Breaking down Real Estate terms in plain English: Closing Cost

Wednesday, November 26th, 2025
Sara Ballard

When you hear “closing costs,” it can feel like a mysterious extra bill at the end of buying a home. The truth? Closing costs aren’t a secret fee or some hidden tax. They are just the collection of all the small costs that go into finalizing your home purchase.

What closing costs actually include:

• Lender fees like origination or underwriting

• Title insurance and title search

• Appraisal and inspection fees

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Welcome back to the House Types series, where we break down the different floor plans you might come across when house hunting. This week, we’re diving into the split entry and multilevel homes. When shopping for a home, you’ll notice different architectural styles and layouts, each with its own perks. I’m excited to share what makes these two styles unique and what to look for when considering them.

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Thanksgiving Hosting Hacks That Work!

Thursday, November 13th, 2025
Sara Ballard

Here are a few of the top Thanksgiving hacks I’ve discovered over the years, my personal favorites are the simmer pot and a simple signature drink! Having the ability to hold some food hot is also a game-changer, something I had never even considered until I met my husband. He shared that life hack with me, and it works like a charm! Bonus: it’s great for keeping delivery pizza warm too.

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As the temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, November is a great time to get your home ready for winter weather and all the cozy gatherings ahead. A few simple maintenance tasks now can help you avoid headaches later and keep things running smoothly through the colder months.

Here are a few things to check off your list this month:

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Breaking down Real Estate terms in plain English: EMD

Wednesday, October 29th, 2025
Sara Ballard

Buying a home comes with a lot of terms, and it can be a lot to keep track of. Earnest money deposit is an important one to understand, and you might hear it referred to in a few different ways. Some people call it earnest money, while others say earnest deposit. Whatever the name, it’s an important step in the buyer’s offer process. So, let’s break down what it means and why it matters.

What It Is

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When you’re shopping for a home, you’ll come across different architectural styles and layouts that all come with their own unique perks. You've probably heard homes referred to as a ranch or a raised ranchThese two home styles share a lot in common, but each has its own unique layout and features that can make a big difference in how a home feels and functions. Here’s a simple breakdown of what they are, when they were most popular, and the pros and cons of each style today.

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Buying a home is such an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or diving back into the market after a few years, preparation and the right mindset make all the difference. Here are my top tips to help you navigate the process with confidence, starting with my favorite: the 80/10/10 rule.

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