Your water heater is a crucial part of your home, providing hot water for showers, washing dishes, and more. Like any other appliance, it requires regular maintenance to run efficiently and last longer. Proper water heater care can save you money on energy bills and reduce the chances of an unexpected cold shower. Here are some effective water heater maintenance tips to keep your unit working...

We didn’t expect the housing market to be quite like this. Experts in real estate and finance anticipated a busy fall buying season, with more homes available and lower mortgage rates helping buyers jump back in. But instead, rates have been climbing steadily. After briefly dipping, mortgage rate trends show they are now trending over 7%, a level that’s making many potential buyers hesitate. Though...

October Volusia County Housing Market Update SEP 2024 OCT 2023 OCT 2024 Percentage Difference Number of Listings 3,058 2,462 3,025 23% Increase Number of Sales 362 439 304 31% Decrease List Price $511,000 $528,000 $508,000 4% Decrease Sales Price $388,000 $442,000 $416,000 4%...

It was a chilly Halloween night, and the moon hung low, casting eerie shadows across Maplewood Estates. Realtor Chris Hoover had a spooky open house planned, complete with cobwebs, flickering candles, and even a fog machine. The house, a grand Victorian with creaky floors and a reputation for ghostly rumors, was the perfect setting for a haunted Halloween night. Just as Chris was putting the final...

Your HVAC system is essential for keeping your home comfortable year-round, but maintaining it goes beyond just turning it on and off. Proper maintenance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can improve energy efficiency, extend its lifespan, and ensure optimal performance. Here are some effective HVAC maintenance tips to keep your system running smoothly and your home...

Mortgage rates rise this October, marking a challenging month for potential homeowners and refinancers alike. As of last Friday, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate for top-tier borrowers hit 6.90%, climbing over 0.625% since the beginning of the month. Today’s additional 0.10% increase brings it to 7.0%, the highest level we've seen since July 10th. This jump is partly due to last Friday's bond...

If you've been dreaming about owning a home that fits your lifestyle and grows with your needs, you're not alone! Whether you're in the market for your first place or looking to upgrade, there's no better time to explore all the ways you can unlock home potential. From maximizing square footage to finding that perfect neighborhood vibe, every decision can make a big impact on your daily life—and your...

Existing home sales fell again in September, as many buyers stayed on the sidelines even though mortgage rates eased slightly during the month. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sales dropped 1% from August, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.84 million. This marks the lowest level since October 2010, falling short of economists’ predictions of 3.88 million. On a...

  Mortgage demand has taken a significant dip as rates continue to rise, reaching the lowest point since July 2024. As of today, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has climbed to 6.84%. This marks a notable shift from the past few months when rates were down in the low 6% range, making homebuying more affordable for many. The sudden rise in rates, coupled with...

Taking care of your home involves more than just cleaning and repairs; it’s about protecting its structural integrity. One area homeowners often neglect is the maintenance of their gutters. Properly maintained gutters ensure that rainwater is directed away from your home, preventing costly damage. Here’s why regular gutter maintenance is crucial and how you can do it effectively to keep your home safe...