Buying a home for the first time can seem like a daunting process. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little preparation, and the guidance of a real estate agent and mortgage professional, you’ll be well on your way to making the house of your dreams…your home! This easy-to-follow infographic will show you what to expect along the path to home ownership:
Read More “A Simple Guide to the Home Buying Process”
Whether it’s a family home, a vacation getaway, or an investment property, owning real estate is an important investment in your future. With so much riding on these transactions, real estate often feels like a high stakes game of chance. Given that there’s no exact formula for success and the process can be highly emotional, real estate lends itself to a bit of superstition. Let’s take a look at some of the practices that are believed to bring good luck in real estate!
Horseshoe Over the Door
The horseshoe has a long history of being a protective symbol. It has become customary to hang a horseshoe over the door to protect against evil and bring good luck. The way that you hang the horseshoe is a matter of preference. Some believe it should be pointing upward so your luck does not escape. Others argue that hanging the horseshoe upside down will ensure that good luck pours down into the home.
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Does it feel like everyone is smitten with their home, while you’re lacking any sense of emotional connection to your surroundings? Take heart! Breathing new life into your home doesn’t require a huge renovation budget. Try these simple updates to bring back the spark and make you fall in love with your home all over again!
Read More “Affordable Updates to Make You Fall in Love with Your Home Again”
When you purchase a new home, one of the many decisions you will consider is whether or not you need an Escrow Impound Account, also known simply as an impound account. To help you understand what an impound account is and how it works, we’ve answered some commonly asked questions.
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Over the past several years, lighting options and the way they are measured have changed as part of the movement toward energy efficiency. Traditional incandescent bulbs are no longer manufactured and are quickly becoming a nostalgic thing of the past! They’ve been replaced by more efficient lighting options including: halogen incandescent, compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. These energy-saving options offer choices of light levels, sizes, shapes, and colors. Which option is best will depend on the purpose and location of the lighting, as well as personal preference. Here’s what you need to know to make the right selection for each space in your home:
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Rates began ticking up in the wake of the election and the upward trend is expected to continue, albeit at a slower pace compared to the first few post-election months. If you are currently in the market for a home, you may be concerned about battling increasing prices and upward trending rates. But, you could have the option to tackle affordability by buying down your rate.
Read More “Is Buying Down Your Rate Right For You?”
First-time homeowners are often younger than the average homebuyer, which means lower income levels, less money saved and, typically, more student loan debt. Concerns about student loans often discourage would-be first-time buyers from pursuing their goal of homeownership. If you’re considering purchasing your first home, these tips can help get you there.
Read More “Key Economic Indicators that Affect Mortgage Interest Rates: Housing Reports”
At the start to every New Year, we all promise to make changes for the better and set resolutions to help achieve these goals. One part of our lives is often overlooked– our homes. This year make an effort to maintain your home better and give it the upgrades it has so badly needed! Here are a few home maintenance updates that will help boost your home’s value in the upcoming year:
Read More “Home Maintenance to Retain Value during the New Year!”
