Our Blog
Helping a Disabled Relative or Friend Buy a New Home? Here's What to Look For
The search for a new home is difficult enough for the average person, but if you’re helping a friend or relative who has a disability, there are even more things to be aware of. If you’re not sure quite how to tackle the housing market, here are a few things to look out for so that you can be sure your friend is getting the home they’ll need.
What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 26, 2016
Last week’s economic news included readings on consumer spending, core inflation new home sales and regularly scheduled readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.
3 Simple Tips for Boosting Your FICO Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage
There are a variety of factors that are involved in getting your mortgage approved, but few things will have more of an impact than your FICO score and the credit history that goes along with it. Instead of leaving your score up to chance when submitting your application, here are a few ways that you can boost your financial wellbeing and leave your credit score better off than it was before.
Goodbye, Curtains: Try These Fun and Fashionable Ways to Dress up Your Windows
Windows can add a lot to the look of your home, and this means that dressing them up properly is an important key for aesthetic appeal. Here are a few ways you can adorn the most basic of home fixtures and turn your windows into something truly unique.
Self-Employed? Here's What You'll Need to Get a Mortgage Approval
There’s a lot of flexibility and personal freedom associated with self-employment that can be a great benefit to your lifestyle and your pocketbook. If you’ve recently become self-employed or have been in the game for a while, here are some things you may want to consider before submitting your mortgage application.
After the Sale: The Next Steps and What You'll Need to Do Before You Move Out
Getting an offer on your home can certainly make it feel like the hard part is over, but even after the deal is sealed there’s still a lot to do when it comes to moving out. Whether you’re getting prepared for a future move or your buyer has just signed on the dotted line, here are the first steps to take once it’s certain your property is off the market.
What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 19, 2016
Housing news was boosted by the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, which posted its highest readings since July of 2002. In other news, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee voted to raise the federal funds rate and Fed Chair Janet Yellen gave a press conference. Mortgage rates rose and weekly jobless claims fell.
Making the Grade: How to Research Local Schools Before Buying Your Next Home
There are so many things involved in moving into a new home in a different neighborhood that it can be easy to forget about the proximity of many nearby amenities. If you’re wondering how you can find out more about the local school, let the following tips be your guide.
5 Major Red Flags to Watch for When You're Touring an Open House
An open house is one of the best opportunities a potential homeowner will have to take stock of a home and determine if it will work for them. If you’re currently perusing the open houses in your neighborhood, here’s some things you should make sure to watch out for.
Five Ways to Make Your Home's 'Curb Appeal' Better Than Your Neighbors'
Curb appeal, or how your home looks from the street, is an essential part of preparing to sell your house. It’s also where comparison with your neighbors’ homes is inescapable – which poses a problem if you’re both on the market. Read on for five ways to boost your own curb appeal.