Author: Anne

When your adult child moves back home, deciding whether to charge rent is a tough call—and one only you can make. Every family’s situation is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. But if you’re unsure how to approach it, here are some thoughtful ideas to help guide your decision. Why (and How) Charging Rent Can […]

The Best Chill Dog Breeds for a Laid-Back Lifestyle If your perfect weekend includes naps, Netflix, and zero guilt about staying in, a laid-back dog might be your ideal match. Some breeds are naturally mellow and perfectly content living the low-energy life right alongside you. Here are a few of the best chill dog breeds: […]

When it comes to home improvement, it’s easy to get excited about aesthetic updates—fresh paint, trendy tiles, or a new vanity. (Who doesn’t like a home glow-up?) But it’s important to know WHAT to tackle first, because being strategic about your home project list can save you time, money, and future headaches. Start with Structural […]

What Solo Buyers Should Know Buying a home on your own gives you that same kind of rush that you felt when you won the 6th grade MVP soccer trophy and got your first puppy in the same week (amazing, honestly). Butttt, it comes with some challenges, too. Unlike spouses or partners who often have […]

You prayed. You planned. You saved.And still—the house fell through. The appraisal came in low. Your dream neighborhood slipped out of reach. Or maybe, the lender ghosted you right before closing. (We’ve unfortunately seen this happen to multiple of our clients!) When the home buying process doesn’t go as expected, it can feel like the […]

The Weight of Perfection From filtered selfies to viral body trends, today’s girls are growing up in a culture obsessed with image—and the pressure to look “perfect” is taking a devastating toll. Teen girls in particular are facing a mental health crisis. According to the CDC*, 57% of U.S. teen girls reported feeling persistently sad […]

PMI: What It Is—and How to Know When It Ends Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is a monthly fee homeowners pay when their down payment is less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. It protects the lender—not you—if you default on the loan. While it can make homeownership more accessible, most people are eager to […]

It’s no secret—connecting with teens can be tricky. But the truth is, most teenagers do want time with their parents… they just don’t want it to feel forced or awkward. The key? Choosing activities that feel fun, relaxed, and age-appropriate. Here are 10 activities that teens tend to genuinely enjoy doing with their parents: The […]

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 […]