Carmen Kovacs Real Estate

09/02/2026

The pluses and minuses of buying an established home. Here’s what to look for.

New is nice, but in the case of a home purchase, buyers may be tempted by what an existing house has to offer. Take a look at the pros and cons of purchasing a “used” home. Charm is priceless. Existing homes, especially those built in the 1950's or before, often offer architectural elements, his...

08/31/2026

Can your house pass a sniff-test? Or will potential buyers be turned off by pet odors? Be proactive with these tips that are both pet-friendly and buyer-friendly.

When pet owners put their homes up for sale, it’s best to make those beloved animals disappear without a trace. The dog beds, the cat crates, the hair, the chew marks and the smell all need to be removed before the first showing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on selling your home with pets.

08/29/2026

When an aging loved one begins to need daily help, a move to an assisted living facility may be the answer. Here’s a brief overview for family members.

When seniors first show signs of needing help with medical and daily personal care, it’s time to consider moving to a community that provides what’s known as assisted living. When you need a hand. Once capable of living alone, seniors who begin having health issues may find they need a little ex...

08/28/2026

According to Consumer Reports, rinsing dirty dishes before you load the dishwasher wastes more than 6,000 gallons of water in a year. All the more reason to find the perfect powerful dishwasher! Start here.

The average dishwasher lasts about 15 years, so it’s important to do your homework before shopping. The ideal model will fit your home’s space requirements, your lifestyle and your budget. Unit type. Dishwashers come in three configurations: under-the-counter, under-the-sink, or drawer units. Un...

08/28/2026

Under contract! 🔑🏡

Excited to have secured this property for my buyers! Another successful negotiation and one step closer to the closing table.

08/26/2026

It’s time for the final “walk through” on your newly built home. How should you prepare for it?

After months of watching your new home being built, it’s time for the “walk through” with your builder. This is your opportunity to make sure things are fixed before closing. Here’s a walk through of the walk-through process. Bring blue tape and a keen eye. If your builder is amenable, do an...

08/24/2026

If the thought of stripping that old wallpaper fills you with dread, fear not! Here’s a step-by-step guide.

It’s dated, ugly and needs to go. When the wallpaper in your home has seen better days, what’s the best way to tackle this messy job and keep your sanity? Check out this nine-step guide to a new look. Don’t skip the prep work. Remove all pictures, nails and screws from the wall to be stripped....

08/22/2026

The unthinkable has happened: A storm has badly damaged your home. Here’s how to navigate the storm’s aftermath.

If your home is significantly damaged by a storm, you will likely feel overwhelmed and confused just when you are faced with making several major repair decisions. Take a deep breath and let us walk you through the mess.

08/21/2026

Today’s clothes dryers come with a lot of bells and whistles, but are they worth the extra cost? Here’s how to find the right dryer for you and your family.

Shopping for a clothes dryer has never been more complicated. The choices can be overwhelming. Beyond capacity and color, consumers must decide whether they want any of a myriad of special features such as moisture sensors and steamers. Let’s go shopping and take a look at what’s available. Size...

08/19/2026

Saving money for a down payment is a big challenge. So take advantage of several programs that can help.

Accumulating down payment money for a house is important, but can be challenging, especially for millennials bogged down in massive student loan debt. But don’t despair. Help is available through down payment assistance programs -- in other words -- free money. The Federal Housing Administration, ...