From closing costs to HOA fees, hidden fees can affect your home-buying budget. Learn what to expect and how to budget effectively for a smooth closing.
 

You’ve saved up for a down payment, gotten pre-approved, and found your dream home. Great! Now, you’re ready to buy your dream home, right? That’s what most people believe. However, in 2025, the price of the home is just the starting point.
 
I recently helped a couple who thought they were all set to buy their home. They had $40,000 for the down payment, secured pre-approval, and even saved some extra for closing costs. However, when it was time to finalize the purchase, they faced over $6,000 in unexpected expenses, including home inspections, HOA charges, and other fees they hadn’t planned for. This caused a delay in closing, and they had to tap into their emergency savings. With a bit more clarity from the start, they could have avoided this stress.
 
Here are some key expenses you ...

You’ve saved up for a down payment, gotten pre-approved, and found your dream home. Great! Now, you’re ready to buy your dream home, right? That’s what most people believe. However, in 2025, the price of the home is just the starting point.

I recently helped a couple who thought they were all set to buy their home. They had $40,000 for the down payment, secured pre-approval, and even saved some extra for closing costs. However, when it was time to finalize the purchase, they faced over $6,000 in unexpected expenses, including home inspections, HOA charges, and other fees they hadn’t planned for. This caused a delay in closing, and they had to tap into their emergency savings. With a bit more clarity from the start, they could have avoided this stress.

Here are some key expenses you should be aware of if you’re considering buying a home today:

1. Closing costs. Most buyers have heard of closing costs, but often underestimate them. In 2025, expect t ...

If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, you’ve probably checked its value using tools like Zillow or Redfin. These apps promise quick estimates based on data and algorithms, and they’re getting better every year. But here’s the big question: can you really trust AI to price your most valuable asset accurately?

Before you list your home with an AI price estimate, you need to hear this: 

I recently worked with a client just outside of town who was ready to sell their four-bedroom home in a competitive market and decided to use an AI tool for a pricing estimate. AI pulled data from recent sales nearby, adjusted for square footage, and looked at market trends. It estimated their home’s value at $620,000.

However, it missed some key features: a $70,000 kitchen renovation with high-end appliances, a full smart-home upgrade, and a prime location on a quiet cul-de-sac with greenbelt views. None of these factors was reflected in the AI e ...

Recently, I received a call from a friend asking about a “lowball” offer they received while trying to sell their home. Even though they had priced their home very reasonably, this offer was well below what they were expecting—what was happening? As it turned out, this offer came from an investor. 

In case you aren’t aware, offers from investors are becoming more common all across the country. According to Business Insider, 44% of homes were purchased by investors in 2023, and this number is expected to increase. 

So, if investors pay below market value for homes, why do so many people accept their offers? Does it make sense for you to consider an investor offer when selling? To answer these questions, today, I’m going over three key benefits of investor offers you should consider when selling your home:

1. Investors don’t care about the condition of your home. To get top dollar on the open market, you need to put in a little work. ...

The community event will feature decorated trunks with treats, a photo booth, and kid-friendly activities, uniting Florence residents in festive spirit.

Join us at the 2024 BrickDriven Realty Trunk or Treat, where fun, laughter, and community spirit come alive. 
This event is open to everyone—our current clients, past clients, future clients, friends, neighbors, and all community members. We believe in the power of community and would love for you to be part of this special treat that our partner vendors helped make possible.
 
"Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun and festivities at the 2024 BrickDriven Realty Trunk or Treat!"

WWe'll have a variety of decorated trunks brimming with treats, a photo booth to capture your special moments, and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. It's going to be a memorable night for everyone. 
Mark your calendars for October 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and head to our office at 115 Helton Court i! ...