In this podcast we talk about what is driving the interest in resource efficient homes and how you can incorporate environment friendly changes in your home. From small things like a low flow shower heads to more extensive projects like a new furnace or window replacement we discuss the many ways you can take steps to make your home more resource efficient with guest Bart Patterson. We also chat about how to reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in your home - those are items that may contain harmful substances and that may give off gasses you would rather not have in your home.

If you are a first-time buyer chances are you are getting all sorts of advice from family and friends on everything from where to buy to how much you should pay. While the advice you are asking for or getting may be well-intentioned, it can actually take some of the fun out of the buying process and even discourage or confuse you. In this episode we share how to manage your family and friends and how to work with your agent and family to successfully navigate the home buying process.

If you have decluttered your home in advance of selling or making a move you may find you have extra furniture you no longer need use and you are wondering what do with all this stuff. The good news is there is a great solution that helps you and helps others at the same time. We talk with Robert Boyle, Executive Director of the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, about this local non-profit that serves about 2000 families a year by providing them with essential home furnishings. Learn how you can take advantage of free pick-up to a small donation to remove larger items and how the process works to help families in need.

The moving truck has pulled away and now comes the task unpacking and settling into your new home. Before you even start to unpack, taking the time to clean is a good first step and we share some items that are often overlooked like washer/dryers, light switches and blind cords and are things that you want to sanitize. Then we chat about what rooms are best to unpack first and small goals you can set to help you keep on track with unpacking and not procrastinate. And we have some ideas what do you do with all the empty boxes.

The act of packing up your belongings to move them to your new home may not be what many look to as the fun part of the moving process but with some planning and organization there are some things you can do to have a smoother move. In this episode we talk about how you can use existing items around your home to transport or wrap items to minimize the amount of purchased supplies you need. We also talk about the importance of labeling boxes (label the sides not just the top of the box) and having an overnight bag with the essentials you will need the first day at your new home. And if you have kids or pets we have some tips to help you pack with these specials dynamics. We cover all these items and more with an extra eye towards Covid precautions to help make your move safe.

When it comes time to move should you try to DIY or hire professionals to help you? In this episode we talk with Gary Miller from Premier Relocations/Mayflower Moving about how to find a good moving company, what to look for in estimates and how the cost of a move is determined. And if you think that your household goods are automatically covered by insurance you will be surprised to learn that isn't true and what you should do to protect your valuables.

We have all spent A LOT of time in our homes this year and you will find you either love it or it is time to move and get a home that has the features you need now. In this episode we talk about working from home, schooling from home, gym/fitness and how the need for functional space has become a priority for many buyers. We also chat about the importance of outdoor space and what is trending in popularity.

You are packing up your home when you look around and wonder - can or should I take the special mirror in the half bath? In this podcast we talk about the things sellers are free to take and things that should for the buyers when it comes time to move. We discuss what are considered fixtures, what you need to know about wall-mounted TVs, window treatments and hi-tech systems and the importance of communication so all parties know and agree on the terms. We also cover common exterior items like hot tubs, swing sets, landscaping and what do you do with the leftover paint cans when Nathan Boji from RE/MAX Classic joins us.

In this podcast we share what you need to know and questions to ask when you are buying a home that has been flipped when Scott Zemens from RE/MAX First joins us for this second part of our flipping series. We discuss some of the common items that those flipping homes update and where you can look to see what type of quality materials were – or were not – used. We also talk about the importance of getting a home inspection because the person selling you the home hasn’t actually lived in it and may not be able to share of have knowledge of various features of the home.

Flipping homes is a popular topic as is verified by all the cable tv shows dedicated to this concept. In this podcast we share tips and techniques to help you know how to approach the home flipping process. Scott Zemens from RE/MAX First shares his experience on the budgeting and talk about costs like lawn maintenance or snow removal that you have to pay for – or do yourself – while the home is being updated. We also chat about the importance of getting a great team in place to support you and that includes a contractor and how that relationship is critical to your success.