Blog
26
2019
The biggest shopping day of the year is just days away, but Black Friday doesn’t always live up to its money-saving reputation. The excitement of deep discounts and the lure of limited quantities can leave some shoppers dealing with the financial consequences well past the holiday season. This year, before you line up for those […]
13
2019
A home inspection is critical to the home-buying process, and most lenders require one before loan origination. Even if your lender doesn’t require an inspection or you are purchasing a new build, an inspection is a small investment that can save you time, money and peace of mind in the long run. In fact, homebuyers […]
2
2019
Given the stakes, selling your home and buying a new one is traditionally a cautious and deliberative process. Preparing your home for sale and choosing the right realtor takes time. Finding the neighborhood and schools that fit your needs is too important to rush. But what happens when time becomes a luxury you can’t […]
14
2019
After surviving the stresses of a home search, completing the checklist for a successful closing, and managing the logistics of moving, you’ve finally reached the end of the process, right? Well, almost. While self-congratulations are certainly in order, there’s one more step you don’t want to overlook. Fortunately, its simplicity and cost-saving results provide ample […]
8
2018
Most first-time home owners understand the difference between achieving the dream of buying a home versus buying a “dream home.” Part of a very personal decision-making process for buyers that know what they can realistically afford means making the latter distinction. Which means you’re probably asking yourself: How can I get the most out of […]
3
2018
“But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” — Benjamin Franklin If Ben Franklin were around today, he might also mention that being a homeowner certainly has its tax benefits. As the year comes to a close, it’s time to start gathering receipts and paperwork in preparation for tax […]
25
2017
Although solar power has been around for generations, it was not long ago where the technology was both expensive and inefficient. Early solar panels could only convert a small percentage of solar radiation to energy, and the cost per watt of the technology was well outside of the range necessary to bring about a good […]
21
2017
When searching for homes, it’s typical to tour many homes (and spend months looking online) before discovering the home you want in your price range. When you finally experience this home in person, you’ll likely feel joy and excitement. After all, this home could be the setting for your next life stage! But before you […]
26
2017
On June 8, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to a seven month low, and averaged 3.89% for the week. This compares to a March 2017 mortgage rate of 4.3%, and counters early year predictions of rising mortgage rates throughout 2017. Since the 2008 recession, mortgage rates have trended lower As you can see from […]
22
2017
Having a good credit score is an important part of the mortgage process, and it can save you you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. While you can build a good credit score with a range of strategies, including paying your bills on time and using a secured credit card, all Americans […]
