Mandie Finkelstein's Blog Posts

Are you planning to sell your house? If so, you may be surprised to hear just how much buyers value energy efficiency and eco-friendly features today. This is especially true as &

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you should know your credit score’s a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to qualifying for a home loan. Lenders review your credit to

Downsizing has long been a popular option when homeowners reach retirement age. But there are plenty of other life changes that could make downsizing worthwhile. Homeowners who have experienced a

Everywhere you look, people are talking about a potential recession. And if you’re planning to buy or sell a house, this may leave you wondering if your plans are still a wise move. To help

If you’re buying a home this spring, today’s housing market can feel like a challenga. With so few homes on the market right now, plus higher mortgage rates, it’s essential to have

 AppraisalA report highlighting the estimated value of the property completed by a qualified third party.Lenders rely on appraisals to validate a home’s value and ensure they’re not

There’s no denying mortgage rates are higher now than they were last year. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, this may be top of mind for you. That’s because those

There’s no doubt buying a home today is different than it was over the past couple of years, and the shift in the market has led to advantages for buyers today. Right now, there are

At first glance, the increase in housing supply compared to last year may not sound like good news for prospective sellers, but it actually gives you two key opportunities in today’s housing

If you’re thinking about retirement or have already retired this year, you may be planning your next steps. One of your goals could be selling your house and finding a home that more closely

If you're planning to buy a home, here are some things you need to know about your down payment.;

If you're thinking about selling a home, be sure to plan for the closing costs.;

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you might be focusing on previously owned ones. But with so few houses for sale today, it makes sense to consider all your options, and that

When it comes to selling a home, curb appeal makes a big impression. Buyers are looking for a well-maintained home, and the first thing they will notice is the appearance of the outdoors. That&rsquo

Candles, potpourri, and spray fragrances may disguise an unpleasant household odor, but covering up an odor does only that: cover it. Pretty fragrances will not eliminate the odor at its source for

Phishing attacks, which typically involve email scams, have become all too familiar. These emails provide links that lead to fake websites, tricking victims into sharing their passwords or banking

For the 11th month in a row, existing-home sales have declined. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), every sales region in the country experienced year-over-year drops in sales

There’s so much to think about when house shopping. Most people focus on a home’s beautiful exterior, the kitchen, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and of course, whether they can

Along with its daily use, the bathroom comes with a lot of stuff—towels, hair products, and more. Most bathrooms aren’t equipped with efficient storage, so utilizing available space is

Energy prices are up, and they show no sign of moving downward any time soon. It’s a smart idea to reduce your electricity usage in any way you can to lessen the impact of higher prices. These

For the 10th consecutive month, existing-home sales have declined, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). In November, every sales region in the country reported both month-over

Today’s housing market is very different from the 2008 housing crisis. At the NAR Real Estate Forecast Summit, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun highlighted the four key reasons why home prices

A quick internet search will reveal dozens of automated valuation modeling (AVM) sites that promise to tell you how much your home is worth. These AVMs use statistical modeling techniques

Home equity has been a hot topic in real estate news lately. And if you’ve been following along, you may have heard there’s a growing number of homeowners with negative 

If you’re getting ready to buy your first home, you’re likely focused on saving up for everything that purchase involves. One cost that’s likely top of mind is your down payment.

Your waking hours can set the tone for the rest of the day. Whether you work from the office or from home, starting off the morning right can have a huge impact on how productive you are throughout

It’s never fun to discover mold growing in a basement or attic. Not only is it an eyesore, but it can also be quite dangerous. As with most issues, the best way to deal with mold or mildew is

For the ninth consecutive month, existing-home sales fell, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). What’s more, both month-over-month and year-over-year sales declined in

If you apply for a mortgage loan today, your lender might propose that you pay a discount point or two to get a better deal. But what are discount points exactly and will they really be beneficial

Home renovation projects are exciting. You finally have the time and energy to redo that outdated bathroom or turn your drab kitchen into a picture worthy of Instagram. But there is more to consider

            Did the frequency and intensity of bidding wars over the past two years make you put your home search on hold? If so, you should know the hyper

Mortgage rates have been a hot topic in the housing market over the past 12 months. Compared to the beginning of 2022, rates have risen dramatically. Now they’re dropping, and that has to

There are more ways to accessorize your home than with just throw pillows and artwork. Using mirrors as decoration is the perfect way to instantly enhance any space. Here are some creative ideas for

There are many people thinking about buying a home, but with everything affecting the economy, some are wondering if it’s a smart decision to buy now or if it makes more sense to wait it

Housing interest rates are continuing to climb, with 30-year fixed mortgages approaching 7% in September. As a result, the housing market is experiencing a period of adjustment. According to

Interest rates are always changing, and it can be hard to predict when they’ll go up or down. Here are some ways higher interest rates have affected the housing market.A Balanced MarketHome

The holidays bring family together. But when that family is gathering in your home, it can mean weeks of planning, prepping, and cleaning. Ensure your next houseguests have a comfortable stay with

Owning a home is part of the American dream, but during the exciting process of making a purchase, don’t overlook important structural components. It’s natural to gravitate toward a

While higher mortgage rates are creating affordability challenges for homebuyers this year, there is some good news for those people still looking to buy a home.As the market has cooled this year,

It turns out, millenials aren’t the renter generation after all. The 2022 Consumer Insights Report from Mynd says there’s a portion of millennial and Gen Z

For many families, travel is a must when the holidays roll around. Unfortunately, the holidays are also the most stressful time for travelers, with delayed flights, long lines, and the chaos of

Whether you prefer a traditional kitchen design, something more modern, or a completely unique space, there are so many different kitchen styles trending right now. You’ll be sure to find some

For the seventh consecutive month, existing-home sales fell, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist for NAR, the housing sector tends to

In uncertain times, it’s natural to look for ways to ensure our financial security. One option that can provide peace of mind is investing in real estate. Here’s how real estate

Fixer-upper homes are attractive for many reasons, including a lower sales price, less competition, and a relatively higher potential for resale profit. However, just like any other investment,

As you look ahead to the winter season, you’re likely making plans and thinking about what you want to achieve before the year ends. One of those key decision points could be whether or not

The housing market is rapidly changing from the peak frenzy it saw over the past two years. That means you probably have questions about what your best move is if you’re thinking of

If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound scary at first. But it doesn’t have to be. One way to take the fear out of budgeting is

Some things are so off-putting to people, they should be avoided at all costs. Here are six potential disasters you may not have considered during your staging preparations.Noticeable OdorsEvery

Buying your first home is exciting. It’s usually a fairly smooth process because you don’t have to worry about selling another home at the same time. When you have built up some equity

Moving to a new house or condo this fall? Before filling your home with furnishings, there’s something you might want to do first: paint. Experts say the very best time to do interior painting

For the sixth month in a row, existing-home sales declined, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). What’s more, every sales region in the country reported both month-over

There's nothing quite like sinking into a comfy seat with a mug of your favorite drink and making small talk with a good friend. If you’re looking to create a relaxing, cozy conversation area,

Basic fall home maintenance can prevent many home repairs. Don’t skip these six tasks.Seal the GapsUse silicone caulk to seal windows and cracks in the siding, and use weatherstripping around

Summer may be ending, but that doesn’t mean your family is ready to move indoors. This fall, use the following tips to relax outdoors and fully enjoy the season.1. Create a Cozy Outdoor Living

For the fifth consecutive month, existing-home sales declined. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), three out of the four major sales regions in the country reported month-over

When applying for a mortgage, it’s important for would-be homebuyers to be aware of the factors, both positive and negative, that could affect their ability to get a loan. Any steps you can

 In July, inflation numbers declined slightly to 8.5% from June’s 40-year high of 9.1%. Food, gas, and clothing have all become more expensive, yet salaries haven’t increased at the