Real Estate Search- and the web

February 26, 2018

Before selecting a real estate agent or buying a home, most consumers head to the Internet first. Researching homes and real estate agents online can get you ahead of the game when it comes to narrowing down your options. But with so many sites and sources to choose from, an online search can be exhausting…and sometimes futile. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the web when searching for a home or real estate agent.

When searching for a real estate agent: While a referral from a trusted friend or colleague is a great way to find an agent to work with, be sure to dig deeper. Search for the suggested agents on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter and find out more about them. This will help you get a feel for who they are as a person and how they conduct business, including how they use social media to market homes. Another way to find an agent to list your home is to look at properties on the market in your area. Find homes similar to the one you are trying to sell and search for those agents online—they’ll usually have a personal website. Once you’ve narrowed down potential agents, be sure to meet with them in person and ask specific questions related to your needs.

The online open house never closes: All major real estate brokers have websites that showcase their listings. You can search by town, price range, number of bedrooms, etc. Also use the search tools available through major home listing portals. YouTube is also a new way to search for homes. These digital open houses give buyers a good sense of what the house looks like…and they’re open 24/7.

Do your homework: To ensure you won’t be disappointed or become emotionally invested in a new home for sale that is out of your price range, get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. The last thing you want to do is fall in love with a property and realize that you can’t afford it. Online mortgage calculators can help you get a sense of what you can realistically afford. When you are ready to buy or sell your home, contact Dupont Real Estate. We are here for you.

Source: AOL Real Estate

Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams

Having been a top producer since 1996, I empower every client with my knowledge to help them make the best decision. Over 70% of my business is from repeat clients and referrals from past clients and other professionals. Your best interests are my priority, hence my strong marketing and negotiating skills. I treat you the way I want to be treated.

Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams13 hours ago

Holiday entertaining is all about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where your guests feel relaxed and festive.

Here are some tips to elevate your holiday gatherings:
1. Set the Mood with Lighting: Use soft lighting like candles and string lights to create a cozy, inviting ambiance. Dim overhead lights and let warm, glowing lights do the work.
2. Signature Drinks: Serve a holiday cocktail or mocktail to add a festive touch. Consider spiced cider or a cranberry-infused cocktail that ties into the season.
3. Interactive Food Stations: Set up DIY food bars like a hot cocoa station, charcuterie board, or a make-your-own dessert bar. This makes it fun for guests and lightens the hosting load.
4. Seasonal Décor: Incorporate natural elements like pine branches, dried oranges, or berries. A simple, elegant tablescape using seasonal greenery can make your space feel festive without being overwhelming.
5. Music & Entertainment: Craft a playlist that fits the holiday vibe or add a fun activity like a holiday trivia game to keep guests engaged.

Creating a memorable holiday gathering is about balancing comfort with thoughtful details that make the night feel special for everyone.

#holidayentertaining #seasonaldecor #entertainingideas #holidaygatherings #hostwiththemost

Dining In

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Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams19 hours ago

VIDEO: The smart home technology you need now!

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Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams2 days ago

Buying or selling real estate with a talented agent transforms the entire experience.

As Realtors, we provide more than just guidance—we offer expertise, strategy, and peace of mind. For buyers, we work to understand their needs, finding properties that align with their goals while leveraging our market knowledge to negotiate the best deal. We handle the complexities of inspections, paperwork, and timelines, so clients can focus on the excitement of finding their new home.

For sellers, we create tailored marketing strategies, from pricing to staging, that attract the right buyers. Our negotiation skills ensure they receive top dollar for their property, while we manage the finer details of contracts, inspections, and closing.

Having a skilled agent means you have an advocate, a strategist, and a trusted partner at every step of the journey, ensuring that both buyers and sellers feel confident and supported.

#realestateexperience #expertagent #buyingandselling #Realtorservices #trustedRealtor

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Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams3 days ago

Adding a bold area rug is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to transform a room.

A well-chosen rug introduces vibrant color, texture, and style, instantly giving any space a refreshed look. It can anchor a seating area, define open-concept spaces, or simply add warmth and personality to a room. Whether you prefer geometric patterns, rich textures, or deep, saturated hues, a bold rug ties together existing décor and brings cohesion to your design.

For home sellers, incorporating a striking area rug during staging can draw attention to a space’s potential, helping buyers envision themselves living in it. It’s a quick and affordable update that delivers maximum effect.

#arearugs #homestaging #interiordecor #bolddesign #realestatetips

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Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams4 days ago

In a real estate market that could be impacted by legislation like the recent NAR settlement, having a knowledgeable Realtor becomes even more critical.

As commission structures and transparency around fees evolve, Realtors are well-positioned to help clients navigate these changes and make informed decisions. Whether you’re buying or selling, an experienced agent who stays up to date on industry shifts will offer strategic advice that keeps you ahead of the curve.

For sellers, this means understanding how to adjust pricing and negotiate commissions in a more transparent environment, while ensuring your home is still presented effectively in a competitive market. For buyers, a skilled Realtor will help you assess properties with a deeper understanding of how these legislative changes may impact costs and long-term investments.

Market conditions are always in flux, but with the right Realtor by your side, you’ll have someone who can interpret these shifts, offer proactive solutions, and help you make confident decisions regardless of the market climate. The key is having an experienced agent who not only understands the current landscape but is also prepared to pivot strategies to help you succeed.

#realestatemarket #NARsettlement #realestateadvice #strategicrealestate #buyingandselling #Realtoradvantage #marketchanges

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Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams5 days ago

Eco-friendly design continues to grow in popularity as homeowners look for ways to reduce their environmental impact.

Some of the latest trends include using reclaimed materials like wood, brick, and metal, which not only add character to a home but also reduce waste. Another key trend is passive home features such as energy-efficient windows, strategic insulation, and natural ventilation systems, all designed to lower energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.

As an experienced Realtor, I help clients identify homes that already incorporate these eco-friendly features, whether it’s a property with reclaimed hardwood floors or a home built with passive energy systems. For those looking to customize a new home or renovate, I can introduce clients to designers who specialize in eco-conscious interiors, ensuring that sustainability and style go hand in hand.

Finding a home that aligns with your values while also reducing your carbon footprint is possible, and I’m here to guide you through the process of discovering the perfect eco-friendly space.

#ecofriendlyhomes #sustainableliving #reclaimedmaterials #realestatewithpurpose #energyconsciousliving

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