Blog
Surviving Hurricane Floods: What I Wish I’d Known as a Florida Shores Hurricane Ian Flood Victim
As a survivor of Hurricane Ian’s devastating floods, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of preparation, calm decision-making, and taking swift action. I’m sharing these insights not to cause fear, but to equip you with the knowledge we wish we’d had before the floodwaters rose. If you think your home might be at risk for flooding, take a moment to read through these tips. We made it through, and so will you—but a little preparation goes a long way. Read More
How the Federal Reserve Affects Mortgage Rates
Home buyers today are very focused on interest rates, but many times they have no idea what affects these rates and causes them to go up or down. What does the Federal Reserve do? The Federal Reserve was created by the 1913 Federal Reserve Act to manage U.S. monetary policy and stabilize the economy. It... Read More
Recent Changes to How Realtors Conduct Their Business
You may have recently heard some information on the news about an out-of-court settlement involving NAR, the nation’s largest trade organization representing over 1.5 million Realtors. I felt obligated to give you the whole truth because I have yet to see a news media outlet that’s gotten it right so far (so shocking!). In May,... Read More
Our Recent Trip to Guatemala
In the United States, we have many advantages that people around the world wish they had. Yet, I often forget this and find myself complaining about politics, the rising cost of food, the economy, and even trivial things that don’t really matter. We’ve become very pampered living here in America, and this fact became much... Read More
18 days on the market and it’s still not sold!
Despite what you might hear from national or local news media, Kansas City remains a “seller’s market.” By definition, a seller’s market occurs when demand for homes exceeds the available supply, giving sellers an advantage. This typically leads to rising home prices, faster sales, and often multiple offers on properties Specifically, a seller’s market is... Read More
Ten Fun Facts about the 4th of July
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is a day of celebration in the United States, marked by fireworks, barbecues, parades, and a strong sense of national pride. But beyond the well-known festivities, there are many fascinating facts about this historic day. Here are ten fun facts about July 4th that you might not know:... Read More
Adventures in Penny-Pinching: Life with My Frugal Wife
I recently got remarried, and at 59 years old, it’s been quite a life experience. Even though Montez and I are very similar in our thinking, beliefs, lifestyle, and love for each other, there are a few differences that make our marriage interesting. One of those differences is her gratification from being very frugal. I’ll... Read More
The Migration to the Midwest: A New Trend in American Relocation
In recent years, the American Midwest has experienced a surprising and notable influx of new residents. This migration trend is largely driven by a combination of economic, political, and social factors. High taxes and political dissatisfaction in states like California have prompted many to pack their bags and move halfway across the country, seeking a... Read More
The #1 Most Difficult Thing About Moving
Having lived in the home for years, clutter has accumulated to overwhelming levels. This, I believe, is one of the primary reasons why people dread moving. They struggle to confront the sheer volume of their personal belongings and the daunting task of deciding what to do with everything. It's too bad that most people wait until they sell the home to do this. Read More
Are Real Estate Agents Still Necessary?
I recently heard someone say, “Buyers can find homes on their own now, so agents aren’t really necessary.” I had to pause and regret the mistake many of us have made for making you, the consumer, think that all we do is find the house. Real estate reality TV has fed into the myth, and... Read More