Chasity Verdun Bourgeois, Realtor - Fathom Realty

08/28/2026

Is a swing set worth squabbling over when selling your home? Don’t let sweet memories stop a deal.

When you put your home up for sale, what are your options regarding the basketball hoop, swing set or playhouse you installed for the kids? While homeowners may be especially sentimental when it comes to their children, it’s important to remember that not even a beloved swingset is worth losing a ...

08/26/2026

What exactly is a certificate of occupancy? Here’s what every property owner needs to know.

A certificate of occupancy, or CO as it’s oftentimes called, is an essential document that no property owner should be without. The certificate describes the type of property and its intended use. It specifies the property as residential, commercial, business or multi-dwelling. In addition, the CO...

08/24/2026

When ants, bats, termites or bed bugs come calling... It pays to know when it’s time to call a professional.

When it comes to pest control, prevention is crucial to a homeowner’s peace of mind. But once you’ve had an invasion, it may be time to call in the experts. Pests are inevitable. Crawling in through the smallest openings, ants and other insects are looking for food and water. In the case of rode...

08/21/2026

Haul away your household clutter, or hire the job out. Here’s a guide to help you decide.

Whether it’s years of accumulated clutter, old appliances, or household chemicals, it has to go. Is it a DIY job? Or do you need to call in the professionals? Here’s what you need to know. Identify the different types of trash in your home. Your household waste falls into three categories and ea...

08/19/2026

The pluses and minuses of buying an established home. Here’s what to look for.

08/17/2026

If your amateur attempts at organizing the garage are leaving you frustrated, crunch the numbers for a complete pro makeover.

A professional garage makeover can transform the most neglected part of a home into a thing of beauty. But is it worth the hefty price tag? With a quick trip to a big box store, a do-it-yourself organizing system will get a homeowner’s belongings off the floor with snap-together shelves and wall h...

08/14/2026

Can your house pass a sniff-test? Or will potential buyers be turned off by pet odors? Be proactive with these tips that are both pet-friendly and buyer-friendly.

When pet owners put their homes up for sale, it’s best to make those beloved animals disappear without a trace. The dog beds, the cat crates, the hair, the chew marks and the smell all need to be removed before the first showing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on selling your home with pets.

08/12/2026

Looking for a quick and easy fix to your credit report? Sorry, but there is none. Try these 10 tips to repair bad credit.

Do you have bad credit? While legitimate credit repair services can help improve your credit scores, you can do the work yourself and save money. Here’s how. Pull your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. It’s free. Each credit reporting agency, Experian, Equifax and Transunion, will hav...

08/10/2026

Need a quick referral for a home improvement project? When your friends come up empty handed, learn how to use online review sites.

When searching for a reliable contractor, there’s nothing better than a personal referral from friends or neighbors. But if leads are few, many people are turning to online review sites. Sites like Angie’s List and Home Advisor provide an easy source of information on thousands of contractors in...

08/07/2026

Buyers love the security of a home warranty. But are they really worthwhile or just a sales gimmick?

As a new homeowner, you may have received a home warranty from the builder or previous owners. It’s a nice perk, yes. But don’t get the false impression your warranty will cover everything that goes wrong in your new home. You might be surprised at what is covered -- and what may not be covered....