Phil's Blog

 According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), historically high housing affordability and low mortgage interest rates, combined with buyer opportunities in the distressed sales market, have increased home sales in many areas of the country. "There has never been a better time to buy,...

According to the National Association of Realtors®, existing-home sales eased in March but first-time buyers are responding to low mortgage interest rates and tax credits. Existing-home sales - including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops - declined 3 percent to a seasonally adjust...

Usually in my listing presentation I will explain to my potential clients the four different types of listing agreements and the benefits of each one. I thought I would write about it in my blog to help educate potential clients and the typical consumer out there.   Before meeting with a realtor ...

When you can't do it yourself, it's time to find a good contractor. Following are some tips to help you find a good one: 1. Avoid the yellow pages; anyone can buy an ad.2. Get recommendations from family, friends and co-workers.3. Deal only with licensed contractors.4. Check with the state licens...

If you want to simplify your life and give your business a more professional appearance, consider RingCentral Online -- a web-based telephone and fax service for professionals and small businesses. Now, instead of having a cell phone, office phone, fax, second lines, voicemail, and other services...

Naturally, people use their fireplaces more during the winter months. There's something special about cozying up around a crackling fire on a cold winter day, or gathering around a fireplace during the holidays. However, did you know many fireplaces are extremely inefficientand can skyrocket your...

According to the National Association of Realtors®, existing-home sales weakened against a backdrop of an eroding economy. Existing-home sales -- including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops -- fell 8.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.49 millionunits in November f...

Whether you're buying or selling a home, chances are good that a home warranty will be discussed at some point. So, what is it? In short, a home warranty is a service contract -- similar to an insurance policy -- that protects the new home owner against the cost of unexpected repairs or replaceme...

Tis the season to be jolly -- and help out a family less fortunate than yours. This is a good opportunity for you and your family to re-discover the joy that comes from giving. Follow are the steps you can take to get involved. 1. Check with your church, temple or local civic groups like the Knig...

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) recently submitted a four-point plan to the House Financial Services Committee recommending ways to stimulate home sales and stabilize housing valuations. "The only way to overcome today's economic turmoil is to motivate and encourage worried or cautiou...