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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

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

A picture of a water heater in an unfinished basement.

How to Choose a Water Heater: A Practical Home Guide

Overwhelmed by options? Learn how to choose water heater that fits your home's needs, lifestyle, and budget and start saving energy today.

Home Buying and Selling

Justin McCurdy

Oct 249 min read

A picture of a dream walk in closet showcasing ample storage and easy access to clothes.

10 Practical Walk In Closet Organization Tips for Your Dream Home

Discover walk in closet organization tips with 10 practical tips to create a stylish, clutter-free, and more functional space.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Oct 2317 min read

A picture of a finished basement with a TV on the wall above a wetbar and a couch with tile floors and an exercise area next to the couch.

Top basement finishing design ideas to transform your home

Explore basement finishing design ideas to transform your space from home theaters to gyms with practical tips to elevate your home.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Oct 2215 min read

Paint swatches laying on a wood table next to a paint roller and paint brush in a room of a house next to a window.

How to Choose Paint Colors: Your Ultimate Guide to a Beautiful Home

Learn how to choose paint colors with ease. Our expert tips simplify lighting, color theory, and more to help you pick perfect shades confidently.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Oct 2114 min read

A front door of a home with a smart lock and camera.

Find the Best Home Security System for Your New Home

Feeling overwhelmed by options? Our guide breaks down how to find the best home security system with simple explanations and practical tips for new homeowners.

Smart Home Tech

Justin McCurdy

Oct 2013 min read

A small model house on a wood table next to a laptop, calculator and keys on a piece of paper with a blue book on the table that says choose your lender.

Choosing a Mortgage Lender: A Friendly Guide for Homebuyers

Struggling with choosing a mortgage lender? This friendly guide breaks down how to compare offers, ask the right questions, and find the perfect partner.

Financial Tips to Buying a Home

Justin McCurdy

Oct 1912 min read

An outside patio space with paver brick patio, pergola, outside couch, outdoor kitchen and a firepit behind a house in a backyard.

Your Guide to Outdoor Living Space Design

Create your perfect backyard with our guide to outdoor living space design. Get practical tips on planning, furnishing, and personalizing your ideal patio.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Justin McCurdy

Oct 1815 min read

Blueprints on the ground outside with a tape measure and pencil in front of a home that has a room addition being framed with words on a blue sign that says home addition.

How to Plan a Home Addition: Your Complete Guide

Learn how to plan a home addition effectively. Discover expert tips and steps to ensure your project is successful. Read more now!

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Oct 1716 min read

A small model of a house on a wood table with a key laying in front of it next to paper with a pen on top and words on the image that says boost your credit score.

Credit Score for Home Loan: Boost Your Mortgage Chances

Learn everything about the credit score for home loan—what's needed, how to improve it, and how it impacts your mortgage approval. Get started today!

Financial Tips to Buying a Home

Justin McCurdy

Oct 1611 min read

Flooring samples laying on a wood table next to blueprints with a tape measure next to it.

How to Choose Flooring for Your New Home

Feeling overwhelmed by flooring choices? Our guide on how to choose flooring helps you balance style, durability, and budget for your perfect Maryland home.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Oct 1516 min read

A small model house on a wooden table next to a calculator, book, notebook with a pen on top and a blue sign that says mortgage pre-approval.

Mortgage Pre Approval Requirements: Your Quick Guide

Learn the key mortgage pre approval requirements. Find out what documents and financial metrics you need to buy your dream home today!

Financial Tips to Buying a Home

Justin McCurdy

Oct 1417 min read

A TV on the wall with a wooden desk in front if it with a smart speaker, smart light bulbs and a smart device on top of it with words on the screen that say DIY Home Automation.

DIY Home Automation System Installation Guide

Your essential guide to home automation system installation. Learn how to plan your smart home, choose devices, and create routines for a more connected life.

Smart Home Tech

Justin McCurdy

Oct 1314 min read

A picture of a moden kitchen with light wood cabinets mixed with white and dark countertops and an island with a blue sign on it that says kitchen island ideas.

10 Fresh Kitchen Island Design Ideas for 2025

Discover inspiring kitchen island design ideas to transform your space. Explore styles from waterfall edges to butcher blocks and find your perfect match!

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Oct 1216 min read

A small model house sitting on a wooden table next to blueprints, a pen, a cup of coffee and a note pad with a blue paper that says home buying guide.

A Friendly Step by Step Home Buying Maryland Guide

Your expert step by step home buying guide for Maryland. Navigate financing, design, and closing with confidence and create a home that's uniquely yours.

Home Buying and Selling

Justin McCurdy

Oct 1114 min read