Inventory is still light in many markets but with the weather being overly cold and snowy many sellers were in no position to list their home for sale.  Selling a home takes planning and effort to get it ready.  The outdoors often cannot be addressed for homes where the temperatures are in the freezing range and there is snow on the ground.  Sometimes the damage from winter weather is not discovered until it has warmed up enough. Check out these great reads in this month’s round up to get ready for the upcoming spring real estate season.

VA Home Loan

For those who qualify for the Veterans Affair (VA) mortgage it can be a great mortgage loan for buying a home.  In this article by Luke Skar he looks who qualifies for a VA loan, the down payment requirements, as well as closing costs, interest rates, and more.  Home buyers who use the VA mortgage can buy almost any home that meets the criteria and have an affordable mortgage.  Working with the right mortgage lender is important so they are able to explore all the loan options that are available to home buyers. 

Maximizing Home Value

When getting a home ready to sell proper preparation can mean the difference between great buyer interest and good offers versus getting the as-is buyer looking for a great deal.  Let’s face it a home that is in rough shape is not on the top of the list of most buyers unless it comes with a discount.  In this article by Paul Sian he provides some areas to work on in fixing/updating the home after the wintertime thaw.  Buyers appreciate a home that is move in ready since they will be able to close on the home, move-in and not worry about having to spend money to fix things up.

2025 Bathroom Update Trends

To help a home retain its value regular updates are required.  In the case of the bathroom, making updates not only can improve the home’s value but can also help save some money in the long run through newer plumbing fixtures.  Using less water in the bathroom can save money!  In this article by Karen Highland she explains some of the hot new bathroom update trends for 2025.  Some bathroom updates can be done by the homeowner themselves if they have the skills.

Public Records Square Footage versus Appraisal Square Footage

The square footage of a home is an important part of the home appraisal valuation process.  Lower square footage can mean a lower appraised value.  Sometimes there are differences between the square footage as determined by an appraisal compared to the number reported in public records.  In this article by Tom Horn he explains the reasons that the numbers may be different as well as how to challenge the appraisal report if need be.  The appraisal is usually a requirement when buying a home with a mortgage and getting accurate numbers can help make or break that.

Important Steps for Renting Out Your First Investment Property

Renting real estate out to tenants can be a lucrative investing strategy if done correctly.  When done incorrectly it can lead to major frustration and loss of money.  In this article by Michelle Gibson she provides twelve insightful tips for renting out a real estate investment property.  There are laws to comply with, financial considerations, tax implications, maintenance and more to know about in order to have the best investment returns.  Renting out real estate is not as easy as some make it out to be and can quickly trip up an investor who go in without knowing the basics.

Top Home Design & Decorating Trends

Whether one is looking for a new home build or looking to remodel their current home understanding what is in demand can help during the design/planning phase.  This article by Kevin Vitali provides insights into what are the top home design/decorating trends for 2025.  The article discusses trends with the walls/ceilings, eco-friendly options, color choices, indoor/outdoor spaces and more.  The options presented offer some solutions for those wanting professional help and for those wanting to DIY.

Loan Options for Manufactured Homes

Different loan options are offered for those seeking a manufactured home. Some lenders have multiple loan products that are separately used for the land purchase and then the construction of the manufactured home. In this article Eric Jeanette explores the manufactured home construction loan that helps buyers do everything in one go. Eric explores the different options available from VA, USDA, conventional and more.

For another great roundup check out this list from Bill Gassett over on MassRealEstateNews.com.  What other articles did you find to be helpful or which ones from this list did you enjoy?  Drop your comments down below.

Real Estate Roundup for February 2025 was provided by Greater Cincinnati Area Luxury Realtor Paul Sian of United Real Estate Home Connections. Paul is a licensed real estate agent in the states of Ohio and Kentucky and has over 17 years of experience. Do you have a home you are ready to sell now in Greater Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky? Be sure to contact me now!