At Home in Southwest Michigan

You can change most anything about your home. With enough time and money, you can transform it from a neglected basket case to a show stopper. You can give it a new look and feel, inside and out. But one thing you can't change is the location.  And since location is such a vital part of home ownership (think: neighbors, taxes and traffic), choosing the right location is supremely important.

But have you considered the view? What you see outside your window every day can impact not only your mood but also how you feel about living in your home. Here in Southwest Michigan, many of us look out at orchards, fields, woods or water. With this abundance of natural beauty, we can co...

Clear your clutter by at least half. With few exceptions, we all have accumulated extra things, and over time, we become blind to them. But you can be sure the camera – and potential buyers – will notice. Take a look at your home with a critical eye, or else bring a friend over to help. In each room, pull things from the corners, the shelves and the side tables into the middl...

It's been said that everyone knows at least three real estate agents. While that may not always be the case, choosing the right agent to help you sell a house can be a tough choice. Look beyond their commission rate, and ask yourself these questions to make your decision easier.

Do they really know the area? Whether they're new or not, they should have plenty of local knowledge. This is important when dealing with questions of school district, property taxes, planned changes to the community, or local ordinances. Someone who is thoroughly familiar with the area, and fond of it, will better convey that enthusiasm when marketing your home to potential buyers.

Are they easy to communicate with? Real estate agents have lives too, keeping b...