Tips for Picking the Perfect Jewelry this Holiday Season




The holiday season is coming up, and a lot of you out there are planning on getting some jewelry for that special someone in your life. Today I am joined by private jeweler Maury Kauffman. I’ve known Maury for over 5 years and has helped dozens of people I know with their fine jewelry needs, whether it be engagement rings, anniversary presents, and many unique pieces in between. I thought it would be a good idea to bring him on today and discuss three of his top tips for buying jewelry during the holiday season. He’s got some great insight, here are his tips:

1. The sooner you acquire fine jewelry, the better.
The most attractive and best valued pieces always sell out. Fine jewelry is handmade, so there’s simply no time to make more if you wait too long.

2. Beware of industrial diamond stud earrings
As the holidays approach, you are going to start seeing ads for $899, $599, and even $399 diamond stud earrings. These diamonds are such poor quality, they are considered industrial grade and should be used for grinding, not wearing. They have absolutely no resale or trade-in value.

3. Ignore the over-the-top sales
Some stores are famous for their 60%, 70%, even 80% off sales. In reality, these stores just mark up their prices normally so they can mark them down later. They offer a selection that’s typically lower in quality as well. If a piece is originally $2,000 and for this sale it’s marked down to $599, it’s probably worth about $400. Remember, you get what you pay for.


If you have any questions for Maury, or want to talk to him about finding that perfect, unique piece for your gift, visit his facebook page here, and his website here.

If you have any real estate questions for us, don’t hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear from you!

Avoid Reducing Your Home Value




Making repairs on your home before you sell can increase your home’s value, but only if you go about making the right repairs in the right area. Often times, people choose to undergo grand remodeling projects in the kitchen or bathrooms, which can lead to over-improving, which can negatively affect your home’s value. Today we are going to talk about where you should be spending your money to get the best possible return on your home sale, and how to avoid over-improving your home.

The easiest way to avoid over-improving is to talk with a licensed home appraiser before making any improvements. They will be able to tell you what your home is worth now, what it will be worth after the upgrade, and if undertaking the project makes financial sense.

If you have a certain amount of money you want to invest back into your home, don’t just do it in one place. Put some money into the kitchen, some into the bathrooms, and some into flooring or new paint. This way your whole house can get a face lift, not just one area.


One easy fix that can really pay dividends when it comes time to sell is dealing with messy or overgrown landscaping. If you determine anything to be an eyesore, remove it.

Taking on big projects on your own has become pretty common these days, probably from all of those DIY TV shows. In the end, if you’re undertaking a big project, you want to hire or at least consult with a professional. It will save you time and money in the long run.

Overstuffing the remodel is also a common mistake. To avoid this, don’t get bigger pieces of decor or furniture, get smaller ones. Also, use lighter colored paint and higher wattage light bulbs to add a bright, roomy feel to rooms that feel a little smaller.

If you have any questions for us, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you!

Should You Buy or Sell in the Fall?




The summer home selling season passed, but people are still buying and selling homes. Fall is a terrific time to sell!

First, you will face less competition. Most sellers think the market comes to a screeching halt this time of year. During the spring and summer, there are lots of buyers, but there are also more sellers. In the fall, your home will stand out.


Secondly, fall buyers are extremely motivated. In the spring and summer, buyers have plenty of time to shop before they make an offer. In the fall, buyers cannot afford that luxury. This means you will have a smoother and quicker transaction in the fall, and still get a fair price for your home.

Fall is a great time of year to sell a home. Check out THIS ARTICLE to learn more about what makes fall such a great time to sell. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you!