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First impressions mean a lot when it comes to a home. Whether you’re looking to sell or just want to make your home appear more inviting to guests, check out these small changes that can make a big difference…without breaking the bank!

1. Be bold with door color

Don’t be afraid to express yourself with a unique door color. A pop of yellow, teal or robin’s egg blue can be just the small touch your home needs to stand out. If these colors go a bit too far out of your comfort zone, try a classic glossy red or a deep navy. 

2. Replace door hardware

If you’re already repainting, why not go for the gold. Doorknobs get scratched by keys and worn by weather, and that can take away from the overall appearance of your entry. It’s a small change, but…

Think you want to try selling your home yourself? Let us try to change your mind with these top six reasons why you need an agent: 

1. Agents can get your home more exposure.

As a “For Sale By Owner,” you don’t have access to the MLS (multiple listing service), which is the main source for realtors looking for homes for their clients. A realtor has the opportunity to put your home on the MLS and also has a large network of potential buyers that they know personally. A small sign in your yard can only reach a fraction of the homebuyers in town, while a realtor has access to their buyers, their colleagues’ buyers and anyone searching for homes online. 

2. Many FSBOs are priced incorrectly.

Most of the time, FSBOs are…

There are a lot of common misconceptions surrounding real estate agents and real estate in general. Let us set the record straight by debunking these 7 common real estate myths: 

Myth #1 — Agents get incentives to recommend lenders/title companies/inspectors.

This is definitely untrue—against the law, actually—thanks to the 1974 instatement of RESPA: the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. This law prevents any type of kickbacks or favors to real estate agents from vendors which means that any recommendation from an agent is typically based on his/her experience with that particular individual. By recommending them, the agent is only trying to make sure you have an efficient process. 

Myth #2 — Real estate agents try to upsell you to make…

Great staging is so important to the home selling process. If you want to sell your home quick, a little bit of effort can go a long way. Check out our top 5 tips for staging your home:

1. Banish the Clutter

One of the most important parts of home staging is decluttering and organizing. Having too many items filling a room makes your space look small and chaotic. One creative way to declutter is to try your hand at the 12-12-12 Challenge. Every day up until the home is officially on the market, make it your mission to locate 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate and 12 items to be returned to their proper home. By completing this challenge, you’ve quickly organized 36 things in your home without it feeling as much like drudgery. Try to…

For the first time in nearly a decade, America’s interest rates have seen an increase. 

The rate hike is a small one—with the Federal Reserve raising rates on December 17, 2015 from a range of 0% to 0.25% to a range of 0.25% to 0.5%—but will have an impact on many new home buyers. 

Although the increase isn’t a welcomed change for investors and home buyers, it’s a good indicator of the economy healing and becoming stronger since the Great Recession. Thankfully the unemployment rate is now at 5%, as opposed to 10% in 2009 during the worst of the job crisis. Now that more than 12 million jobs have been added since the recession and wages are finally beginning to creep upward, the economy is looking much better than it has the last few years. 

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Our very own Nathan Torgerson was recently recognized as part of the 2015 10 Best Real Estate Professionals for Client Satisfaction, a prestigious distinction only given to a select group of industry professionals each year. 

Those chosen for the honor must pass a rigorous selection process based on client and/or peer nominations, research and an independent evaluation by the American Institute of Real Estate Professionals. Some of the selection criteria includes: 10/10 in client satisfaction, no negative feedback or complaints of any kind, recognized industry leadership, sales volume and previous awards. 

“One of the most important aspects of being a Realtor is making the process as smooth as possible for the client,” says Torgerson. “It’s an…

Good photography can make the difference between a home selling in weeks or selling in months. Although real estate photographers are skilled in making your home look its best, they’re not miracle workers. The photos representing your home should give potential buyers a true feel for the space—without having to imagine what it could look like without your clutter.

Follow our top five tips below for getting your home real estate photo ready and prepared to sell! 

1. Clean and declutter

One of the most important ways to get your home ready for photos is to clean and declutter. Having too many items filling a room makes your space look small and chaotic. One creative way to declutter is to try your hand at the 12-12-12 Challenge. Every day up…

Some home improvement projects offer plenty of bang for your buck, while others cost more than they’re worth. Check out our top 5 recommended home improvements  for the Chattanooga area that provide the best return on investment to improve your home’s value.

5. Fresh Paint

A fresh coat of paint can make almost anything look brand new. The same goes for your home! One of the least expensive home improvements you can make is repainting, and even though it can take some time and sweat, it’s worth it to give home buyers an immediate good feeling when walking in the door. Although it’s recommended to go with a neutral color palate, that doesn’t mean you have to live in the land of beige. Try neutral greens, greys or browns for a nice change of pace that…