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THE HOMEBUYER’S CORNER

Insights, updates, and tips for homebuyers and homeowners for all things home life. Learn more about design trends, Smart home tech, new communities, and more.

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All Posts

A picture of a large 2 story single family home with words on the image that says best windows.

Choosing the Best Windows for New Construction

Discover the best windows for new construction. This guide compares materials, styles, and energy ratings to help you make a confident choice.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

16 hours ago16 min read

A picture of a bunch of tile samples leaning against a wall outside.

10 Best Bathroom Tile Ideas for Your Dream Home in 2025

Discover the best bathroom tile ideas for 2025! Explore styles from subway to marble and see how our tools help you visualize your perfect space.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

2 days ago20 min read

A picture of blueprints on a table outside with a blue and yellow hard hat laying next to it and a tape measure with cash on top of the blueprints with a block of wood that says contingency fund.

what is a construction contingency? A Home Buyer's Guide

what is a construction contingency: discover its role as a budget cushion for your home project and protect against unexpected costs.

Financial Tips to Buying a Home

Justin McCurdy

3 days ago12 min read

A picture of a single family home with a 3 car garage outside at sunset with words that say next generation homes.

Next Generation Homes Floor Plans Explained

Explore next generation homes floor plans that maximize space, efficiency, and style. Discover layouts, features, and tips to design your dream home.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

4 days ago12 min read

A picture of a home loan estimate sheet on a sidewalk next to keys and a calculator with houses across the street in the background.

Home Loan Types Explained for Maryland Buyers

Our simple guide to home loan types explained for Maryland buyers. Learn about Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans to find the perfect mortgage for you.

Financial Tips to Buying a Home

Justin McCurdy

5 days ago17 min read

A picture of a room with a smart device speaker on a wood table and a wall mounted TV in the background with a blue sign below it that says home automation.

How to Automate Your Home The Smart Way

Learn how to automate your home with this practical guide. Discover the best devices, setup routines, and create a smart home that simplifies your life.

Smart Home Tech

Justin McCurdy

6 days ago13 min read

A picture of a room with sound reducing foam panels on the wall, a rug on the floor, a couch, wood floors and a white interior door next to a wood exterior door with a full length window and words on the image that says peace and quiet.

How to Soundproof a Room for Total Peace and Quiet

Learn how to soundproof a room with our DIY guide. Discover practical, easy-to-follow tips and techniques for creating your perfect quiet space at home.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

7 days ago17 min read

Countertop samples on top of a granite countertop in a kitchen next to paint swatches.

Choosing Countertops for Your Kitchen: A Smart Guide

Discover choosing countertops for kitchen with tips on materials, durability, and style to help you pick the perfect surface.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Nov 516 min read

A small model on a table with a blue book that says mortgage pre-approval and a calculator, keys on the table.

How to get pre approved mortgage in Maryland: A quick guide

Learn how to get pre approved mortgage steps, documents, and tips to strengthen your offer and close faster.

Financial Tips to Buying a Home

Justin McCurdy

Nov 413 min read

A picture of a master bedroom with an outside walk out area and words on the image that says master suite layout.

10 Master Suite Layout Ideas for Your Dream Home in 2025

Discover 10 inspiring master suite layout ideas to transform your personal space. Get practical tips to create the ultimate retreat in your Maryland home.

Home Lifestyle

Justin McCurdy

Nov 315 min read

A picture of a kitchen with dark countertops and a floor plan sitting on the island with pictures and a blue book that says pro kitchen cabinets.

How to Choose Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro

Learn how to choose kitchen cabinets with this practical guide. We cover styles, materials, and layouts to help you design a kitchen you'll love for years.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Nov 218 min read

A small room with a futon, desk with a green chair with wall storage shelves and a blue accent wall with words on the image that say maximize small spaces.

How to Maximize Small Spaces with Clever Design Ideas

Learn how to maximize small spaces with smart design tricks, multifunctional furniture, and creative storage solutions to make any room feel bigger.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Nov 114 min read

A picture of the outside of a single family home and an apartment building with words on the image rent vs. buy.

Is Renting or Buying Better in Maryland

Is renting or buying better? This guide compares the costs, lifestyle factors, and personalization options in Maryland to help you make the right choice.

Home Buying and Selling

Justin McCurdy

Oct 3113 min read

Closing cost estimate sheets laying on the grass in front of a house on a sunny day next to a calculator.

Closing Costs on New Home: Your Friendly Guide to Smart Homebuying

Your guide to closing costs on new home basics, budgeting tips, and money-saving strategies for Maryland homebuyers.

Home Buying and Selling

Justin McCurdy

Oct 3016 min read

A deed to a home in a blue clip board laying on a wood table with keys laying on top and a calculator and pen next to it in front of a model home sitting on top of grass.

What is a deed of trust? A Quick Guide to Home Financing

Wondering what is a deed of trust? This clear guide explains how it works, how it differs from a mortgage, and what it means for your home purchase.

Home Buying and Selling

Justin McCurdy

Oct 2910 min read

Blueprints on a granite kitchen countertop with blueprints laying on top next to a sink, a yellow tape measure and a blue sign that says plan your remodel.

How to Plan Your Bathroom Remodel: A Stress-Free Guide

Learn how to plan bathroom remodel with our practical guide—budgeting, materials, timelines, and tips for a stress-free renovation.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Oct 2816 min read

A blue hard hat sitting on top of blueprints next to a tape measure and a piece of wood that says general contractor.

What Is a General Contractor and Why You Need One

Learn what is a general contractor and how they manage trades, schedules, and personalization to streamline your home building process.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Oct 2713 min read

A picture of a open home floor plan with a large kitchen island and kitchen opened to the outdoors with words on the image that says open floor magic.

10 Open Floor Plan Design Ideas to Inspire Your 2025 Home

Discover 10 practical open floor plan design ideas to create defined, functional, and beautiful spaces. Perfect for your new home in Maryland!

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Oct 2616 min read

A person writing on a piece of paper on a wood desk with blueprints laying next to him, a small model house and a tape measure.

What Is a Building Permit Explained for Homeowners

What is a building permit and when do you need one? Our guide explains the process, costs, and key steps for Maryland homeowners in a simple, friendly way.

Home Buying and Selling

Justin McCurdy

Oct 2515 min read