Heather Cosgrove, Realtor

Dirty Deeds: Landscaping Tips to Sell Your Home
The landscaping around your home is the first thing prospective homebuyers see when they pull up in the driveway. That first impression creates a lasting one, and it's worth investing the time and effort to ensure your grass, trees, flowers, and shrubbery look their best. As you prepare your home for...

hcosgrove.wagnerrealty.com

Understanding Home Equity and How to Use It
Home equity is a valuable financial resource that homeowners can leverage to meet various financial goals. It represents the difference between the current market value of your home and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. As you pay down your mortgage or your home's value increases, your equity...

Understanding Home Equity and How to Use It Home equity is a valuable financial resource that homeowners can leverage to meet various financial goals. It represents the difference between the current market value of your home and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. As you pay down your mortgage or your home's value increases, your...

Did You Budget for Closing Costs?
Buying a house requires a significant financial investment — one in which many prospective buyers aren't fully aware of. The two elements that receive the most focus are the mortgage calculations and the down payment. Although it's wise to determine how much home you can afford before you begin your...

Did You Budget for Closing Costs? Buying a house requires a significant financial investment — one in which many prospective buyers aren't fully aware of. The two elements that receive the most focus are the mortgage calculations and the down payment. Although it's wise to determine how much home you can afford before you...

Buying a Home: 10 Pricey Mistakes to Avoid
When you're buying a house, a sense of urgency could save you thousands: But it's also important to do research and take the right steps.
Let's review some of the biggest mishaps to avoid when buying a house:
1. Waiting to Get Preapproved
Ideally, you should get pre-approved for a loan as soon as...

hcosgrove.wagnerrealty.com

Creative Ways to Optimize the Extra Space in Your Home
Optimizing the extra space in your home can not only enhance its functionality and aesthetics but also improve your quality of life. Whether you have a spare room, an unused corner, or even an underutilized area under the stairs, there are numerous creative ways to make the most of these spaces.1. Multi-Functional...

hcosgrove.wagnerrealty.com

A Closing Checklist for Home Sellers
There are many steps involved in selling your home, and the final one — closing — is one of the most important. This is when you legally transfer ownership of your home to the buyer.
The home-selling process can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we recommend creating and using checklists for each...

A Closing Checklist for Home Sellers There are many steps involved in selling your home, and the final one — closing — is one of the most important. This is when you legally transfer ownership of your home to the buyer. The home-selling process can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we recommend creating and using checklists...

Buying a Home You'll Love for the Long Haul
It might have been love at first sight — or maybe it took one or two dates — but do you remember what it was like to find that special person and fall in love? You might feel the same way when you're buying a home. You see several possibilities, listen to a few friends, and then suddenly find the...

Buying a Home You'll Love for the Long Haul It might have been love at first sight — or maybe it took one or two dates — but do you remember what it was like to find that special person and fall in love? You might feel the same way when you're buying a home. You see several possibilities, listen to a few friends, and then suddenly...

Staging Hacks to Max Out Closet Space
When selling your home, you should know that many buyers consider ample closet space to be a top priority. Nearly every homeowner has boxes of possessions that are destined for the closet, which means that a functional and versatile closet may be a prime selling point. Thankfully, there are ways that...

Staging Hacks to Max Out Closet Space When selling your home, you should know that many buyers consider ample closet space to be a top priority. Nearly every homeowner has boxes of possessions that are destined for the closet, which means that a functional and versatile closet may be a prime selling point. Thankfully, there are...

Strategies for Increasing Your Home's Natural Light
Does it take turning various light fixtures on and off multiple times a day to keep your home from feeling dark and gloomy? Increasing natural light in your home can significantly enhance the ambiance, make spaces feel larger, and reduce the need for artificial lighting, which can save energy.
Try...

Strategies for Increasing Your Home's Natural Light Does it take turning various light fixtures on and off multiple times a day to keep your home from feeling dark and gloomy? Increasing natural light in your home can significantly enhance the ambiance, make spaces feel larger, and reduce the need for artificial lighting, which can save...

Choosing the Right Listing Agreement
If you're thinking about selling your home, finding a real estate agent you trust is a major first step. Once you're comfortable and ready to move forward, you'll need to sign a listing agreement.
This is the legal contract that outlines the engagement between you and your real estate agent. It also...

Choosing the Right Listing Agreement If you're thinking about selling your home, finding a real estate agent you trust is a major first step. Once you're comfortable and ready to move forward, you'll need to sign a listing agreement. This is the legal contract that outlines the engagement between you and your real estate agent....

Tips For Redesigning Your Living Room
Whether you primarily use it for watching television, playing with your children (or grandchildren), or just relaxing and lounging on the sofa, the living room is one of the most essential rooms in your home. Therefore, you and your family need to be comfortable in the space, which means enjoying both...

Tips For Redesigning Your Living Room Whether you primarily use it for watching television, playing with your children (or grandchildren), or just relaxing and lounging on the sofa, the living room is one of the most essential rooms in your home. Therefore, you and your family need to be comfortable in the space, which means...

Boost Your Credit Score With These Tips
If you're embarking on a journey to purchase your very first home, you might want to pay attention to your credit score. Your credit profile has a major impact on your ability to secure financing and can also influence your interest rate. Therefore, it can be well worth the time and effort to try...

Boost Your Credit Score With These Tips If you're embarking on a journey to purchase your very first home, you might want to pay attention to your credit score. Your credit profile has a major impact on your ability to secure financing and can also influence your interest rate. Therefore, it can be well worth the time and effort...

The Best-Kept Secrets from the Pros for Selling Your Home
Many sellers rush to put their homes on the market without giving too much thought to what it takes to grab a home buyer's attention. As you consider listing your home, there are several "secrets" you can use to take your house from ordinary to extraordinary in the eyes of home buyers.
Make your home...

hcosgrove.wagnerrealty.com

Bathroom Red Flags That Could Spell Disaster
There's a lot to think about when evaluating a potential new home. From school districts and neighborhood amenities to closet space and flooring, you want to make sure everything is as perfect as possible. When touring a home, it's easy to gloss over the bathrooms; after all, they're pretty much all...

hcosgrove.wagnerrealty.com

Creating the Perfect Home Office Setup
Creating the perfect home office setup is essential for productivity, comfort, and well-being. Whether you're working remotely full-time, or part-time, or just need a space for occasional use, a well-designed home office can significantly enhance your work experience. Here are some key factors to consider:
1....

hcosgrove.wagnerrealty.com

Can Moving Be Painless When You Have Kids?
Moving is quite an overwhelming experience, even for those who have relocated before. The physical effort, the logistical considerations, and the mental fatigue are enough to drain any adult. However, the stress is multiplied when you have children. Although the task may seem impossible, there are many...

Can Moving Be Painless When You Have Kids? Moving is quite an overwhelming experience, even for those who have relocated before. The physical effort, the logistical considerations, and the mental fatigue are enough to drain any adult. However, the stress is multiplied when you have children. Although the task may seem impossible, there...

Retro-Inspired Decor Ideas for Redesigning Your Home

In a time when people long for charm, character, and a sense of nostalgia, retro home decor is quite popular. When you combine elements of the past with modern sensibilities, you can create a unique, inviting environment to live in and entertain.
If you're thinking of redecorating sometime soon...

Retro-Inspired Decor Ideas for Redesigning Your Home In a time when people long for charm, character, and a sense of nostalgia, retro home decor is quite popular. When you combine elements of the past with modern sensibilities, you can create a unique, inviting environment to live in and entertain. If you're thinking of redecorating sometime...

A Buyer's Guide: Finding Your Best Place to Live

Your list of wants, needs, and preferences will shape what you're looking for in a home. Understanding how to prepare, prioritize, and reach an informed decision ultimately goes a long way in finding your ideal place to call home.

Build a BudgetWhile most neighborhoods feature homes in a variety...

A Buyer's Guide: Finding Your Best Place to Live Your list of wants, needs, and preferences will shape what you're looking for in a home. Understanding how to prepare, prioritize, and reach an informed decision ultimately goes a long way in finding your ideal place to call home. Build a BudgetWhile most neighborhoods feature homes in a...

Buying a House in Your 20s

Buying a house is a goal for many young people. However, some mistakenly believe that it's an impossible goal. If you're interested in buying a home while in your 20s, it's essential to know this goal is attainable with a little patience and preparation. 20-somethings take note: these six tips will...

Buying a House in Your 20s Buying a house is a goal for many young people. However, some mistakenly believe that it's an impossible goal. If you're interested in buying a home while in your 20s, it's essential to know this goal is attainable with a little patience and preparation. 20-somethings take note: these six...

7 Tips for Selling Your Home Quickly

Selling your home is nerve-wracking — even under the best of circumstances. Then add into the mix a short timeline and things become more interesting.
There is good news: With less inventory, buyers are snapping up homes for sale across the U.S. at warp speed. So, if you're considering selling your...

7 Tips for Selling Your Home Quickly Selling your home is nerve-wracking — even under the best of circumstances. Then add into the mix a short timeline and things become more interesting. There is good news: With less inventory, buyers are snapping up homes for sale across the U.S. at warp speed. So, if you're considering...

Renovating Your Home? Why You Should Consider an Open Floor Plan
If you're looking to renovate your home, you may have considered making changes such as opting for higher-quality appliances and materials, newer finishes, or repainting. But have you considered redesigning your home's interior to include an open-concept floor plan? There are many benefits to making...

Renovating Your Home? Why You Should Consider an Open Floor Plan If you're looking to renovate your home, you may have considered making changes such as opting for higher-quality appliances and materials, newer finishes, or repainting. But have you considered redesigning your home's interior to include an open-concept floor plan? There are many benefits to...

Baking Soda and Vinegar Aren't Your Only Natural Cleaning Solutions
Whether you're out of your usual cleaning products or prefer a more eco-friendly home improvement alternative to chemical-based cleaners, the natural cleaning solutions found in your kitchen might surprise you. And we're not just talking about home improvement standards baking soda and vinegar! You can...

Baking Soda and Vinegar Aren't Your Only Natural Cleaning Solutions Whether you're out of your usual cleaning products or prefer a more eco-friendly home improvement alternative to chemical-based cleaners, the natural cleaning solutions found in your kitchen might surprise you. And we're not just talking about home improvement standards baking soda and vinegar!...

Buying a Home Near Retirement
Buying a house can be rewarding at any time of life, including just before retirement.
It's never too early or too late to buy a home. Having your own home offers great peace of mind during retirement.
Still, it's important to do research and come up with a home-buying strategy that makes sense for...

Buying a Home Near Retirement Buying a house can be rewarding at any time of life, including just before retirement. It's never too early or too late to buy a home. Having your own home offers great peace of mind during retirement. Still, it's important to do research and come up with a home-buying strategy that makes...

7 Home Improvements That Aren't Worth the Investment
When selling your home, it's wise to do some small, targeted home improvement projects. A touch of something new here and there can do a lot for the way potential buyers see a home, so minor investments of a few hundred dollars each may add thousands to your asking price. Many of the best projects don't...

7 Home Improvements That Aren't Worth the Investment When selling your home, it's wise to do some small, targeted home improvement projects. A touch of something new here and there can do a lot for the way potential buyers see a home, so minor investments of a few hundred dollars each may add thousands to your asking price. Many of the best...

A Pre-Listing Inspection Can Save You Time and Money
It might be a "seller's market" right now, but it's still a good idea to do everything you can to make sure your home sells for the right price. Getting a pre-listing home inspection is a simple step that can make a major difference. This inspection is paid for by the seller and is typically done before...

hcosgrove.wagnerrealty.com

Buying a Condo vs. a Home: What's the Difference?
Buying a house is a goal for many people. While some folks envision a single-family residence as their dream home, purchasing a condominium brings its own set of benefits. Let's take a look at the benefits of buying a single-family home versus a condominium.
Benefits of Buying a House
If buying a home...

hcosgrove.wagnerrealty.com

9 Ways to Squirrel-Proof Your Bird Feeder
Squirrels are cute, curious little creatures, but they can dominate your bird feeders and nibble their way through all the food. To make the situation more annoying, they can even chew on your feeder and destroy it.
If you'd like to feed birds without interference from squirrels, try the following tips...

hcosgrove.wagnerrealty.com

The Best ROI Home Improvement Projects
Making home improvements for your family to enjoy or to help sell your home is a great idea, but some improvements are a better use of your money than others. So how do you know you're spending your home improvement dollars wisely? This is an important question if you plan to sell sometime soon. You'll...

hcosgrove.wagnerrealty.com

Clear Out Clutter and Make Money With a Garage Sale
Clutter accumulates quickly in homes of all sizes, but that doesn't mean you should have to live with it. Whether you're selling your house or you just want more space, the warmer months are a great opportunity to clear it once and for all with a garage (or yard) sale. Here are a few simple steps to...

hcosgrove.wagnerrealty.com

The Benefits of Maintenance-Free Living
Imagine buying a house that you love on a perfectly maintained property, without ever having to worry about home maintenance. What would you do with all of that extra free time?
While there is some charm in tackling your to-do list, that charm can fade very quickly when every weekend features an endless...

hcosgrove.wagnerrealty.com