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The Once-a-Year Home Maintenance Checklist (That Actually Matters)

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Let’s be honest. Most of us only think about home maintenance when something starts dripping, buzzing, or making a noise that sounds expensive. This is not that list. This is the once-a-year checklist that actually saves you money, stress, and surprise water features in your basement . You can do this in one afternoon. Maybe two, if you keep stopping for coffee and “just one more YouTube video.” Here we go. 1. Change your furnace filter (yes… really). If you can’t remember the last time you changed it, that’s your answer. A dirty filter: makes your furnace work harder lowers air quality and quietly increases your heating bill Pro tip: write the date on the new filter. Your future self will thank you. 2. Test your sump pump (before it becomes a personality test). Pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it: turns on pumps out and turns off again If it doesn’t, your basement may soon become a very exclusive indoor pool — especially with our spring melt and heavy rain around King...
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Spring 2026 in Kingston: Ready, Set, List!

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Spring in Kingston isn’t just about warmer weather and longer days — it’s about one of the busiest and most competitive times of the year in real estate. Buyers re-enter the market as families plan moves and nicer weather makes showings easier, and sellers bring fresh listings to take advantage of heightened demand. Historically, more transactions happen in spring than any other season here in Kingston, typically running from mid-March through June. If you’re planning to buy or sell in Spring 2026, now is the moment to prepare — and here’s how you can do it strategically. Kingston Market Snapshot Recent local data shows a few interesting trends: Prices and inventory in Kingston have been moving toward balance in recent months — indicating that buyers have more choices than in the pandemic-era seller’s market, while sellers can still find strong interest when pricing effectively. Sales have been modestly down or stable, and inventory has ticked up, giving buyers options and more negotia...
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How to Buy a House When You’re a Server (Yes, It’s Possible)

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Let’s get one thing out of the way right now: Being a server does NOT mean you can’t buy a house. It just means the process looks a little different than it does for someone with a steady 9–5 paycheck and zero cash tips (lucky them). If you live off a mix of hourly wages, tips, and hustle, this one’s for you. 1. The Biggest Challenge: Proving Your Income Lenders don’t hate servers — they hate unclear income . Most servers earn: Hourly wages Declared tips (Sometimes) undeclared tips 👉 Here’s the truth: Only declared income counts when qualifying for a mortgage. What helps: 2 years of consistent serving income Tips reported on your tax returns Stable employer or industry history Pro tip: If you’re planning to buy in the next 1–2 years, start declaring your tips now. Future you will be grateful. 2. Taxes: The Necessary Evil That Helps You Buy Yes, declaring tips means paying more tax. But it also means: Higher qualifying income Better mortgage options Less stress at approval time Th...
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