Looking at the True Cost of Installing a Pool

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With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, it's swimming season. And while The Woodlands boasts some excellent community pools, the warmer weather may have you dreaming of hosting pool parties at your own home next summer. But what are the true costs of installing an in-ground pool and what type of return on your investment can you expect to … [Read more...]

What is a Home Energy Audit?

Green Energy

With warmer weather approaching, many of us are already bracing for higher energy bills. But there are some steps you can take to help ensure your home is as efficient as possible. You can check basics such as drafty doors and windows yourself, or you may opt to have a professional home energy auditor come and evaluate your home. In fact, Energy … [Read more...]

Staging Basics: The Dining Room

Dining Room (1)

Not all homes have a formal dining room, and some families do not use their space for sit down dinners on a regular basis. However, if you have a formal dining room, it is important to stage it as such, even if you use it as a home office or play room in your daily life. Buyers love the added entertainment potential of a formal dining room and it … [Read more...]

Staging Basics: Bedrooms

bedroom

While compared to other rooms in a home, bedrooms may seem less important when trying to sell a home, but it's still essential to create a warm and inviting space for potential buyers. And, yes, it can be tempting to leave these rooms set up for your regular day-to-day lifestyle, but some thought should be put into staging, beyond just making sure … [Read more...]

Staging Basics: Bathrooms

Bathroom

While you may think bathrooms are all about the fixtures, it's still important to keep staging in mind when your house is on the market. Potential buyers do pay attention to these details, whether consciously or subconsciously. And since it's often said that kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, it's important to put your best foot forward. After … [Read more...]

Staging Basics: The Living Room

Living Room

If you are trying to sell your home, it's important to note, a house almost always makes a stronger impression on buyers when it is furnished. With that being said, leaving your house furnished as-is is not always enough, even if you are sure to tidy up before showings. Staging is an important topic to think about as a seller. When done properly, … [Read more...]

Staging Basics: The Kitchen

Kitchen

  Even if you’ve poured your money into custom cabinetry or granite countertops, making a strong impression on buyers goes beyond just the upgrades. Properly staging your home, room by room, will help buyers see the unique features of your home and the full potential of each space, without being distracted by clutter or your personal … [Read more...]

Budget-Friendly Curb Appeal Tips

Suburban Home

First impressions are everything when it comes to selling a home. And while you might think the abundance of interior square footage, open layout, or prime location of your home are enough to bring in an offer, never underestimate the importance of curb appeal. The feeling buyers get when they first pull up to your home will influence how they view … [Read more...]

The Most Valuable Remodel Projects

The woodlands, real estate, home, buying, selling, buyer, seller, courtney buie, remodel, home improvement, renovation, investment

Remodeling your home can be a daunting idea. If you know you eventually want to sell, projects that improve the size, quality, and personality of your home are almost always a good investment. But cost for a big renovation can climb through the roof very quickly, and it's hard to say how much of that money you'll get back at closing. And even with … [Read more...]

Home-made Air Fresheners

The woodlands, real estate, buyer, selling, seller, courtney buie

Making your home smell cozy and inviting for a showing or open house is one of the best tricks in the business. There are so many ways to create authentic, amazing scents that draw in buyers more than the uwrap-and-plug-in smells. I've collected the best scents I could find to use when showing a house, having guests, cleaning, or simply enjoying … [Read more...]