National Association of Realtors (NAR)

It's the most wonderful time of the year.
But for many families with festive plans and hectic schedules, it's also the most wasteful.

According to one survey, for example, 60% of respondents admitted to throwing away more than usual during the holiday months as they filled up their trash bins with uneaten food, wrapping paper, gift bags, and commercial packaging.1

The reality is, Americans routinely toss about 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than at any other time of year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.2 In fact, we throw away so much ribbon during the holidays—around 38,000 miles’ worth—that the discarded material could easily run more than one and a half times around the Earth.3

As our holiday

Over the past few years, “Friends” star Matthew Perry had been downsizing his impressive real estate portfolio, according to the New York Post.
The actor, who was beloved by his many fans, was found dead in the hot tub of the Los Angeles home he purchased three years earlier. He was 54.
In the two years leading up to his death, he had sold about $35 million in luxury real estate and was living in a fairly modest, midcentury modern, ranch-style home.
Perry purchased the renovated home for $6 million in August 2020, according to property records. The house was modest by a movie star’s standards. Measuring 3,200 square feet, it has four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms and sits on a half-acre in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Property taxes were about

Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. And if you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll be planning your furniture placement and decor before the ink dries on your offer letter.

But before you run to the nearest home goods store, take a deep breath. First, you’ll need to delay any major purchases before you close on your new home. A large outlay or additional line of credit could lower your credit score and, thus, impact your mortgage terms.1 Second, moving and closing costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to be strategic with your remaining budget.

But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to save on home essentials, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to share with you.

PRIORITIZE WHAT YOU REALLY NEED BEFORE

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in the way we live and interact with our loved ones. Among the many lessons learned during this challenging period, one resounding message was the importance of family and the precious moments we share with them. As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, many grandparents are seizing the opportunity to move closer to their grandchildren, with data showing that sellers in this age group are relocating more than ever. In this blog, we'll explore the heartwarming trend of grandparents wanting to move closer to their grandchildren and the reasons behind it.

Making Up for Lost Time
The pandemic forced families to maintain physical distance to protect the vulnerable, including grandparents.

The estate of Madeleine Albright is selling the former U.S. secretary of state’s elegant mansion in Washington, DC. The asking price is $4 million.
The first female secretary of state called the historic Georgetown residence home for more than 50 years. During that time, Albright regularly hosted politicians, influential Washingtonians, and foreign dignitaries. She died in 2022 at the age of 84.
Standing four stories tall, the 4,800-square-foot property’s ivy-covered brick façade makes a stately first impression.
The classic Georgetown row house was built in 1853 and still maintains plenty of charming architectural details, including the interior crown molding, French doors, and a number of wood-burning fireplaces surrounded by impressive detailed

Only real estate agents can add properties to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) — and there are major benefits to having your home listed.

Visibility to buyer’s agents.
Since the MLS includes more detailed and up-to-date information than online aggregators like Zillow, real estate agents use it to find potential homes for their clients.

More qualified potential buyers.
Because the MLS is used by buyer’s agents, you’re more likely to draw in serious shoppers — not just curious onlookers.

Placement on more listing websites.
MLS listings are automatically syndicated on hundreds of real estate websites, which means greater exposure for your home.

If you work with us to sell your home, we’ll place your listing on the MLS, but that’s only the

Elizabeth Perkins, the talented TV and movie actress who got her start in the Tom Hanks hit “Big,” apparently found a buyer for her Sherman Oaks, CA home, which was listed just days ago for $2,675,000.
It’s now pending sale.
The property last changed hands in 2006 for $1,465,000, according to Realtor.com®.
The five-bedroom, four-bath home measures nearly 3,700 square feet. It’s located in a very desirable, affluent L.A. neighborhood, offering SoCal living at its finest.
This 2005 build’s details are what makes it truly special, from the stucco walls and tile rooflines to the gorgeous hand-painted ceramic and glass surrounds that decorate the fireplaces. Framed by tall and verdant hedges, this Spanish-style home is a peaceful oasis in the bustling city.

A one-of-a-kind property with a celebrity pedigree is still hanging out on the market in Colorado’s western slopes. Set amid the scenic foothills of the rugged Gunnison Range in the Rocky Mountains, this Crawford, CO, mansion was originally built in 1994 for the late rock legend Joe Cocker.
Known as Mad Dog Ranch, the 316-acre property comes with 15 bedrooms, a five-car garage, and a more-than-15,000-square-foot interior, situated throughout an idyllic estate styled after an English manor.
The primo spread was first listed in November 2022. After 300 days on the market, the gorgeous house still needs a buyer. And the $18 million price tag hasn’t budged.
The English singer was best known for his famous cover of the song “With a Little Help from My

Beyond Margaritaville: Dive Into Jimmy Buffett’s Distinctive Real Estate Portfolio.

Music legend Jimmy Buffett was beloved for his tunes about beachside escapism, but his real estate ventures made him a true mogul. According to Forbes, Buffett’s music and businesses cemented his billionaire status at the time of his passing.

Buffett died Sept. 1, 2023, and he left behind quite a legacy. He had a knack for tapping into good vibes with hits like the iconic “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

He was also a savvy businessman, with an empire that was built on licensing those song titles. Hotels, restaurants, and bars bear the Margaritaville name, while consumers can also buy beverages, furniture, and apparel with

Just Peachy! Melissa McCarthy’s Lovely $4.9M Atlanta Spread Is Pending Sale. Funny lady Melissa McCarthy and actor/comedian husband Ben Falcone recently placed their Atlanta mansion on the market for $4.9 million.
And already, the photogenic property has attracted an offer—after just 12 days on the market, it’s pending sale.
The Hollywood couple, who both appeared in the hit comedy “Bridesmaids,” bought the home in April 2018 for $2.3 million.