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When you put 20% down on a home using a mortgage loan, you own 20% and the lender owns 80%. As you make payments, most of the money goes to pay interest while some goes toward reducing your principal. Meanwhile, favorable market conditions may be increasing the market value of your home, giving you instant […]

The wheel of the year turns, ushering in nature’s awakening from its wintry slumber. As the vibrant colors of spring burst forth, the sight of Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia becomes a spectacle that invigorates the senses. Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake exudes an undeniable charm that draws […]

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Virginia, the Smith Mountain Lake area exemplifies the fusion of natural beauty with modern living. As we examine the real estate trends for 2024, it is evident that this idyllic locale is not immune to the forces shaping the broader market. As we navigate 2024, the real estate landscape […]

You’ve bought an older home that needs some work. How do you decide what needs redoing and how much money to spend? The first rule of thumb is: don’t improve more than the best homes in your immediate neighborhood. A starter home, or a lot-value home, can be renovated to be attractive and functional, but […]

For those who aren’t married, the housing market doesn’t have to pass you by: you and your significant other, best friend, family member, or business partner can purchase a home together as joint owners. Simply decide how you want to buy, use and, eventually, sell the property to determine what form of ownership goes onto […]

In a fast-moving housing market, you may conclude that you don’t need to do much to sell your homes. But, selling a home “as is” may cost you more than you know. Your listing contract will include a clause that says the home is being conveyed “as is,” which means you’re selling the property in […]

The luxury homeowner’s bathroom for 2024 is more than a spa-like retreat where sumptuous comfort is paramount. It’s a step back in time to a calmer, more natural world that comes alive with a touch of 70’s boho chic. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, many of the colors, textures, and sustainable materials that […]

With millions of rentals available worldwide, short-term vacation listing companies are turning the hospitality world upside-down. Homeowners are renting out their homes for music festivals, sporting events, weddings, and more. They’re turning places like Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and Knoxville, Tennessee, into popular short-term rental hubs. Unique properties made from space ships, train cabooses, grain silos, […]

According to the Internal Revenue Service, the primary residence you sold in 2023 may have federal tax benefits that can help you avoid capital gains on the sale, if you meet certain criteria for ownership and use of the home. To claim a tax exclusion, you must have owned the home for at least two years […]

Granite has ruled the luxury kitchen design world for decades, its popularity surpassing marble, quartz, limestone, soapstone, and other luxury materials quarried from the earth. The whites, grays, blacks, beiges, and browns of stone bring an attractive earthiness to interior design, giving a designer look to any kitchen and bath. But stone has its drawbacks. […]