Landmark Management Services, Inc.

Mortgage rates look fairly stable at first glance. Weekly averages show only small changes, suggesting the market is holding steady. But daily data tells a slightly different story. Recent economic and global events are already pushing mortgage rates higher, even if the weekly averages have not fully reflected the shift yet. Here’s what the latest data reveals about the current mortgage market according to Homes.com Weekly Mortgage Rate Averages Stay Near 6% Recent data from

Each year, Americans adjust their clocks as daylight saving time begins. It may seem like a small change, but shifting the clock by one hour can affect our routines, sleep, and overall well-being. Here is a quick guide to what it means in 2026. When Does Daylight Saving Time Start in 2026? Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026 , at 2:00 a.m. local time. Clocks move forward one hour to 3:00 a.m.   The schedule follows the Uniform Time Act, which standardized tim

As temperatures start to drop, many of us look for ways to stay warm without watching our energy bills rise. The Fall and Winter Energy Saving Tips from the U.S. Department of Energy serve as a handy guide to help you make your home more comfortable while cutting down on energy use and cost. Let the Sun Work for You One of the easiest ways to keep your home warmer without using extra energy is to use natural sunlight. During sunny days, open curtains on south-facing windows

Metric Monroe County Data Trend Median Sales Price $323,000 ⬆️ +5.9% year-over-year Homes Sold (Jan) 160 ⬆️ +3.9% year-over-year Days on Market 61 Days ⬆️ +6 Days vs. last year List-to-Sale Ratio 97.9% ⬇️ Sellers slightly softening How Weather Has Specifically Impacted Monroe County 1. The "Showings Standoff" While statewide sales fell by 45% in January, Monroe County was slightly more resilient because of its high Short-Term Rental (STR)  and vacation home demand. However, t

Blizzards can arrive with little warning and quickly turn everyday routines into serious safety risks. A bit of planning ahead and smart decisions during the storm can make a big difference for your home, your family, and your pets. Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare before and during the snow hits and stay safe until conditions improve. Before the Blizzard Prepare Your Home Stock 3–5 days of supplies : water (1 gallon/person/day), nonperishable food, medications. Have

When arctic air moves in and temperatures fall below freezing, many homeowners instinctively crank up the heat. While that might feel like the safest move, HVAC experts say the best approach is more balanced. The right thermostat setting should keep your home comfortable, protect your plumbing, and avoid unnecessary energy costs. The Sweet Spot for Winter Comfort According to the article on Realtor.com , most HVAC professionals recommend setting your thermostat to about 68°F

Kitchen updates remain one of the most influential upgrades when preparing a home for sale. For years, white cabinets were the default choice for homeowners looking to appeal to buyers. Now, remodeling trends show a shift toward wood cabinetry, which has recently surpassed white as the most popular option in kitchen renovations. This change reflects growing buyer interest in kitchens that feel warm, inviting, and move-in ready rather than overly staged or generic. Why This Ma

Lunar New Year 2026 starts on February 17, bringing a season of family gatherings, festive meals, and hopeful wishes for the year ahead. It is a time to tidy up the past, share gratitude with loved ones, and welcome fresh opportunities with a positive heart. However it is celebrated, the holiday reminds us that every new year offers a chance to begin again.

Tax season is just around the corner, and for many homeowners, this year could come with a pleasant surprise: larger federal tax refunds than usual, possibly around $1,000 more on average than last year. What’s behind this boost, and who will benefit most? Let’s break it down according to realtor.com . What’s Driving Bigger Refunds? Several recent changes in federal tax law are stacking up in favor of taxpayers — especially homeowners:   Expanded SALT Deduction One of the big

January is often the quietest month in residential real estate, and this year followed that familiar pattern. After the holiday rush fades, sales tend to slow as buyers and sellers reset for the year ahead. While activity cools, January still offers valuable insight into where the market may be headed. Sales Cool as Winter Seasonality Sets In Historically, home sales fall sharply from December to January, with January typically recording the lowest activity of the year. That

If you’ve been watching the short-term rental world (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com ), you know the space has changed a lot  in just a few years. For many investors and hosts, what used to be a half-day of work a week and steady passive income has become something more like running a small hospitality business. It’s demanding, hands-on, and sometimes unpredictable. Short-Term Rentals *Are Still Attractive But They’re Not Easy Money The data shows that short-term rental hosts often

When someone talks about a house having “good bones” they are talking about the structure and basic framework of the home. A home with good bones has the core systems and support in place that can carry it through decades of use without major failures. That includes things like a sturdy foundation, functional framing, and mechanical systems that are in good condition.   Knowing what to look for can help you decide whether a property is worth buying or if you are just buying p

Winter can be magical but it’s also the toughest season for your home’s roof. When freezing temperatures, ice and heavy snow roll in, even small weak spots can turn into major problems. According to experts, nearly four in 10 homes have roofs in fair to poor condition, meaning a lot of houses are heading into winter at risk for costly damage. Below are seven warning signs that your roof might be vulnerable plus practical tips you can take now to prevent a winter disaster from

If you’re thinking about selling your home, refinancing, or tapping into your home’s equity, you’ve probably heard about the importance of a solid home appraisal . But what many homeowners don’t realize is that a few thoughtful improvements whether big and small that can actually influence how an appraiser values your property. Here’s a look at practical, realistic ways to increase your home appraisal value based on real estate insights from Redfin . 1. Start With Curb Appea

If you’re renting, whether a small studio, an apartment, or a condo — know this: your landlord’s insurance protects the building, not your stuff. That means everything you own like your furniture, electronics, clothes is on you. That’s where renters insurance comes in. What is a Renters Insurance? Renters insurance is a simple way to protect your belongings and yourself. Your landlord’s policy only covers the building, not your things. So if something goes wrong, you’re on yo

Selling your home is a big milestone. But all too often, sellers feel caught off guard on closing day. This helpful guide from Zillow spells out exactly what you need to know so the transition is smooth, stress-free, and free of last-minute surprises. Before Closing Day: What to Prepare Before the keys officially change hands, a bit of preparation goes a long way. A few days before closing, you’ll receive a “Closing Disclosure,” a document that lays out all final numbers — sa

According to a new report by Zillow , 2026 is shaping up to be a year of bold reinvention for home design — and buyers are favoring spaces that mix personality, comfort, and practicality. 1. Color drenching: Bold all-over hues Minimalist white kitchens and neutral walls might be fading out. Instead, there’s a surge in what the report calls “color drenching,” where a single hue coats everything from walls to ceilings to trim. Listings mentioning this concept jumped 149% from

When most people think of selling a home, they picture sunny spring days, blooming gardens, and picture-perfect curb appeal. But what if I told you that winter, often overlooked and underestimated, can actually be a strategic  time to list your house? Winter sells: real advantages According to industry experts, including a recent write-up by Realtor.com , there are compelling reasons to put your home on the market during the colder months.   Less competition = More attention

According to a recent report from the NAR , down payments remain one of the biggest hurdles  for prospective homeowners. That’s why, as you map out your path to homeownership, it’s worth understanding exactly how the size of your down payment shapes your mortgage experience and even how it reflects broader trends across the country. Geographic Gaps: Where People Put Down More and Less NAR analyzed 216 major U.S. metropolitan areas using 2024 data, and found a huge variation i

Living in a small apartment or tiny home doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style or order. In its “Storage for Small Spaces” guide, Redfin offers 13 clever, practical solutions  to reclaim your square footage — without feeling like you’re living in a storage unit. Think Vertically: Grow Up, Not Out When floor space is limited, look up. Redfin recommends using tall, narrow shelving units, wall-mounted ledges, and pegboards to draw the eye upward and make your room feel taller