Abby Orris of Illustrated Properties

06/06/2026

How to Evaluate Offers Beyond the Purchase Price
The number at the top gets your attention. It always does. But sellers who anchor to the purchase price and stop there often find themselves caught off guard when a deal starts to wobble — or falls apart entirely — weeks after they thought they'd made the right call.
Here's the thing: A high offer...

The number at the top gets your attention. It always does. But sellers who anchor to the purchase price and stop there often find themselves caught off guard when a deal starts to wobble — or falls apart entirely — weeks after they thought they'd made the right call. Here's the thing: A...

06/05/2026

Outdoor Shade Ideas for Comfortable Summer Living
Most backyards have a window — maybe an hour, maybe two — where they're genuinely pleasant to be in. After that, the sun takes over, and everyone retreats inside. If that sounds familiar, the fix probably isn't a bigger fan.
Use What's Already There First
Before you buy anything, walk the yard...

Most backyards have a window — maybe an hour, maybe two — where they're genuinely pleasant to be in. After that, the sun takes over, and everyone retreats inside. If that sounds familiar, the fix probably isn't a bigger fan. Use What's Already There First Before you buy anything, walk the...

06/05/2026

Head to these locations for a mesmerizing look at the stars.

You don't want to miss these stargazing hot spots this summer.

06/05/2026

Witness thrilling natural wonders in these California and Oregon parks.

Take a road trip through seven spectacular national parks.

06/04/2026

An inside look at Project Linus, a nonprofit that has distributed security blankets to sick or traumatized children since 1995.

Discover how one nonprofit has aided millions of kids by providing handmade security blankets.

06/04/2026

How to Decide Between a Starter Home and a Forever Home
Starter home or forever home? Here's the thing — most buyers approach this question backward. They start by browsing listings and then try to figure out what they're actually looking for. But the starter-versus-forever decision really needs to come first, because it shapes everything: your budget,...

Starter home or forever home? Here's the thing — most buyers approach this question backward. They start by browsing listings and then try to figure out what they're actually looking for. But the starter-versus-forever decision really needs to come first, because it shapes everything: your...

06/03/2026

Market your summer rental property to maximize profits.

Learn how to design, price, and list a summer rental property—then market it to attract more visitors.

06/03/2026

Rides, prizes, and more at these beach amusement parks!

Head to one of these famous beach amusement parks this summer for an unforgettable time.

06/02/2026

Perfect for a potluck!

Thick challah bread makes this savory casserole even more irresistible.

06/01/2026

Happy June! What fun summer activity are you doing this month?