Ashley Cotter

4 days ago | redfin.com | Ashley Cotter

You’ve just moved into your new place and everything feels perfect. Until you flip the switch and realize… there’s no overhead lighting. But how, exactly, do you light a room with no overhead lights? Whether you’re in an older home in Los Angeles, a historic rental in San Francisco, or a budget-friendly apartment in Portland, OR, the Redfin team won’t leave you in the dark. Let these tips from experts in the lighting and design industries brighten your day (or living room)—no electrician required.

1 week ago | rent.com | Ashley Cotter

You’re scrolling vacation rentals, dreaming up your next getaway, and your feed is filled with light-filled, aesthetic, Instagram-worthy homes. A few in particular catch your eye, but they’re not your typical “sleeps 8” type of house. No, these getaways are less than 500 square feet—possibly even smaller than your first apartment.

1 month ago | redfin.com | Ashley Cotter

Lighting is something we use every day, but the right lighting choices can quickly take a space from average to ambiance. Whether you’re glamming up your Los Angeles rental, decorating your home in Seattle, or elevating the vibe in a New York apartment, you should definitely implement this design trick every interior expert knows: a technique called layered lighting. Recessed lighting, a hanging pendant, and under-cabinet lights provide lighting depth in this kitchen. What is layered lighting?

1 month ago | redfin.com | Ashley Cotter |Daryl Fairweather

A starter home is the most affordable type of house or living space a first-time buyer can purchase. The cost of a starter home varies depending on location, but the median price of a starter home in August 2024 was $250,000. What used to be a 3-to-7-year stay in a starter home is now stretching much longer as the market remains competitive and interest rates stay high.

Mar 4, 2025 | rent.com | Ashley Cotter

Locals will tell you Jersey City has changed a lot over the years. Once a pass-through to the Big Apple for commuters, it’s now a destination all of its own. Jersey City is diverse, packed with culture, and still has a slightly gritty feel to it. “We help dozens of families and young professionals relocate to Jersey City every month–some escaping the big city grind, but most are not ready to lose the excitement of New York,” says NYC-based Metropolis Moving.