Real Estate Myths That Might Surprise You

“Items in a house should feel collected over time rather than feeling purchased in one go,” says Chelcie Eastman, cohost of the Magnolia Network series “Anything but Gray.” Rooms filled with matching furniture sets or overly coordinated décor tend to feel staged rather than lived-in. Houses that show more personality can connect emotionally with buyers. That’s especially true as so many listings begin to look alike and home buyers want more for their money. A home on the market should stand out.

How to Find a Home Remodeling Contractor

• Unlimited access, no lockouts • Full Premium archive access • Inbox delivery + curated digests • Stop anytime, no hoops Start with your state’s housing finance agency to find options. Also, a heads-up — the date an FHA loan was issued affects the MIP. In addition, consider practical matters before getting a jumbo loan too. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set limits on how much money you can borrow for a conventional loan. If you’re getting an ARM, the minimum down payment requirement is 5%.

Home Remodel Idea: A New Garage Door

“You will pay the price if you don’t take the time to know fully who you’re working with.” Whatever your budget, there’s a home remodeling project that’s affordable for you, meets your needs, and can add value when it’s time to sell. Nearly half — 46% — of home buyers surveyed in the NAR report say they’re less willing to compromise on a home’s condition when purchasing. Investing in smart remodeling projects can not only make you happy but also help your home appeal to buyers. Many homeowners are prioritizing large-scale house projects — often taking on two to three at a time. You can also request an end to paying PMI premiums once your loan balance has dropped to 80% of your home’s value.

A score in the mid-700s or higher usually qualifies for the best rates, but buyers with lower credit scores still have options. It’s true that higher credit scores can unlock larger loan amounts, smaller down payments, lower fees, and lower interest rates, but perfect credit isn’t required. Typical homeowners today have about $430,000 in net worth compared to renters, whose net worth is less than $10,000. But Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®, says those comparisons don’t tell the whole story.

• We asked the experts about whether they love or recommend losing these seven popular home cleaning tips, from the vinegar cure-all to the pumice stones some homeowners swear by.
• Not really – but it is an extra bonus to share with your clients!
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Consider smaller scale updates, which can sometimes be houselogic.com completed for $200 to $5,000. But bathroom remodels can be expensive, too, costing on average $15,000, and easily increasing depending on the extent of changes. Homeowners also rate bathroom renovations highly for bringing them joy, according to the NAR report.

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Before you hire a contractor, schedule three to five in-person interviews, gather bids, and thoroughly check the background of any you’re considering. Referrals — from neighbors, friends, or others —are a common source when looking for a remodeling contractor. Now, as the creator of the “Contractors from Hell” website, Costello fields messages from desperate homeowners who’ve had similar experiences.

Project Costs

Experts say it’s important to choose a style that complements your home’s architecture. Further, a new garage door can help homeowners feel better about their homes, the 2025 report finds. Choose projects that don’t involve moving plumbing or taking out walls, Hicks says. “You want to keep up with the Joneses, but you don’t want to beat the Joneses” when remodeling your home, says Angie Hicks, cofounder of Angi. Americans spent an estimated $603 billion on remodeling their homes last year, according to the NAR report. Melissa Dittmann Tracey is an award-winning journalist covering the housing market.

Find out where problems can occur and how to focus on the sale, not the buyers. The app has become an invaluable resource for many individuals and families embarking on home makeover projects. HouseLogic was developed by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the largest trade association in the United States. This tool helps you streamline and organize your home makeover projects, making the process more efficient and manageable. These include indoor projects, outdoor projects, DIY, design ideas, and more. From DIY projects to design ideas, this app has everything you need to transform your living space into the home of your dreams.