When I first started my blog, I asked my past clients for topics that would be helpful to them. One of the questions that came up from multiple people was "what projects will add value to my home when it is time for resale?"

This is a great question. While it's possible to over improve a home - like spending $80,000 on a new kitchen in a neighborhood of homes that sell for $175,000, even when in tip top shape - most of the time, these projects will add resale value to your home. If you ever have any questions about projects on your home, always feel free to reach out to me directly and I can talk to you about your specific house.

It can be fun and exciting to be a new homeowner, with entertaining friends around your kitchen island, relaxing on your favorite coach with the game on the big screen TV, and treasuring your extra bathroom when guests visit.

All sounds good, right?

But this is a homeowner scenario you want to avoid:

Not on a floodplain and not worried about your home getting damaged by flooding? That could be a costly mistake!

Even a “low-risk” home could be hit with damage from flooding, and most standard homeowner’s insurance policies don’t include flood protection.

Take the time to learn what is and isn’t covered in your home’s insurance policy and whether adding additional flood insurance is a good idea even if your home is not considered to be in an official floodplain by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

No one wants their home damaged or destroyed by fire or flooding. Or have treasured items stolen from them. It’s devastating to even think about it.

That’s why you – like all homeowners — rely on insurance coverage to help cover the cost to rebuild your home and replace your belongings. Having it gives you some comfort and relief, right?

But even good insurance is only as good as the records YOU keep!

Your insurance company can only be as helpful to you as you are to them. It’s a simple fact, and that’s why you need to take inventory of your belongings.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning gas, wood, propane, charcoal or other fuel.

You must have a CO detector if you have fuel-burning appliances in your home. And if you have such appliances on more than one level of your home, you should have a carbon monoxide detector on each level. And it’s very important to install them near bedrooms too.

For a typical three-bedroom, two-bath home with an attic and basement, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) recommends four CO detectors.

Buying a home for the first time can be confusing. That’s why the tips and strategies you’ll find in our 8-week series will set you on the right path. It’s my own unique approach and a “behind the scenes” glimpse of what you should look out for and consider when starting your own search for a home.

You’re excited to go house hunting and want to find the “perfect” home, right?!

Don’t let your excitement or desire for a home spur you to make any rash decisions or overlook some serious red flags. You don’t want a home you’ll regret buying, so carefully weigh the pros and cons before making an offer.

Buying a home for the first time can be confusing. That’s why the tips and strategies you’ll find in our 8-week series will set you on the right path. It’s my own unique approach and a “behind the scenes” glimpse of what you should look out for and consider when starting your own search for a home.

Buying a home in the Gainesville market requires an understanding of not only the seasonal shifts in market activity but also the weekly flow of the market.