Blog - Dorothy Trainer

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How to Become a Homeowner on a First-Time Buyer’s Budget

It’s not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.[1] Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, but especially for starter homes.[2] As a result, many first-time homebuyers are finding that they need to […]
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Stress-Free Home Cleaning: 27 Practical Tactics for Busy Households

Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks. The effort is worthwhile, however. A sanitary environment can keep you and your family healthier by minimizing your exposure to […]
Events

Home Seller’s Bootcamp

Want to learn how to sell your home quickly and at the highest price? Attend this FREE bootcamp and gain the tips you need to know. Whether you are ready to sell your home now or just thinking about what it might take in the future, this workshop is right for you! When- Thursday, April […]
Events

Event: Pictures with the Easter Bunny

Thanks to everyone who came out to see the Easter Bunny and support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! It was wonderful to see familiar faces and meet new ones over the weekend. The best part of the day was to seeing the kids light-up with joy for the chance to hang-out with the Easter Bunny, […]

Uncategorized How to Become a Homeowner on a First-Time Buyer’s Budget It’s not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.[1] Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, but especially for starter homes.[2] As a result, many first-time homebuyers are finding that they need to […]

Uncategorized Stress-Free Home Cleaning: 27 Practical Tactics for Busy Households Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks. The effort is worthwhile, however. A sanitary environment can keep you and your family healthier by minimizing your exposure to […]

Events Home Seller’s Bootcamp Want to learn how to sell your home quickly and at the highest price? Attend this FREE bootcamp and gain the tips you need to know. Whether you are ready to sell your home now or just thinking about what it might take in the future, this workshop is right for you! When- Thursday, April […]

Events Event: Pictures with the Easter Bunny Thanks to everyone who came out to see the Easter Bunny and support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! It was wonderful to see familiar faces and meet new ones over the weekend. The best part of the day was to seeing the kids light-up with joy for the chance to hang-out with the Easter Bunny, […]

Uncategorized My Home Didn’t Sell! Now What? When it comes to listing a home, most sellers want three things: 1) to make a lot of money, 2) to put in minimal time and effort, and 3) to sell quickly. But the reality is, selling a home is rarely that simple. And homeowners who try to do it themselves—or receive bad advice—can end […]

Uncategorized Top 6 Home Design Trends To Watch in 2023 One of the greatest benefits of being a homeowner is the freedom to make your home your own. However, it’s important to consider how your design choices could impact your property’s value. Outdated fixtures and finishes may lower its resale appeal. And if you’re in the market for a new home, you should keep […]

Uncategorized Home for the Holidays: How To Stretch Your Budget in a Season of Inflation You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything from food to gifts to decorations, but there are still plenty of opportunities to eke out extra savings. Multiple surveys have found that inflation is not only chilling people’s spending, it’s […]

Uncategorized 7 Tips to Maximize Your Home’s Sale Price Over the past few years, a real estate buying frenzy drove up home prices to eye-popping amounts. However, as mortgage rates have risen, buyer demand has cooled. Consequently, home sellers who enter the market today may need to reset their expectations. If you want to net the most money possible for your property, you’ll need […]

Uncategorized Buy Now or Rent Longer? 5 Questions to Answer Before Purchasing Your First Home Deciding whether to jump into the housing market or rent instead is rarely an easy decision – especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. But in today’s whirlwind market, you may find it particularly challenging to pinpoint the best time to start exploring homeownership. A real estate boom during the pandemic pushed home prices to an […]

Uncategorized 8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate Mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride this year, rising and falling amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. And even the experts are divided when it comes to predicting where rates are headed next. [1] This climate has been unsettling for some homebuyers and sellers. However, with proper planning, you can work toward […]

Uncategorized 10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move The process of moving into a new home can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything in a day. You don’t have to do it all alone, either. When you work with me, you’ll have an ally by your side long after your home sale or purchase has closed. […]

Uncategorized 7 Costly Mistakes Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them) When you sell a home, the road to closing can be riddled with obstacles—from issues with showings to inspection surprises. But many of these complications are avoidable when you have a skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent by your side. For example, here are seven common mistakes that many home sellers make. These can cause […]

Uncategorized Higher Rates and Short Supply: The State of Real Estate in 2022 The last two years caught many of us off guard—and not just because of the pandemic. They also ushered in the hottest housing market on record.[1] And while some had hoped 2022 would bring a return to normalcy, the U.S. real estate market continues to boom, despite rising interest rates and decreasing affordability. So […]

Uncategorized 5 Ways to Write a Winning Offer in Today’s Real Estate Market Our nation is in the midst of a serious housing crunch. A lack of inventory, high prices, and climbing mortgage rates have left many would-be homebuyers feeling pinched.[1] But if you’ve been struggling to buy a home, I have some good news. While it’s true that a high offer price gets attention, most sellers […]

Uncategorized Seller’s Checklist: A Timeline to Prep Your Home for Sale Even a strong seller’s market doesn’t mean your home is guaranteed to easily sell. If you want to maximize your sale price, it’s still important to prepare your home before putting it on the market. Start by connecting with a real estate agent as soon as possible. Having the eyes and ears of an […]

Uncategorized Hedge Against Inflation With These 3 Real Estate Investment Types The annual inflation rate in the United States is currently around 7.5%—the highest it has been since 1982.[1] It doesn’t matter if you’re a cashier, lawyer, plumber, or retiree; if you spend U.S. dollars, inflation impacts you. Economists expect the effects of inflation, like a higher cost of goods, to continue.[2] Here’s what you […]

Uncategorized 8 Popular Home Design Features for 2022 There’s a lot to consider when selling your home, from the market and appraisals to where you’ll go next. Don’t forget, however, that design is also a key factor. It’s often one of the first things buyers notice when they walk into a home. Changes like new security features or upgraded siding can add […]

Uncategorized A Return to ‘Normal’? The State of Real Estate in 2022 Last year was one for the real estate history books. The pandemic helped usher in a buying frenzy that caused home prices to soar nationwide by a record 19.9% between August 2020 and August 2021.1 However, there were signs in the fourth quarter that the red-hot housing market was beginning to simmer down. In […]

Uncategorized 20 Unique Home Gifts for Every Person on Your List Every year, it seems the holidays sneak up on us—and every year, that brings with it the dreaded last-minute gift panic. Finding a present that hits all the right notes can be surprisingly stressful. But have no fear! I’ve lined up a list of unique gifts for every “type” on your list. And since […]

Uncategorized New Build or Existing Home: Which One Is Right for You? Homebuyers today are facing a huge dilemma. There simply aren’t enough homes for sale.1 Nationwide, there were 1.27 million active listings in September, down 13% from the previous year. According to the National Association of Realtors, that’s about 2.4 months of inventory, which is far less than the six months that is generally needed […]