Notes from the market
Insights, market updates, and real estate tips from Carissa Morgan.
Blog posts
June 11, 2026
Here's Why Having A Good Driveway Matters When Selling Your Home
If you’re preparing your house to hit the market, we’ve listed down why your driveway plays a crucial role in your property’s curb appeal, and simple improvements you can make to boost its appearance, functionality, and value.
May 21, 2026
Here's One Thing Most Home Buyers Forget to Budget For: Landscaping
If you’re a first-time home buyer, understanding the true costs of landscaping before purchasing your desired property can help you avoid financial surprises later on. Read on to find some of the most common landscaping expenses that would-be homeowners forget to factor in before purchasing their dream home.
April 27, 2026
A Simple Guide To Choosing The Ideal Paint Color For Your Space
One of the easiest ways to refresh a room is with a coat of paint. Deciding to do a new paint job may sound simple until reality hits: choosing the ideal paint color can be overwhelming. With so many shades available, what colors should you choose? What to do if you change your mind once it’s already dried? What happens if it doesn’t turn out the way you like it? It can be difficult to know where to begin, especially if you’re renovating room by room or preparing to put your house on the market.Selecting the ideal paint color can easily transform any space, creating a mood and style that reflects your personality and the room’s purpose. Here’s a pretty straightforward guide to choosing the perfect paint colors when updating your space.
April 15, 2026
Understanding Cash to Close When Purchasing A Home
Even before starting your home buying journey, you’re probably already aware that the numbers aren’t just about the home’s purchase price and your down payment. There are dozens of smaller fees, expenses, credits, and adjustments in the real estate transaction that you need to account for. This is where the term “cash to close” comes into play. Cash to close is the amount you need to bring on closing day to finalize the sale, and is a crucial aspect of the home-buying process.
March 27, 2026
Easy and Inexpensive Bathroom Updates You Can Make Before Selling Your Home
We’ve compiled these easy and affordable upgrades that can bring style and boost functionality in your space without breaking the bank. They’re also easy enough for anyone to pull off, even if your DIY skills are a bit rusty. Assuming you’re done with deep cleaning and depersonalizing, these inexpensive updates will make your bathroom feel more like a relaxing spa retreat, offering daily comfort that prospective buyers will surely appreciate.
March 16, 2026
Where to Keep Your Down Payment Savings For Your Dream Home
For many aspiring homeowners, trying to save enough money to cover the down payment and closing costs is their biggest hurdle to homeownership. It may feel like an overwhelming task, a goal that takes a considerable amount of time and effort to accomplish.If you’re a prospective buyer who’s trying to figure out the best places to store your money when you’re saving for a down payment on a mortgage, we explore some great options you may want to consider.
February 23, 2026
5 Ways Your Neighbors Can Affect Your Home's Value
No matter how much you strategize, many external factors can affect your home’s value, including your neighbors. Understanding their potential influence is necessary so you can make the most of your biggest investment. From the upkeep of their yards (or lack thereof) to certain habits, here are five ways your neighbors can deter buyers and impact your home’s value.
February 10, 2026
From Date Nights to Mortgage Payments: Tips for Couples Buying Their First Home Together
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s not only love that fills the air, but a renewed sense of commitment among couples. From lovely surprises to grand gestures, the romantic holiday serves as a catalyst for them to take the next step in their relationships, such as buying a home together.
January 20, 2026
7 Simple But Effective Habits For A Cleaner and Tidier Home All Year
Aiming to have a cleaner and calmer home this year? You’re still on the right track for a fresh start. Before life gets busier and mess slowly creeps back in, we’ve rounded up small but impactful habits to start now, and which you can actually stick to for the long term.
January 7, 2026
Why You Should List Your Home at the Beginning of the Year
Listing your home at the beginning of the year can give you a competitive edge, get ahead of the market, and attract serious buyers—all of which can potentially lead to a faster, smoother sale.