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Buying or selling a home is stressful enough. The last thing anyone needs is a scammer trying to hijack your closing funds at the finish line. Unfortunately, “wire fraud” and “closing scams” have become common enough that it’s something every buyer and seller in Northeast Ohio should know about—especially during busy seasons when email threads are flying and everyone’s juggling timelines. The good news: this is one of those problems that’s very preventable… as long as you kno

It’s February in Northeast Ohio. Which means we are currently rotating between: Snowy Winter Slightly Less Angry Winter 52-Degree Teaser Spring Second Winter Mud Season Surprise Ice Third Winter So no — it’s not officially spring. And yes, we will probably get more snow. Possibly in April. Possibly twice. But even if we’re still wearing boots and shoveling driveways, this is actually the perfect time to start your indoor spring reset . Because while Ohio debates what season i

Winter has made its presence known this year in and around the Mahoning Valley. Snow hasn’t come and gone quietly — it has lingered. Driveways are narrowed by snowbanks, side streets remain packed down days after storms, and winter conditions have become part of daily life rather than a temporary inconvenience. For many homeowners considering a move, that kind of weather triggers hesitation. The assumption is that snow slows the market, limits buyer interest, and makes waitin

If it feels like winter refuses to let go — you’re not wrong. And thanks to Punxsutawney Phil calling for six more weeks of winter , many Mahoning County homeowners are stuck waiting for spring while dealing with a very real problem year-round: pests that don’t wait for warmer weather to move in . From groundhogs tearing up yards to mice sneaking into basements, Northeast Ohio homes are especially vulnerable thanks to our changing seasons, older housing stock, and mix of rura

It might not feel like it with all the snow we’ve had across Northeast Ohio lately, but spring is closer than it looks. In fact, we’re only about 52 days away from the first day of spring . That means buyers will soon be back out in full force — and first impressions will matter more than ever. In Mahoning County, where many homes sit on established lots and tree-lined streets, curb appeal plays a major role in how a property is perceived before anyone ever walks inside. The

Home inspections are meant to uncover important information about a house — structural concerns, safety issues, and systems that need attention. But along the way, inspectors sometimes come across things that are… unexpected. Very unexpected. If you’ve ever wondered what inspectors really see behind the walls, under floors, or in attics, here’s a look at some of the weirdest (and surprisingly common) discoveries — and why they matter. 🛁 Bathtubs Draining Straight Into the Y

When you’re buying or selling a home, one of the first decisions you’ll make is who you’re going to work with. Some people choose an individual real estate agent. Others choose a real estate team. Both can get the job done — but the experience can feel very different. From a client’s point of view, here’s what often sets a real estate team apart. One Person Can Do a Lot — A Team Can Do It Better Together A great individual agent wears many hats: marketer, negotiator, coordi

The start of a new year often brings reflection. What’s working, what’s changed, and what you want life to look like moving forward. When it comes to real estate, that reflection can be just as important as watching the market. Instead of asking “Is now the right time?” a better question to start with is “Does my current home still fit my priorities?” Start With Your Life, Not the Headlines Market updates and interest rates matter, but they shouldn’t be the first thing drivi

Let’s be honest: wrapping Christmas presents looks fun in theory… until you’re on the floor at 11:30 PM wrestling a box that defies geometry . Whether you’re a crisp-corner perfectionist or a “just tape it and pray” kind of wrapper, here are some real-life gift-wrapping tips — including how to handle the weird stuff — without ending up in a pile of ripped paper and regret. 🎄 Start With the Right Supplies (This Matters More Than You Think) Before you even touch the paper: Us

The holiday season in Northeast Ohio brings joy, family gatherings, and often, financial stress. For those considering buying or selling a home, this time of year can add extra pressure to an already complex process. The 3-3-3 rule offers a simple, practical framework to help you stay financially prepared and confident in your real estate decisions. This rule is especially useful in Northeast Ohio, where market conditions and seasonal factors influence buying and selling patt

As we head into a brand-new year in a couple weeks, many buyers and sellers across the Mahoning Valley are wondering what 2026 Housing Market will bring. After several years of shifting trends, rising interest rates, and limited inventory, the big question remains: Is 2026 the year the market finally stabilizes? While no one can predict the future with complete certainty, industry experts, economic indicators, and local market patterns give us strong clues about what’s ahead.

By The Brian Blevins Team | Howard Hanna Real Estate Touring homes is one of the most exciting steps in the home-buying journey. But before you start imagining your couch in the living room or planning backyard gatherings, there are a few key things every buyer should know. Being prepared will save you time, reduce stress, and make every showing more productive. Here are the top 3 things to know before you start touring homes 👇 🔢 1. Know Your Budget Before You Step Inside

10 Heartfelt Questions to Ask Your Family This Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is one of the rare days each year when the people we love most actually slow down, sit together, and share a meal. Between the food, the laughter, and the football, it’s the perfect moment to spark meaningful conversations that turn into memories you’ll talk about for years. If you want to bring everyone a little closer this holiday, here are 10 heartfelt questions you can ask around the table. Use them

A tidy playroom means more room to play, fewer messes to manage, and a calmer home overall. The good news? You don’t need a full weekend overhaul to make a big difference. Here are a few easy, family-friendly tips to help you get started. 1. Start by Sorting Begin with three simple piles: keep, donate, and toss .Kids naturally outgrow toys quickly, so decluttering every few months helps keep the space manageable. Anything broken, missing pieces, or no longer used can go — and

7 Costly Mistakes Mahoning Valley Home Sellers Still Make (and How to Avoid Them) Thinking about selling your home in the next year?After helping hundreds of buyers and sellers across the Mahoning Valley — from Canfield and Boardman to Salem and Poland — I still see homeowners making the same avoidable mistakes that end up costing time and money.Here ’s how to make sure you’re not one of them. 1️⃣ Waiting Until Spring to Start Prepping Many sellers assume spring is the best t