When you get a copy of your credit report, you’ll see more than just your current and historical credit accounts. You’ll see your payment history, including any payments made more than 30, 60 and 90 days past the due date, along with your account balances and credit limits. You’ll also see credit inquiries. A credit […]
It’s getting chilly out there! If you’ve been thinking that your fireplace could use a facelift, there’s no time like the present. Here are a few suggestions on how to give your fireplace a makeover before the coldest days of the year set in, so you can enjoy the new look all winter long. 1. […]
Spring is often thought of as the best time for planting, but planting in the fall can offer some significant advantages for your plants. Below are some reasons why fall is the best time for planting perennials, trees, and shrubs. Perfect Planting WeatherThe cooler weather of fall is easier for plants and gardeners alike. The […]
Thanks to HGTV, “Demo Day” is often thought of as the fun part of renovation and construction. Owners and celebrity reno stars wield sledgehammers and power tools while kicking down drywall, tearing out cabinets, and throwing building material from second-story windows. The carefree assault on a dated home makes demolition look easy and fun, but […]
If you’re brand new to the wonderful world of home loans, you might be a bit overwhelmed by how many different types of financing options are really out there. Both primary loan types (fixed-rate and adjustable-rate) have many variations, so how do you know which one is best for you? Let’s start with Fixed-Rate Mortgages. The most […]
As Ben Franklin once said: “In this world, nothing is certain but death and cleaning your gutters before winter to prevent ice dams”. With that, here are five fall home maintenance activities to start thinking about in the coming weeks. Check your chimneyMake sure everything is in order before the first fire of the season. […]
Ready to finally take that extended vacation this summer? Since it’s probably been a minute (or 751,680 minutes) since you’ve last traveled, here are a few helpful reminders for ensuring your home stays mishap free while you’re away. Turn Water OffWhen you are going to be away for an extended period, it’s a good idea […]
Over the past several years we’ve seen real estate prices climb higher and higher due to a limited supply and an increased demand, but a new factor is pushing prices up even further: the skyrocketing price of building materials. So, what’s behind these increased prices, and, more importantly, when can we expect some relief? We’re all painfully aware […]
Like the fabled “Victory Gardens” of WWII before them, urban and backyard vegetable gardens became a vital source of food and purpose for many people last year when world events threw supply chains into disarray. A year has passed, but interest in do-it-yourself food production has remained, and more and more DIYer’s are getting into […]
When a lender looks at a loan application, their main question is “what risk do I take on by issuing this loan?” Credit checks, bank statements, employment verification – all the documentation required when getting approved for a loan is in service of assessing what the odds are that the loan will go into default. […]
With peak buying season upon us, here’s what analysts are expecting to see this year: Increasing Mortgage RatesIt appears, depending on how the economic recovery progresses, that mortgage rates could continue to increase. Earlier in the year, rates were holding under 3%, but those rates have steadily increased over the past several weeks. As more […]
It’s a timeless and universal truth: moving is no fun. Ancient Polynesian seafarers, while nervously prepping outrigger canoes for uncharted trips across the South Pacific, probably groaned in frustration when they realized at the last minute that someone forgot to pack up all the fishing gear. Sure, locating to a new place can be an […]
For many of us, the past year has brought about a slew of unexpected changes. The pandemic didn’t slow rising home prices or increase the amount of available inventory in major metro areas, but what it did do was dispel the idea that all office workers must be tethered to a physical location. With remote […]
When it comes to home renovations, a kitchen remodel is on the higher end of the price spectrum. One of the biggest line items in any kitchen remodel is cabinetry, which can account for up to 40% of your total budget. If you’re willing to think outside the box a little, you can save yourself […]
Let’s face it – it’s been a long winter, but brighter and warmer days are upon us. If you’re the type of person who likes to be prepared, it isn’t too early to gear up for lawn and garden season. Here are some tips to help you hit the ground running this spring: Test the […]
Have you found yourself dreaming of your own Walden Pond lately? Whether you’re looking to build a luxury retreat or you just want a natural escape, the dream of scooping up an undervalued piece of land is an understandable one. But before you break out the flannel, it’s important to remember that buying land is […]
Even with 2020 in the rear-view mirror, it’s fair to assume we’ll still be spending a good amount of time at home in early 2021. Here’s a roundup of popular décor and design trends to keep in mind if you plan to redecorate this year, so you can nest with the best. Comfort and functionality2020 […]
Deciding whether or not to refinance an existing mortgage typically means running some numbers. You can do this on your own, but it’s helpful to get the professional assistance of a loan officer. It mostly boils down to how much you’ll save each month, but there are other considerations. First, the change in rate isn’t […]
When it comes to home remodeling, there are very few design decisions you can make that are sure to stand the test of time. While it can be tempting to opt for trendy renovations (open shelving anyone?), there’s no guarantee that they next buyer – or your future self – will share the same preference. […]
