Five tactics for lowering your mortgage rate When it comes to mortgage rates, a little bit of wiggle room could help you save big. From Yahoo Homes 5/22/14 When you first realize the cost of buying a home, you may experience some serious sticker shock. Or perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed by the monthly payments on your … Continue reading Lower your mortgage rate
From Investopedia 5/29/14 Despite what you see on TV and what the conventional wisdom says, most of the home improvement projects with the greatest return on investment are unglamorous. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2014 Cost vs. Value report, you’ll recoup the greatest percentage of your investment on projects such as replacing the front door with a … Continue reading Home improvements that really pay off
11 ways to protect yourself from DIY disasters From USNews 5/57/14 It looks so easy, and the idea of saving hundreds, or maybe even thousands, of dollars is enticing. Surely you can repair those cracks in the wall, right? Or caulk around the bathtub. Or install a new toilet. Or change a light fixture. Or, … Continue reading Protect yourself from DIY Disasters
From CNBC.com 5/25/14 From insulated windows to geothermal heat pumps, the range of home improvements eligible for tax credits or deductions is as wide as it has ever been. Ah, Memorial Day. Time to fire up the barbecue, break out the shorts and sandals, and make sure the air conditioning is working. Along with summer … Continue reading These home improvements put green in your pocket
From USNews.com 5/22/14 If you're in the market for a new house or condo, you may also need a loan officer to help with underwriting and securing a mortgage. David Stevens, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, suggests talking to two or more loan officers to find one who instills confidence. "There is … Continue reading Ask these 5 questions before choosing a loan officer
From Zillow 5/22/14 ~read below and see that even the financial experts took time to manage and save their downpayment~ For first-time home buyers, setting aside enough money for a down payment and closing costs is often one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership. And when you factor in insurance, taxes, maintenance and other costs associated … Continue reading Lifestyle budget cuts to afford a mortgage
From Houzz.com 3/22/14 Don't risk losing buyers because of little things you overlook. Check these off your list before you open the front door. The “For Sale” sign is up. You’ve completed the big projects and the little tweaks, so you’re hopeful your efforts will pay off with a quick and profitable offer. But now comes … Continue reading 7 Must-Dos on the Day You Show Your House
From RISMedia 5/16/14 SUNDERLAND, Md. -- Have you herd? Goats will soon be munching their way through spring lawns, as property owners trade machinery and labor crews for hungry, four-legged landscapers ready to decimate any vegetation in their way. Mary Bowen, owner of Sunderland, Md.-based Green Goats and Prosperity Acres farm, will be putting her … Continue reading Goats serving as eco-friendly landscapers
A Checklist for First-Time Homebuyers From US News 5/23/14 The spring homebuying season is in full bloom, and odds are, if you're reading this, you may be thinking it's time to finally start looking for your first house. But before you dive in, it's important to get your finances organized and know what you can … Continue reading First Time Homebuyer Checklist
10 turnoffs for potential homebuyers From Zillow 5/6/14 As real estate markets continue to recover around the country, buyers are out in full force. Many of today’s buyers make judgments about homes within moments of seeing a listing online. They are also more cautious than before the housing crisis. They want to make sure they’re … Continue reading Potential Buyer Turnoffs
Renae Walker ~ Realtor 