Monthly Archives: November 2023
Stuck Inside? 6 Easy Winter DIY Projects To Spruce Up Your Space
Chilly winter weather means you’re likely spending lots of time indoors. And we hope you’re staying cozy (perhaps by your wood-burning stove). But once you shake off that long winter’s nap, you might want to tackle a few projects around the house. And while it could be tough to get excited about adding chores to your to-do list, these aren’t the same tedious tasks you’ve been avoiding since last summer. Each project on this list is not only incredibly doable—but pretty darn satisfying, too. So, here are six of our favorite cold-weather DIY projects that will upgrade your home’s look and feel during this hygge season. Read More
9 Wonderfully Simple Ways to Make Your House Smell Like the Holidays
Sugar cookies. Fresh-cut pine trees. Hot apple cider. Some of the best things that come with the holidays are the wonderful smells that fill your home courtesy of all the traditional trappings of the season. Winter holidays would not be the same without this warm, cozy goodness. “One way to evoke holiday memories into your home is by infusing the nostalgic scent of Christmas trees, vanilla, cinnamon, warm burning fires, and of course peppermint,” says Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy trend expert and a judge on NBC’s “Making It,” a DIY competition show. So where should you turn to source these wonderful scents and make your house smell as festive? Follow these scent-sational tips from the experts. Read More
What Is a FICO Score and How Is It Determined?
Successfully buying a home hinges on a bunch of numbers, from home prices to mortgage rates. And there’s a lesser-known figure that can make all the difference when realizing your homeownership dreams: your FICO score. Whenever you want to make a big purchase, like a home, the lender will pull your FICO score, a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness and is akin to a financial compass in the housing market. This number ranges from 300 to 850 and determines whether you’re approved for a loan, your interest rate, and your mortgage terms. Read More
Is Your House the Top Thing on a Buyer’s Wish List this Holiday Season?
This time every year, homeowners who are planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait until after the holidays? Some sellers with homes already on the market may even remove their listing until the new year. But the truth is, many buyers want to purchase a home for the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. Read More
Rental Scams: How to Recognize and Avoid Rental Fraud
Whether you’re searching for a home to rent in your current town or in another state, it can be tempting to snap up an appealing property before taking time to do your research. This is particularly true if you’re on a tight deadline to find a place, making it even more important to be on the lookout for potential fraud. A rental scam is a well-known tool for identity theft, and victims can lose thousands of dollars paying fees to false entities. Anyone can fall victim to a rental scam — many of the perpetrators are sophisticated and convincing. Here are five questions to ask yourself to detect warning signs of possible bad actors in the rental market, and tips for ensuring your rental process is safe and secure. Read More
Can I Buy a House With Student Loan Debt?
Student loans are undoubtedly a daunting financial obstacle, so it’s only natural to feel like they’re holding you back from owning a home. But buying a house with student loan debt is possible. Whether or not you should get a mortgage with student loans will depend on the amount of debt you have and what your personal financial situation looks like, including factors like your income, savings and credit score. Read More
How To Get a Loan for a New-Construction Home: What Homebuyers Need To Know
If you’re thinking of buying a brand-new home, you might be wondering if securing a mortgage will differ from one for a previously owned property. While much of the financing works the same for homes both new and old, there are a few subtle differences when you purchase new construction. Specifically, there are a few extra steps required to lock down a loan for a new-construction home, making it important for homebuyers to understand what is expected of them—and when. Here’s what you need to know about getting a loan for a new-construction home—as well as what questions to ask—to keep you on the right path all the way to closing. Read More
8 Energy Saving Tips to Cut Your Heating and Cooling Bills
Most energy-saving tips are designed to save you a few bucks throughout the year, but how do you know which tips to up your energy efficiency are going to offer the most bang for your buck? Some tips cost you absolutely nothing, and yet you save money. Other tips will cost you a little, but can help you hold onto as much as 10% of the money you’re currently paying out of pocket. Ready to dive in? Read More
How VA Loans Can Help Make Homeownership Dreams Come True
For more than 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you care about has served in the military, it’s essential to learn about this program and its advantages. Here are some important things to know about VA loans before you buy a home. Read More
Thinking About Using Your 401(k) To Buy a Home?
Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You’re not alone. Some people think about tapping into their 401(k) savings to make it happen. But before you decide to dip into your retirement to buy a home, be sure to consider all possible alternatives and talk with a financial expert. Here’s why. Read More
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