Recent Blog Posts

By Charles Stallions, Your Trusted Real Estate Broker Since 1995Purchasing a home in beautiful Pensacola is an exciting milestone, but as your trusted real estate broker, I believe in complete transparency to help you make the most informed decision. Beyond the listing price and mortgage payments, several hidden costs of homeownership can catch buyers off guard. Being prepared for these expenses is key to a smooth and financially sound transition into your new home.1. Closing Costs Expect to pay between 2% and 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. These include: Loan origination fees Title insurance and search fees Appraisal and home inspection fees Attorney fees (if applicable) Prepaid property taxes and homeowners' insurance I’ll help you estimate and prepare for these ahead of t... 06/16/2025

US News and World Report recently released its Top 250 Best Places to Live in the US in 2025-2026 list. DFW suburbs Flower Mound, Mansfield, Frisco, and McKinney rank in the top 40.Flower Mound TX ranks number 14 in the Best Places to Live and number 8 in the Best Small Cities to Live. Mansfield TX comes in ranked at number 27 in the Best Places to Live and number 19 in the Best Small Cities to Live list. Frisco TX comes in ranked at number 30 in the Best Places to Live and number 10 in the Best Medium-Sized Cities to Live. McKinney TX comes in at number 37 on the main list and number 11 among the medium-sized cities.Want to find homes for sale in these Dallas Fort Worth suburban cities? You can start your search on our website. 06/16/2025

As Denver continues its rapid evolution from a frontier city into a national model for sustainable urban living, builders are rethinking how homes should be constructed to endure the challenges of the future. One innovation has quickly gained ground in the residential construction landscape: spray foam insulation.Once considered a premium option, this cutting-edge material is now becoming standard for forward-thinking builders aiming to create high-performance homes in the Mile High City. In 2025, the demand for spray foam insulation in Denver is experiencing a remarkable surge—and not just because of energy savings. Builders are recognizing its wide-ranging benefits for durability, indoor air quality, and long-term resilience.From new suburban developments to infill projects near RiNo ... 06/16/2025

Madison, Wisconsin is known for its lush green spaces, tree-lined neighborhoods, and beautiful canopies that define the city’s unique character. But in recent years, a shift in climate patterns has brought stronger storms and more unpredictable weather—often leaving a trail of uprooted trees, cracked limbs, and hazardous stumps in their wake. As a result, Madison tree removal services and stump grinding have become essential components of the city’s post-storm recovery and long-term urban planning efforts.Tree damage isn't just a cosmetic concern; it’s a structural and environmental one. Downed trees can block roads, damage power lines, create trip hazards, and even compromise building foundations. In a city that values its green aesthetic as much as its safety, investing in proactive a... 06/16/2025

Condo Information Discover coastal living at its finest in this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom condominium located in the Leeward Key community at 2936 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, Florida 32550. This 1,823 sq. ft. unit offers breathtaking Gulf views and is just steps away from the pristine white sands of the Emerald Coast. Property Features: Open-Concept Living Area: Spacious and inviting, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Private Balcony: Enjoy panoramic Gulf vistas and stunning sunsets from your own outdoor space. Modern Kitchen: Equipped with updated appliances and ample storage, ideal for culinary enthusiasts. Master Suite: Features an ensuite bathroom and generous closet space. Guest Bedroom: Comfortable and versatile, suitable for family or visitors.This is an ideal vacation ... 06/16/2025

US News and World Report recently released its Top 250 Best Places to Live in the US in 2025-2026 list. Not surprisingly, 2 of the fastest growing towns in North Carolina made the top 10.Apex NC ranks number 7 on the list. Cary NC ranks number 5 on the list. Both are suburbs located in the Triangle area of the state. Both rank with scores of 6.9 out of 7.Apex also ranks number 2 in the Best Small Cities to Live, behind Johns Creek GA. Cary NC also ranks number 4 in the 15 Best Medium-Sized Cities to Live in.Want to find homes for sale in Apex? We can help you in your search. We can also help you find homes for sale in Cary. 06/16/2025

Great post by Tim. Bill  Good afternoon and hello again from Tim in my home office in Cottage Grove, MN.  Hope this email finds you doing well this Monday and had a fantastic Fathers' Day Weekend.  Sharing Tim's Time Outs with you again.   POWER OF POSITIVITY:   12 steps to self cure:   1)  If it feels wrong, DON'T do it. 2)  Say exactly what you mean...and mean exactly what you say. 3)  Don't be a People Pleaser. 4)  Trust your instincts. 5)  Never speak BAD about yourself or others. 6)  NEVER give up on your dreams. 7)  Don't be afraid to say NO. 8)  Don't be afraid to say YES. 9)  Be kind and loving to yourself, others, and animals. 10) Let go of what you CAN'T control.  11) Stay away from drama AND NEGATIVITY. 12) LOVE yourself!   May you day and week be filled with many positive mo... 06/16/2025

Designed to define without closing off, this 4’ Tall Jackson Classic Vinyl Semi-Privacy Fence adds a graceful touch to any landscape. Installed with care by Acreage Fences in Papillion, Nebraska, where privacy is done with polish.🌬 Light visibility, lasting durability 🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty ⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less ❤️ Proud supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project📍 Papillion neighbors: Want a fence that feels as open as your space? 📲 Book your free consult today!#AcreageFences #SemiPrivacyPerfection #JacksonClassic #VinylFenceDesign #PapillionHomes #OpenYetPrivate #FencingWithStyle #WoundedWarriorSupport #OutdoorElegancehttps://www.acreagefences.com/ 06/16/2025

A day does not pass that I am not asked which AI platform new and experienced users should employ.Some models are better than others at different tasks.  So the first question becomes, "What am I doing with AI"? Image creation, videos, text, emails, blogs, MARKETING! Again, some are better than others at different tasks. My suggestion is to start with what you are familiar with. Each platform has a learning curve. Wherever you start will become more useful in time. I have stated during weekly Zoom sessions on the 'Rain (or is it "IN" the 'Rain?) that prompts are the key.  It is that simple. With consistent use you will improve the prompts and hence the results.  This applies to all content creation.  So, establish goals and enter prompts until you receive the output that you desire.   A... 06/16/2025

The ABCs of Life: Carol Williams' Heartfelt Letters to Her GranddaughterCarol Williams, a retired real estate professional from Wenatchee, Washington, has captivated readers with her "ABCs of Life" series—a collection of personal letters penned to her granddaughter, Michelle. What began as a heartfelt project to impart life lessons has blossomed into a widely appreciated work, resonating with readers across generations.activerain.com🌟 From Personal Letters to a Public ManuscriptInitially, Carol's letters were intimate messages filled with wisdom, encouragement, and reflections on values. However, the positive feedback from the ActiveRain community inspired her to expand the project. Carol announced her plans to transform the series into a book, aiming to reach a broader audience. The en... 06/16/2025

The Wisconsin Woodland Report June 2025 Sauk County Land; Hunting, Timber, Investments! Market Snapshot for 20+ Acre Properties 16 Forestland properties are currently available in Sauk County, let us know if you are interested in buying or selling in this county or anywhere in Wisconsin. Available Properties Report Price Total Acres $/Acre Original MLS # Status Municipality County $275,000 24.2 $11,364 1997888 Active-W/Offer Rock Springs Sauk $349,900 35.27 $9,921 1995125 Active Delton Sauk $369,900 36.2 $10,218 1995126 Active Delton Sauk $375,000 50.01 $7,499 1995456 Active Winfield Sauk $439,500 34.79 $12,633 1993475 Active Dellona Sauk $495,000 35.38 $13,991 1998978 Active Ironton Sauk $499,000 52.5 $9,505 1994161 Active Greenfield Sauk $599,000 40 $14,975 1999980 Active Delton Sauk... 06/16/2025

   After years of assisting people with finding Waukesha County Lake Homes for sale  or Lake home for sale in Waukesha County we have developed a system that keeps us on top of lake listings ( often before they hit the market. ) We welcome your call or text anytime at 262-377-1459I would be glad to deliver a concise list of all the properties that meet your criteria to find that perfect. Drop me an email to YOURHOMECLOSED@GMAIL.COM and get on our daily list of Waukesha County Lake Homes For Sale sent to you for you. Here is to seeing you on the Lake. Now, a month from now and all year! Have a home to sell and want to know what it is worth in Southeastern Wisconsin?   Have a productive day and I will see you at closing!Tom Braatz at 262-377-1459 or  yourhomeclosed@gmail.com     Have a pr... 06/16/2025

While scrolling through new listings in the Arizona Regional MLS today, one listing jumped out at me.  The main photo was not unusual.  The list price versus square footage looked accurate for the area in Scottsdale.  In fact, everything looked great.  But the list price caught my eye as they used only one number when creating this listing. Listing agents will tell you it's best to include zeros as the 4 or 5 digits of every price because you don't want to miss out by using 9s.  But what about numbers that give you bad vibes?  Not wanting to misunderstand that aspect of listing a home for sale, I consulted Google and found these answers. Number 13: In many Western cultures, the number 13 is considered unlucky. This is why some buildings skip the 13th floor, and some people avoid hosting... 06/16/2025

The “Just for the Photos” Open House Visitor (Yes, They’re Real)Ever hosted an open house and thought, “These people aren’t here to buy—they’re here for the backsplash”? You’re not wrong.There’s a special breed of open house visitor who isn’t comparing interest rates—they’re comparing paint swatches. Welcome to the world of the “Just for the Photos” guest. Here’s how to spot them:• Inspiration Seekers – They’ll ooh and ahh over your wallpaper while never even glancing at the price sheet.• Instagram Addicts – They’re staging selfies in your breakfast nook. If the lighting is good, expect a full-on mini photo shoot.• Design Spies – Armed with their Notes app and Pinterest board, they’re collecting ideas for their own remodel… not planning to write an offer.Open houses attract all kinds—an... 06/16/2025

Check out this link from our local Realtors + MLS, below for the newest homes to come on the market.                     Gilbert Arizona homes for sale today    YOUR   Latest activity in the VALLEY of the SUNFor ALL your Valley AZ Real Estate NeedsPHONE   Bill   at   602-999-0952Text          Bill   at    602-999-0952Email       Bill    at BillSalvatore.teamiii@gmail.com Read other YVP Blogs hereFor more information, Call or Text: 602-999-0952eMail: golfarizona@cox.netBill Salvatore / Arizona Elite PropertiesYour Valley Property TeamResidential Sales, Marketing, and Property ManagementSelling Arizona for more than 20+years#ChandlerRealtor #SellmyGilbertHome #SellmyChandlerHome, #ThebestRealtorinGilbert, #ThebestRealtorChandler, #AZVHVHelpingArizonaHeroes, #NewConstructionAdvantage #Sell... 06/16/2025

Choosing the right paint color for your home can feel hard. For 2025, gray and white are less common, while organic colors are in. This article shows you the top paint trends for 2025 to make your choice easier.Key Color Trends for 2025For 2025, interior paint is receiving a new touch. Consider tranquil grays, pristine whites, and gentle beiges to create a serene ambiance; yet if you're leaning to the bold side, go for profound blacks or vibrant contrasting colors for a noticeable standout.Embracing Neutrals: Gray, White, and BeigeGray, white, and beige are taking center stage in 2025. People want calm colors in their homes. Neutral grays without strong undertones are in. So are neutral whites. These colors make rooms feel peaceful.They work well with other shades too.Neutral tones offe... 06/16/2025

Aurora, IL home inventory almost reached 100 available listings on Monday, June 16, 2025.  Following is the breakdown by category: New - 23Reactivated - 4Price Change - 7Active - 66Lowest Priced - $214,900 - 2 BR 1 BA - full basement - 976 sq. ft. on .0848 acres.Highest Priced - $990,000 - 5 BR, 1 BR basment - 3.1 BA 3 Car Garage - 2 story home with  English basement aprx. 3,605 main and 1,461 basement - 4,708 sq. ft. total on .35 acres.Aurora, IL is considered one of the more affordable big  cities in IL with an exciting art scene, new restaurants and renovated older buildings as well as new construction in their downtown area.Of course, I am a  bit bias since its my hometown!  Ready  to check out Aurora as your next home?  Give me a call/text or email and let's start  your home search!  06/16/2025

I have made money cutting grass, babysitting (yes and I am a guy), delivering newspapers, selling magazines, working part-time jobs, giving talks, teaching classes, doing magic, from real estate sales, mortgage loans, flipping burgers, hauling Hay, picking vegetables, pumping gas, on a factory assembly line and, even drawing pictures.When I was young I wrecked  a car that I hit and I did not have insurance. I got a loan co-signed that paid the damages. To pay the loan back I took on two part time jobs as well as my full time job. I worked every night after work at a company colleting debts by telephone and on the weekends I worked 10 hours Saturday and 10 hours Sunday at a Stop and Go Store. I was determined to pay off the bill and did so  under 6 months.When a person is creative and de... 06/16/2025

  There is an animal of sort loose in Wisconsin and it has some pretty scared. This beast is known as the  Beast of Bray Road (or the Bray Road Beast) and this creature is a cryptozoological creature and was first reported in the 1980s on a rural road outside of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. These same sightings have been seen well beyond the initial location, to any unknown creature from southern Wisconsin  Bray Road itself is a quiet country road near the community of Elkhorn. This animal or beast respectively called the  Beast of Bray Road is described by purported witnesses in several ways: as a bearlike creature, as a hairy biped resembling Bigfoot, and as an unusually large (2-4 feet tall on all fours, 7 feet tall standing up) intelligent wolf like creature apt to walk on its hind legs and ... 06/16/2025

We hope all of the dads out there had a great Father's Day yesterday. Did you happen to catch the Harbor View Park Car Show yesterday? It was the perfect way to spend the day with any car enthusiast pop in the family. While Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer for many people, summer officially begins this Friday, June 20th. Thursdays offer some Downtown Ventura summertime fun in the form of a summer concert series. Then we end the month with a some amazing chalk art.Downtown Ventura Summertime Fun 2025Summer Concert SeriesEvery Thursday between now and July 3rd offers a new summertime musical guest for your enjoyment at Ventura Harbor Village. Technically, last week was the first concert of the season. This week (June 19th), The Ooo Wee Ooo's, a Weezer tribute band, perform t... 06/16/2025