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City skyline with tall buildings on the left and a residential area with homes nestled amid trees below. A green hexagon with "ez" is next to the text “The Pros and Cons of Retiring in North Carolina” on the right. Blue sky with clouds above perfectly complements this real estate snapshot.

Living In

The Pros and Cons of Retiring in North Carolina

When you think “retirement destination,” North Carolina may not be what you immediately picture. But take a second look. The Tar Heel State does have a lot to love for retirement living. The state’s picturesque landscape, with its rugged inland mountains and windswept beaches, is sure to take your breath away. That variety, and a […]

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Image shows an aerial view of a neighborhood in Jacksonville, FL, during sunset. The text on the right reads, "BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN JACKSONVILLE, FL," with a hexagon logo containing "ez" and a house icon on the left. Explore the best places to live in Jacksonville, FL!

Living In

Top 16 Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL

If you’re looking for a sunny, laid-back place to call home, look no further than Jacksonville in northeast Florida. With miles of beaches, ample parks and good schools, Jacksonville has something to offer everyone. Plus, with its rich artistic tradition, there’s always something new to explore in this vibrant city. Jacksonville, known as “Jax” by […]

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Alabama retirement

Living in Alabama

The Pros and Cons of Retiring to Alabama

Have you been thinking of retiring to Alabama? It can be exciting to move somewhere new, start fresh, and make the most out of your golden years. But before you make this big decision, get to know as much as possible about your potential destination. Every retiree wants different amenities in their retirement, so picking […]

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Best Neighborhoods in Sarasota Florida

Living In

Best 10 Neighborhoods to Live in Sarasota, FL

Sarasota is a vibrant, coastal city located in southwest Florida. It’s known for its award-winning beaches, arts and culture scene, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The community is often highly ranked as a place to retire, partially because of the treasure trove of activities and the thriving cultural community. The world-class beaches help, too! If you’re […]

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Graphic illustrating a person engaged in roof maintenance beneath a sky-blue tint. The text "Essential Roof Care: How to Keep Your Roof in Top Shape" appears alongside a hexagon logo featuring "ez." A hexagonal pattern decorates the left side.

Home Safety

Essential Roof Care: How to Keep Your Roof in Top Shape

Think of your roof as your home’s first line of defense; it is silent, sturdy, and often overlooked until something goes wrong. Your roof takes care of you, but are you caring for it? According to a recent report from The Hanover Insurance Group, nearly 60% of homeowners in the nation did not inspect their […]

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An older couple stands close together, smiling outside a house. The image features the text "Understanding mortgage approval when retiring soon" with a logo displaying "ez" enclosed in a hexagon. The background is partially blurred.

Real Estate Information

How Does a Mortgage Approval Work If You’re Retiring Soon?

Retirement. It’s the golden chapter in life where you get to focus on hobbies and travel. Throw out the alarm clock and set your schedule. But what happens when you decide to add “buying a new home” or “refinancing” to your retirement preparation to-do list? Don’t panic. Securing a home mortgage when you’re nearing retirement […]

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Backyard Offices: Discover what you need to know before building one. The image showcases a shaded outdoor office complete with chairs and a work desk, nestled among trees. A hexagonal logo with "eZ," featuring a stylized house, graces the right side of the scene.

Real Estate Tips

Backyard Offices: Everything You Need to Know Before Building One

Working from home is ideal… until your “office” is the kitchen table, your coworkers noisy family members, and your Zoom meetings get interrupted by barking dogs. If you’ve ever dreamed of a quiet, dedicated workspace just a few steps from your back door, a backyard office might be the game-changer you need. Think of it […]

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A couple chats with a realtor in a stylish, teal-themed home. Text overlay says, "How to Buy a House with Friends: What You Need to Know." The image features hexagonal designs and the "ez" logo.

Buying a Home

Buying a Home with a Friend: What You Need to Know

Partnering to buy a house with a friend makes sense in some scenarios. The rising costs of real estate often make it feel out of reach—especially for solo buyers or those starting out as real estate investors. That’s where buying a home with a friend comes in handy. Pooling resources and sharing costs increases your […]

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A centered text asks, "Can I use my IRA to buy a house?" against a backdrop featuring an "Individual Retirement Account" document, a calculator, and a book. To the right is a hexagonal logo with "ez" inside.

Real Estate Information

Can I Use My IRA To Buy A House?

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are primarily designed to help people save for retirement with tax advantages. However, if you’re looking to buy a home, you might wonder if you can tap into your IRA for a down payment. The answer depends. The IRS has specific rules around IRA borrowing. As with any borrowing, there are […]

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A woman writes in a notebook. Overlaid text reads, "Home Selling Made Simple: Your Must-Have Pre-Listing Checklist for Sellers." The right side features a logo with "ez" inside a house icon, surrounded by a hexagonal pattern.

Real Estate Tips

Home Selling Made Simple: Your Must-Have Pre-Listing Checklist

Are you thinking about selling your home? It’s a huge decision that requires a whirlwind of preparation long before the first potential buyer steps inside! Getting your house ready for the market takes time, but don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be a hassle. From curb appeal to staging, there’s much to do if you want […]

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A teal and white graphic features a hexagon logo with "eZ." The text states "14 Projects to Do Before Selling Your House," offering essential things to do before listing your home, set against an aerial view of a serene rural landscape.

Real Estate Tips

14 Projects to Do Before Selling Your House

Are you ready to sell your home? Great! But here’s the thing—it’s not as simple as sticking a “For Sale” sign in the yard and crossing your fingers. Preparation is key to attracting buyers, maximizing the price of the offers, and closing the deal at the best price possible. Enter the project checklist for sellers. […]

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A person examines a ceiling with visible damage. Overlaid text reads, "WHAT’S THE ROOF LEAK REPAIR COST? EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW." The background features a blue hexagonal pattern and a logo showcasing "ez" with a house icon.

Real Estate Tips

What’s the Cost to Fix a Roof Leak? Everything You Should Know

Picture this: It’s been raining nonstop, you’re enjoying life at home, and that’s when you hear it—a slow, rhythmic drip that doesn’t belong. And just like that, your relaxing day turns into a roofing emergency. Roof leaks have a way of catching you off guard, but addressing them quickly can save you a world of […]

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A digital graphic showcasing the text "How to Buy a Home" alongside a dark teal hexagon with the letters "ez" inside. In the blurred background, a model house and a person's hands typing underscore the ease of home buying today.

Buying a Home

How To Buy A Home

Only a few events are special enough to be considered a lifetime milestone. Buying a house is one of those celebratory events–as it should be! It’s a big deal, both for your wallet and your future! You don’t just walk down the street and say, “I’ll take that one…” The investment is perhaps the largest […]

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Illustrated image showcasing a close-up of an ant on the left, accompanied by the bold text "How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally Outside." To the right, a hexagonal logo with "ez" is set against a hexagon-patterned background.

New Construction

How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally Outside

While ants are vital for the environment, helping with pollination and soil aeration, they can quickly become unwelcome when they take over your space. But can you keep them at bay without dusting harsh chemicals around the same yard your family plays in?

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Graphic with a teal hexagonal pattern and the ez logo, featuring text that reads, “When to Replace Roof?”. The image showcases a house roof with workers against a backdrop of a cloudy sky.

Real Estate Tips

How Do You Know When to Replace Your Roof?

Your roof does a lot more than just shelter you from the elements. It protects your home’s structure, safeguards your belongings, and keeps your family safe. Neglecting its maintenance can lead to issues like leaks, water damage, and energy inefficiency. All of that can cost you big in the long run. Although replacing a roof […]

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A graphic displays a combination lock in front of a house, surrounded by security icons. Text reads "How to Secure Your Home" next to the ez logo on a hexagonal background, emphasizing essential tips for effective home security.

Real Estate Tips

How to Secure Your Home

Your home is your sanctuary—a place where your family should feel safe, your valuables should stay protected, and your peace of mind reigns supreme. But with threats like burglary, vandalism, and even natural disasters, securing your home has never been more important. The good news? You don’t need to turn your house into Fort Knox […]

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The image features a person holding a clipboard in front of a modern house, with the text "How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?" prominently displayed. Beside it is a hexagonal logo labeled "ez," set against a backdrop of interlocking hexagons.

Buying a Home

How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost

Imagine making one of the biggest purchases of your life, only to discover hidden problems that could drain your wallet and peace of mind. A quality home inspection is your safety net, revealing the unseen and ensuring a safe investment. Skipping it—or going with a bargain option—could leave you with unexpected headaches and hefty bills […]

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Text overlaid on an image of a house with a sold sign reads: "Home Purchase: What to Expect in Your Closing Costs Breakdown." A teal hexagon with a house icon and "ez" is on the right side.

Buying a Home

Closing Costs Breakdown: What to Expect in Your Home Purchase

Buying a home is a big life milestone, but it comes with a bunch of costs that can really confuse buyers. Closing costs, for example, often catch first-time buyers off guard because they add so much to the final price. That’s why getting a handle on these expenses is super important before you sign on […]

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A map of the United States with a small flag pin is overlaid with "The Best and Worst States to Retire" in bold letters. The hexagon shape, enclosing "ez," hints at navigating retirement choices, especially the best states to retire in for taxes. Hexagons fill the background, adding dimension.

Real Estate Information

The Best And Worst States To Retire In

Retirement is much more than a life milestone; it’s your chance to create the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of for your post-career years. If you’ve found yourself here, you’re likely already planning for this chapter and looking for more insight into one key pillar of retirement: location. In the United States, choosing the state where […]

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Text reads "Home Final Walk-Through Checklist" on a blue background with a honeycomb pattern. A person is typing on a laptop, and there is an icon of a house with "ez" inside a hexagon shape on the right.

Buying a Home

Final Walk-Through Checklist for Homebuyers

Closing day is almost here, and soon, you’ll live in your new home! You’re entitled to a final walk-through before you sign those papers at the closing table. Not sure what to do? Knowing when to conduct the walk-through, what to look for, and how long it takes can make all the difference. It’s about […]

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A person points at a document over a desk with model houses, while the text "How to Choose a Listing Agent" stands out. On the right, a logo with "ez" inside a house outline on a hexagonal background completes this guide to picking the best listing agent for selling your home.

Real Estate Tips

How to Choose a Listing Agent

First things first: What exactly does a listing agent do? Not all real estate agents are created equal. Think of the listing agent as your home-selling MVP. Choose a real estate agent with the right experience, communication style, and local market knowledge to ensure a smooth and financially beneficial transaction. 

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Graphic titled "How to Find Foreclosed Homes" showcases a weathered sign before a house. On the left, a logo with "ez" in a hexagon stands out. Discover how to find foreclosed homes for sale against a backdrop of trees and a blurred house image.

Real Estate Tips

How to Find Foreclosed Homes

Foreclosures represent an opportunity to purchase properties at a discounted price. The challenge lies in finding these homes, especially in markets where foreclosure filings are rare. In 2023, about 0.26% of all properties in the US were in foreclosure, down a 2.23% 20-year peak in 2010. But with some patience, you can find the golden […]

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Mountain Town Tennessee

Moving

The 10 Best Mountain Towns in Tennessee to Live In

While the big cities of Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis may grab attention, the real charm of Tennessee living lies in its countryside. Some call East Tennessee the perfect vacation destination, but others know it’s an incredible place to call home due to the high quality of life in its mountain towns. Explore the best mountain […]

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Aerial view of Sevierville, Tennessee, highlighting its mountains and buildings. Text overlay reads "Moving to Sevierville: What to Know About Living in This Tennessee City." The right side showcases a hexagonal logo with "ez" inside. Discover essential real estate info in this blue and white themed guide.

Moving

Moving to Sevierville: What to Know About Living in This Tennessee City

Living in Sevierville, Tennessee, is a dream come true. With its rich history and stunning natural beauty, it’s no wonder that so many people are interested in living in this scenic area. The beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge are part of your playground. There is always something new to explore and experience […]

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A city aerial view with a teal overlay. Text reads, "Discover the 9 Best Suburbs and Neighborhoods Near Augusta, GA," alongside a logo featuring a house icon and the letters "ez.

Living In

Cities Near Augusta: The 9 Best Suburbs to Live

Considering a move to Augusta, GA? Explore the unique suburbs around Georgia’s second-largest city. A great place for growing families and aspiring professionals, this city on the Savannah River has something to offer everyone. The outlying cities enrich the lifestyle, by providing a range of housing options while staying close to the urban amenities of […]

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A graphic featuring the text "Top Memphis Neighborhoods to Live & How That Impacts Home Values" highlights the best neighborhoods in Memphis, set against a partial cityscape background and logo on the left. The teal and white color scheme enhances its appeal.

Living In

Top Memphis Neighborhoods to Live & How That Impacts Home Values

Welcome to Memphis, TN! This city along the mighty Mississippi in western Tennessee is known for its music, food, and culture. While it may be small compared to other major metros, Memphis offers a low cost of living, mild winters, good schools, and lots of entertainment. If you’re considering moving to Memphis, finding the best […]

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The text reads "The Top Home Improvements That Increase Value" alongside a hexagonal logo featuring "ez" and a house icon. The background showcases a partially renovated room, with a distinct hexagonal pattern to the right, emphasizing top improvements in home design.

Real Estate Tips

The Top Home Improvements That Increase Value

No matter how new or well-maintained a home is, most homeowners eventually feel the need to invest in home improvements. The primary goal is usually to make their space more functional, modern, or comfortable, but nearly all hope these upgrades will boost their home’s value. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard […]

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Real Estate
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Get the inside edge on real estate sales and marketing! Explore a wealth of expert insights on podcasts featuring our ez Home Search founder Preston Guyton. Here you'll find insights on lead generation, conversion, and much more. Tune in - like, share, and subscribe for valuable strategies and insights.

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