How to Buy and Sell a Home Smoothly
Buying a home can be stressful, but it gets even more challenging when you're also trying to sell your current property at the same time. It's a lot to manage. But it doesn’t have to be as stressful as it…
Amortization Explained in Simple Terms
The road to homeownership is littered with buzzwords, acronyms and other industry jargon. Luckily, not all of those terms are as complicated as they may initially sound. Take amortization, for example — simply put, it’s the process of paying off…
4 Ways to Identify a Quality House Flip
House flipping has become a popular practice in recent years. Investors purchase older, often rundown homes and restore them to their former glory with a little DIY magic. While these stories make for good television, they don’t always have a…
When should you tap into home equity?
Your home can be a valuable financial resource if you’re looking to fund an important project or consolidate debt. Accessing your equity through a loan, home equity line of credit or cash-out refinance can be a smart move in the…
Tips to Make a Functional Outdoor Space
Outdoor spaces can provide a lot of aesthetic value to your home. But what if you want to make your yard or patio a true extension of your living space? Whether you’re planning on spending quality time with the family…
4 Sneaky Expenses for New Homeowners
When budgeting for a new home, there’s a tendency to focus on saving up for the down payment and closing costs. You may have also factored in the ongoing costs of your mortgage, insurance and property taxes. But those aren’t…
4 Common Problems in Older Homes
Older homes come with built-in history, a unique character and nostalgic charm. But over many years, they may also harbor hidden problems that can cost a pretty penny once they finally surface. Knowing how to detect and correct these issues…
4 Reasons Refi Applications Get Denied
Refinancing allows borrowers to reduce their monthly mortgage rates and payments, shorten loan terms and convert home equity to cash. But refinancing can be complicated — even responsible borrowers with relatively high credit scores and a history of timely payments…
5 Must-Have Home Upgrades for Seniors
Many retirees dream of trading the responsibilities of homeownership for the carefree lifestyle of assisted living. Others would rather grow old at home near friends and family, where they can enjoy the fruits of their labor. But not every home…
Are you prepared for spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning is more than an annual tradition. It’s the necessary response to a long winter of tightly sealed homes and trapped indoor allergens. Wiping the slate clean of accumulated dust and dander provides a fresh start prior to peak…
