Lisa DeFreitas' Blog
Posted on 03/07/2021
Preventative Steps to Take Before Breaking in Your New Kitchen
Photo by CongerDesign via Pixabay You recently purchased a home, and as a new homeowner, you’re itching to get moved into your new kitchen so you can get settled and start entertaining. Wait! Before you get caught up organizing your pots and pans, do a little preventative care. If you want a kitchen you can entertain in hassle-free,...
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Posted on 02/28/2021
How To Use Less Water at Home
Photo by PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay Are you overpaying for water? You could be, if your home is not running as efficiently as it could, or if you have undiagnosed leaks or damage. Cutting your water consumption can help you save money every month, and in many cases, you won't have to change your habits at all. Try one...
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Posted on 02/21/2021
How to Formulate Your Homebuying Game Plan
Photo by Fizkes via Shutterstock If you know absolutely nothing about buying a house, don’t learn the hard way. There’s plenty of information available to help you avoid the many potential pitfalls in the process. You want your first home buying experience to be exciting, not exhausting. Here are some tips to get you started the right way....
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Posted on 02/14/2021
Mortgage Pre-Approval Pros and Cons
Image by Mediamodifier from Pixabay As you enter the home buying process, some people may recommend that you seek mortgage pre-approval. This is typically one of the first steps in the process, and you may view it as something you have little choice over. Yet mortgage pre-approval is not a requirement to start shopping for a house, and...
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Posted on 02/07/2021
The Impact Home Improvement Projects Have on the Value of Your Home
Photo by bidvine via Pixabay Some home projects and improvements can't wait - a leaking hot water heater or a water damaged floor need to be replaced right away. Other, planned renovations and upgrades are optional. Consider not only your current needs, but the potential impact of any large planned upgrade on your home's value before you proceed....
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Posted on 01/31/2021
The Art of Mini-Staging: Small Touches that Give Your Space Life
Photo by p_kennedy123 via Pixabay You don't have to be an interior designer to bring color and life into a home when you put it on the market. And you certainly don't have to drop thousands of dollars to hire a professional stager, either. For most properties, a few staging basics can make all the difference between a...
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Posted on 01/24/2021
Luxurious Neighborhoods in the USA
Image by skeeze from Pixabay When looking for a luxury home, you can look for the most expensive neighborhood in the United States, or you can choose a luxury neighborhood in the part of the country you want to live in. Before you move to a different state, be sure you'll like the part of the country you...
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Posted on 01/17/2021
3 Things You Need to Know Before You Sell a Home
Selling a home should be a fast, easy process. However, challenges may arise that prevent you from quickly selling your house and maximizing your property sale earnings. And if you fail to plan ahead for the home selling journey, these challenges may get the best of you. Ultimately, there are several things you need to know before you list...
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Posted on 01/10/2021
Know Your Zone
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash Zoning laws have been in place in the United States for many years. They serve communities in a number of ways. As a home buyer, it is important to know and understand the zoning laws that cover any property you consider purchasing. Structures Generally, residential zonings laws indicate what kind of structures...
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Posted on 01/03/2021
Should You Choose Carpeting, Hardwood or Tile?
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels The short answer to our question of the day is... We all know what we like when we see it. New flooring can greatly increase your home's beauty in the eye of the beholder, yet it's impossible to know what kind of flooring will attract your home's next buyer. That said, here are...
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Posted on 12/27/2020
Property Manager’s Exam in Washington, D.C.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Many states require you to have a real estate broker’s license if you are a property manager. Washington D.C., is different because it does not require property managers to have a real estate broker’s license under certain circumstances. A real estate broker is trained in managing real estate agents and buying and...
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Posted on 12/20/2020
First Steps for New Homebuyers
Photo by KML from Pexels Buying your first home is exciting and you will spend a lot of time working with your real estate agent. However, before you begin searching for the right agent, here are some helpful hints to help you get started off on the right foot and make sure you are ready to purchase a...
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