Author: Anne

You walk into a house showing, and there it is—the irresistible smell of fresh-baked cookies. They certainly can’t hurt your odds of selling a house. But our question is – can it actually help? Studies suggest it just might… According to a 2014 study from Washington State University, simple and familiar scents—like vanilla, cinnamon, or […]

Showings and open houses. Have you been to either? Open houses… well, they’re kind of weird. There’s baked cookies on the counter, potential buyers eye-balling other potential buyers to size up the competition, or whispers from realtors about how “the ‘fourth bedroom’ is really more of an office.” It’s like a social experiment. Helpful for […]

We’ve got some people in our family who are obsessed with plants. Like, when we say obsessed, we mean obsessssssed. Indoor and outdoor plants. So when spring comes around, we all roll our eyes in preparation for the “seedling talk.” What are you starting?… Did you get that new grow light?… How are you going to […]

How to Include Your Kids in the Home Buying Process Buying a home is a big step for the whole family, and involving your kids can make the transition smoother and more exciting for them. When kids feel included, they’re more likely to embrace the change and adjust to their new environment. Here are a […]

Why does my Mortgage Company collect and pay your home insurance? If you have a mortgage, you’ve probably noticed that your lender (like us) collects payments for your home insurance and property taxes as part of your monthly mortgage bill. This money goes into an escrow account, which we use to pay these expenses on […]

Paying off your mortgage is a major financial milestone, and the idea of doing it faster by adding extra to your monthly payment can be tempting. But is it always the right move? The answer depends on your financial goals, current situation, and priorities. Pros and Cons of Adding to Your Mortgage Payment Benefits of […]

The gym is about to get BUSY in January. But while you’re thinking of all your work goals, health goals, and home goals, don’t forget about the most important aspect of your life – your spirituality and connection with God. Embarking on a journey to read the entire Bible in a year is a rewarding […]

Some of these Christmas Traditions are… unusual. And we love them. Christmas is celebrated in countless ways around the globe, with each country adding its own unique twist to the holiday season. Here are 10 fascinating traditions that make Christmas special in other parts of the world. 10 Unique Christmas Traditions from Around the Globe […]

I guess we shouldn’t really call Poinsettias “flowers.” As they’re not really flowers. But we’ll dive into that later… Poinsettias – You see them on church stages, fireplace hearths, and on stands in grocery stores. But have you ever wondered how this tropical plant became such an iconic part of the holiday season? Let’s dive […]

Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, marks the conclusion of the Christmas season in many Christian traditions. The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek epipháneia, meaning “manifestation” or “appearance,” signifying the revelation of Christ to the world. In the context of Advent, Epiphany follows the 12 days of Christmas and highlights the divine revelation of Jesus, […]

We have friends who put their Christmas tree up on November 1st (WOW, right?). And friends who put their tree up mid-December. The Christmas bug seems to hit people at different times. So we decided to do some digging and see what’s “typical” for Americans. Here’s what we found – According to a survey by […]

Sometimes… we take for granted just how good we have it being born in America. Now, we’re not trying to say Americans don’t have hard days, don’t grieve, or don’t suffer. Every human does at some point. But there are MANY things Americans take for granted. And as we approach this Thanksgiving holiday, our family […]