Landmark Management Services, Inc.

As we observe Memorial Day today, I think it’s important we stop for a moment and remember what this day is really about. It’s not really about burgers, the lake, or getting the yard furniture out. It’s about the men and women who never made it home. No matter where somebody stands politically, I think we can all agree that kind of sacrifice deserves our respect and gratitude. At the same time, I think a lot of families are feeling something else this year too--life has

There’s some helpful news coming out of D.C. this week that is going to make the day-to-day work of managing a rental a lot more straightforward. Industry experts recently shared an update about how federal agencies are simplifying the rules for us "mom and pop" owners. The goal is to get back to a common-sense approach that protects both the property and the community. A Fairer Way to Handle Animal Requests We all want to be great neighbors to those who truly need a serv

We’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about those big headlines regarding 'MLS commission changes.' There’s been a lot of noise, and frankly, some of it is a bit confusing. As your 'Mom & Pop' real estate resource, we wanted to pull back the curtain and show you how this actually works when you’re sitting at the closing table in 2026. Think of this as the 'Handshake Update.' The way we do business has shifted to be more transparent, but the goal—getting you into a gr

If you were hoping for a fast and furious spring housing market, you might want to pour another cup of coffee and settle in—it looks like we’re in for a bit of a waiting game. We’ve been watching the numbers, and the latest report from the Mortgage Bankers Association shows that mortgage demand just took a 10.5% dive last week. That’s the second week in a row we’ve seen a double-digit drop. What’s causing the cold feet? It’s the same thing that’s been on everyone’s mind: i

The mortgage market is showing a significant "thaw" compared to the same time last year. While rates have been a bit "jumpy" recently due to global events, the overall trend is one of much higher activity. It’s a bit of a "tug-of-war" in the housing market this week. On one hand, we’ve seen mortgage rates settle in around 6.1% to 6.3% —which is a huge improvement from the nearly 7% rates we were dealing with this time last year. Because of that, the market is actually wak

Have you ever considered owning a home where the rent from other units helps pay the mortgage? That idea is often called house-hacking . The strategy is simple: buy a small multi-family property, live in one unit, and rent out the others. The rental income helps offset your housing costs and can even cover a big portion of the mortgage. For a long time, financing properties with two to four units was difficult for many buyers. Large down payments made them hard to afford.

If you feel like you’re staring at a "Wait-and-See" sign every time you check Zillow, you aren't alone. Between high prices and those stubborn 7% interest rates, a lot of folks are just sitting on the sidelines. Here is the plain-English breakdown of what’s happening right now: The 7% Speed Bump Interest rates are hovering right around 7%, which is cooling off a lot of the excitement. Even though there are actually more houses for sale now—up about 13% from last year—those ra

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