J.Roy & Associates-Fathom Realty

08/29/2026

A "Wrap Around Porch" (or Veranda) came historically from homes in the south where friends & family could relax and enjoy a cool breeze without the modern comforts of air conditioning. Would you find this a charming addition to a new home, or wasted space?

08/28/2026

Mantels are a terrific place to give your home personality and style. Check out this guide to decorating a mantel.

You may already decorate the mantel for the holidays, but your mantel is a perfect place to exercise your creativity year round.

08/26/2026

Can you fix those annoying nail pops yourself? Yes, you can, in these 10 easy steps.

We’ve all seen them: nail or screw heads popping out of sheetrock after a house settles. They are a blemish on an otherwise smooth surface, so your eye is drawn to them. Can you fix them yourself? You sure can. Here’s how. Supplies. You’ll need a box cutter, a nail set and hammer, a screwdrive...

08/24/2026

Living in a ground-floor apartment or condo presents advantages and challenges. Here’s what to consider when you’re choosing whether to go up or down.

Is a ground-floor apartment right for you, or would you be happier higher up? Here’s what to consider in making your decision.

08/22/2026

Side curtains are a great budget-friendly finishing touch to a room without compromising on natural light. What do you think of this color choice?

08/21/2026

Generally, "yellow star" products save 20 percent or more energy without compromising quality. Learn more about that all important stamp of approval here.

We’ve all seen the blue Energy Star logos on appliances, windows and even electronics, but what do they mean? Origins and purpose. The Energy Star program was launched in 1992 as a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Star encourages develo...

08/19/2026

Ready to list your home? Before you do, read this checklist so you’ll know what to repair before putting your home on the market.

It isn’t wise to do major renovations to sell your house, but repairs are another story. Here’s a list of what to repair before you sell.

08/17/2026

A non-conforming jumbo mortgage is for buyers requiring a loan amount that is larger than what is typically permitted under federal guidelines. If you are considering a high-end home, review this article to see if you qualify.

If you’re in the market for a home with a hefty price tag -- we’re talking a half-million dollars or more -- it would be a good idea to study up on what’s known in the mortgage industry as a non-conforming jumbo loan. How a jumbo loan works. Homebuyers seeking a jumbo loan need to borrow more ...

08/15/2026

When staging your home, it's important to choose neutral colors. You want buyers to imagine themselves living in your home with their own décor sense.

08/14/2026

If you’re like most consumers, you give no thought to what light bulb to grab when replacing a burned-out one. But the wattage of the bulb must match the lamp’s limit for both energy efficiency and safety. So choose the right bulb by using this handy guide.

There’s a fire risk if a light bulb’s wattage exceeds what the fixture or lamp allows. So let’s shed some light on bulb wattage requirements.