Mike Hughes, Chinowth & Cohen Realtors

05/22/2026

When Buying New Construction Makes More Sense Than Resale
The debate between new construction and resale homes is one that comes up often in today's market — and there is no single right answer. What matters is understanding what each option actually offers and whether it lines up with your priorities. For many buyers, new construction deserves a closer look...

The debate between new construction and resale homes is one that comes up often in today's market — and there is no single right answer. What matters is understanding what each option actually offers and whether it lines up with your priorities. For many buyers, new construction deserves a...

05/09/2026

Walking through a home for the first time is an exciting experience. The fresh paint, the staged furniture, the natural light pouring through clean windows — it's easy to get swept up in the feeling of a space and lose sight of the details that truly matter. But when you're making one of the...

05/08/2026

What Buyers Should Know About Flood Risk and Insurance
Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't anticipate,...

Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't...

05/01/2026

Storage Solutions for Homes Without Large Closets
Shallow closets and limited built-ins are a hallmark of many beloved older American homes — Craftsman, mid-century ranches, Cape Cods. It's one of the trade-offs that comes with the character and charm those homes offer. What it doesn't have to come with is clutter. A thoughtful approach to storage...

Shallow closets and limited built-ins are a hallmark of many beloved older American homes — Craftsman, mid-century ranches, Cape Cods. It's one of the trade-offs that comes with the character and charm those homes offer. What it doesn't have to come with is clutter. A thoughtful approach to...

04/24/2026

What Happens Between Offer Acceptance and Closing
Your offer has been accepted. It's an exciting milestone — but if you've never bought or sold a home before, you might be surprised to learn that the journey is far from over. The period between offer acceptance and closing day is one of the most activity-packed stretches of the entire real estate...

Your offer has been accepted. It's an exciting milestone — but if you've never bought or sold a home before, you might be surprised to learn that the journey is far from over. The period between offer acceptance and closing day is one of the most activity-packed stretches of the entire real...

04/10/2026

What to Know About Homeowners Associations Before You Buy
Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make, and if the property you're considering is part of a homeowners association (HOA), there's an extra layer of research worth doing before you sign on the dotted line. HOAs can offer real value, but they also come with responsibilities...

Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make, and if the property you're considering is part of a homeowners association (HOA), there's an extra layer of research worth doing before you sign on the dotted line. HOAs can offer real value, but they also come with...

04/03/2026

Touring Homes With a Critical Eye: What Buyers Often Miss
Walking through a home for the first time is an exciting experience. The fresh paint, the staged furniture, the natural light pouring through clean windows — it's easy to get swept up in the feeling of a space and lose sight of the details that truly matter. But when you're making one of the largest...

Walking through a home for the first time is an exciting experience. The fresh paint, the staged furniture, the natural light pouring through clean windows — it's easy to get swept up in the feeling of a space and lose sight of the details that truly matter. But when you're making one of the...

03/27/2026

How to Evaluate a Neighborhood During Different Times of Day
Finding the right home involves far more than square footage, curb appeal, and asking price. The neighborhood you choose becomes the backdrop of your daily life, and it can feel like an entirely different place depending on when you visit. Before you make one of the most significant financial decisions...

Finding the right home involves far more than square footage, curb appeal, and asking price. The neighborhood you choose becomes the backdrop of your daily life, and it can feel like an entirely different place depending on when you visit. Before you make one of the most significant financial...

03/20/2026

The Best Home Styles for Enjoying Spring Weather
Spring isn't just a great time to buy a home because there is more on the market. It's also one of the most enjoyable seasons for homeowners. Warmer temperatures, blooming landscapes, and longer days make it the perfect time to spend more time outdoors. For home buyers, certain architectural styles are...

Spring isn't just a great time to buy a home because there is more on the market. It's also one of the most enjoyable seasons for homeowners. Warmer temperatures, blooming landscapes, and longer days make it the perfect time to spend more time outdoors. For home buyers, certain architectural...

03/13/2026

What to Do the First Week in Your New Home
Once you've closed and gotten the keys to your new place, the process isn't over. It's time to move in and get settled. With a new space to get acquainted with and so many boxes to unpack, it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, having a plan and following a few important steps can help you settle in smoothly.
Here's...

Once you've closed and gotten the keys to your new place, the process isn't over. It's time to move in and get settled. With a new space to get acquainted with and so many boxes to unpack, it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, having a plan and following a few important steps can help you...

03/06/2026

What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
For many home buyers — especially first-time buyers — saving for a down payment can feel like the biggest hurdle to homeownership. That's why gifted funds from a family member can be such a powerful tool. Whether it's parents, grandparents, or another eligible relative offering financial help, gifted...

For many home buyers — especially first-time buyers — saving for a down payment can feel like the biggest hurdle to homeownership. That's why gifted funds from a family member can be such a powerful tool. Whether it's parents, grandparents, or another eligible relative offering financial...