Does Mortgage Pre-Approval Affect Your Credit Score? What Homebuyers Should Know

Colorful houses with porches at sunset.

Getting pre-approved is one of the most important first steps in the homebuying process—but many buyers hesitate because they’re worried it will hurt their credit.  Written for Redfin by Marissa Crum. Edited by Silvestri Properties. Whether you’re buying a house in Durham or Burlington, understanding how credit inquiries work can help you start your search with…

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Best Home Improvements to Increase Value

Elegant living room with beige sofas and a fireplace under a framed painting.

Renovating doesn’t always mean big returns. See which improvements pay off when you sell. Written by Jessica Rapp for Zillow on August 11, 2025. Edited by Silvestri Properties Whether you’re thinking of selling in the next six months or a few years down the road, remodeling with return on investment (ROI) in mind is a smart financial move.…

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Investing in the Age of Misinformation

Two-story townhouse with yellow siding and garage.

When it comes to investing, information plays a crucial role behind decisions, and social media platforms have increasingly become a popular resource. By Marcus: by Goldman Sachs, Edited by Silvestri Properties According to a 2022 FINRA study: 60% of younger investors use social media for investment information, compared to 35% of those ages 35-54. This growing…

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How to Show Your House While Living in It

Silvestri Properties

Living in a for-sale home can be a bit daunting but it is doable. Written by Shawnna Stiver on December 17, 2025, Edited by Silvestri Properties One of the toughest challenges while selling your home is keeping it “show ready” while you are still living there. Life is often messy and doesn’t look like a magazine cover, especially…

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