Mark Cumberland

06/02/2026

Today’s market is a lot less forgiving on pricing and presentation, which is why relisting takes more planning than it did a few years ago.

As the housing market slows in some areas, more sellers are finding themselves in a position that was rare during the boom years: relisting a home that didn’t sell the first time. This article looks at practical ways to rethink pricing, staging, timing, and marketing before putting a property back...

06/01/2026

An updated version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan housing package aimed at boosting supply and improving affordability, passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday by a vote of 396–13.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act takes important steps to close the nation’s housing supply gap and make homes more affordable. The bill gives communities new tools and resources to build more homes, streamlines federal processes that delay construction and updates financing options for manufa...

05/29/2026

Smart layouts, vertical gardening, and multi-functional pieces can make small yards feel spacious and purposeful

Small yards demand intentional design to balance function and beauty. Techniques like square-foot gardening, vertical planting, and using tiered or stackable planters help maximize growing potential without overcrowding. Even narrow areas, such as side yards, can become lush pathways or compact seat...

05/28/2026

Pros share where to focus your effort.

Selling your home can be a bit of a guessing game. While you can certainly work to make sure your home looks its best, it’s hard to know what potential home buyers are actually reacting to (or looking for) as they walk through your home. That said, there are ways to stack the deck in your favor to...

05/26/2026

From furniture pieces to plants to paint colors, here are a few staples of the eternally chic.

05/25/2026

WalletHub scored each city on a 100-point scale, with higher scores reflecting greater affordability.

Flint, Michigan, once closely linked with the auto industry, ranks as the nation's most affordable real estate market, according to a new analysis from WalletHub. The personal finance site based its findings on 10 factors, putting the heaviest weight on the ratio of median home prices to household i...

05/22/2026

If you're house hunting, it's worth paying attention to what might be built nearby. Data centers can bring jobs and investment, but they can also raise questions about noise, water use, and power demand.

Data centers are becoming a bigger part of the real estate conversation as demand for AI and cloud computing keeps growing. They can support local economies and bring new investment, but they may also change how nearby neighborhoods are perceived. If you're buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on...

05/21/2026

Even mini changes like installing floating shelves could make a huge difference.

Whether you find yourself struggling when getting ready in the morning or are constantly tripping over clutter, a small bathroom can be one of the more annoying issues to deal with in a home. Sometimes, expanding a room just isn't possible due to budget or space reasons. An ideal way to make the mos...

05/19/2026

Despite second-home mortgage rates above 7%, some retirees see rental income potential strong enough to offset costs and build equity.

Average mortgage rates for second homes stand at about 7.03%, roughly 0.25% to 0.50% higher than primary residences. Still, retirees in high-demand areas are renting properties to cover mortgages, HOA dues, and management fees, sometimes generating extra profit. Experts stress treating the venture l...

05/18/2026

Don't allow space limitations to destroy your dreams of having a lovely garden.

Don't allow space limitations to destroy your dreams of having a lovely garden. With a few tips and clever design techniques, you can make your outdoor space appear more spacious. As you enhance the perception of your garden's size, it's important to make a plan and stick to it. Avoid cluttering the...