another amazing find. It’s a common thing for many homeowners to display porcelain figurines in their homes, but do you have any idea how much does one figurine cost? A particular figurine was found stashed in an attic in upstate New York of descendants of a gallery owner who bought it in 1934. The tiny statute was unlike no other because it was one of only 50 in existence and was crafted by renowned Russian jeweler Faberge. It was studded in precious jewels and diamond and was sold at an auction for a whopping $5.2 million! Dated to 1912, the particular figurine depicts a personal bodyguard to royalty and was given by Russian Czar Nicholas II to his wife. Bottom Line Let's incorporate the lesson we mentioned in the Snake House story: remember the importance of due diligence. Home buyers should “do their homework” before buying what they’d like to be their dream home. While it can be a time-consuming process, you can ensure that you’ll get the most out of your biggest investment. Many unwanted surprises can be avoided by asking the right questions, hiring an experienced local real estate agent, and giving importance to a home inspection. Following many of those established pieces of real estate advice can help lead you to your ideal property and avoid ending up in a house full of snakes (Yikes!)