Before the hammers and saw get going, you need to find the right contractor. We identify and explain the three different types of contractors – specialty, general an design-build - so you can use the right type for your project. We share tips on what to ask potential contractors, what to look for in their bids, why you want to talk to references and the importance of having a budget to lead things off from start to finish.

There are some easy and economical things you can do to make a small kitchen look larger. In this episode we talk about simplifying the color scheme, lighting up, opening up, clearing up and using optical illusions to give your small kitchen a larger look and feel. We share what colors work best and how taking off cupboard doors can really change the look of your kitchen and why having a junk drawer is important.

VA loans are a benefit to those who have served in the military but many buyers and sellers don’t understand them and there are many myths surrounding them. We dispel some of the common myths sellers may have like it takes longer to close VA loan or that you will have to do more home improvements to meet the inspection required for a VA loan. And on the buyer side we address the fact that while a government backed loan VA loans are available through approved lenders like banks and mortgage companies and they are able to help make the application and eligibility process smooth.

Interest rates, housing supply, consumer confidence, vaccines, the stock market and a new administration in Washington…all of these factors will impact the housing market this year. We discuss all of these issues and what we are seeing now (an interest in higher priced homes) and expect to see this year (slightly rising interest rates) in our metro Detroit market. We also chat about mortgage forebearence and the what buyers are looking for in homes in light of living during a Pandemic.

If your small bathroom has you feeling cramped, there are strategies that you can use to make this small space look and feel bigger. We share how to use natural light, paint colors and lighting to work together to make the room airy and bright. We also share tips like how raising your shower curtain can create an optical illusions to make your room seem taller, how using less space, like with corner sinks, can be a great way to do more with less and how organization can bring it all together.

Special guest Paul Corvino, iHeart President Detroit Region shares his experiences as a current seller and some lessons he has learned about marketing and selling a home that is unique. We chat about his history of condo living and how that compares to owning a home and he shares a bit of the history of his current home and surrounding area.

If you are considering a major home renovation project you may need or benefit from working with an architect. We are talking with a Licensed Architect about how architects are problem solvers trained to provide you ideas and solutions to the challenges you are experiencing with your current home situation. We discuss what to expect when working with an architect, the timeline for projects that include getting any local permits and approvals as well as common issues once a project gets started. We round out the conversation talking specifically about historic homes and the unique requirements that may come with these properties.

Selling your home means allowing interested buyers into your home so what can you do to keep yourself and your belongings safe during the showings and open houses you may have. We discuss the small everyday items that you want to put out of sight like extra key fobs, garage door openers even prescription medicine and share where not to hide these items. We also talk about removing certificates and awards or other items that may be used for identify theft and that you want to be sure to check doors and windows upon your return to be sure they are locked.

Whether you just bought a new home or are doing an update, you want to spend your money wisely. We share which three rooms are the most important to tackle first when it comes to buying furniture and why sofas, dining tables and bedding are the most important items to focus on. We also include some bonus tips on rugs and artwork to pull it all together.

Americans spent $332 billion in home improvements projects during Q3 of 2020 and much of this spending was done with the goal of improving the value of their home. But all home improvement projects are not created equal when it comes to a return on investment. Bart Patterson joins us for a conversation on what you can expect to get back for common projects like kitchen, bath and basement remodels as well what upgrades are likely to appeal to buyers and what surprisingly economical projects get the highest return and can likely be done in one day. We also talk about the importance of budgeting, permits and doing a thorough review of everything needed in your project like being sure any cracks and water issues are addressed before spending money to add a bedroom in your basement.