If you're a veteran, a VA loan might seem like the perfect option for financing a home. However, there are some important differences between VA and conventional loans which could affect your decision. Here are some of the major pros and cons of VA loans to help you make the best financial choice: VA Loan Pros No Down Payment VA loans do not require a down payment, which could potentially save you...
If you are preparing to sell your house, you need to be honest with yourself and others. That way, you can increase the likelihood of a fast, profitable home selling experience. Ultimately, it pays to be an honest home seller for a number of reasons, including: 1. You can establish a competitive price for your house. It is important to understand that what your house is worth today is unlikely to match...
Photo by Sarah Biesinger via Shutterstock You’ve probably heard how important it is to go hands-free in your car, but it can be just as important and useful to be hands-free in the kitchen. If you’re busy washing dishes or prepping for dinner, you can use hands free devices to do everything from answering calls to looking up recipes and preheating the oven. While kitchen appliances haven’t...
Homeowner's insurance is an important piece of the home ownership puzzle. Because almost all mortgage lenders require proof of insurance, having a policy is more of a necessity than an option. However, many potential homeowners aren't clear about what a homeowner's insurance policy covers. While each policy is customizable and has varying details depending on the insurer, there are a few basic...
Extreme heat can cause a plethora of problems for both you and your household. From heat-related illnesses to simple heat exhaustion, it’s important to keep high temperatures at bay. But how do you keep the heat down while avoiding excessive power bills? Here are a few ways to keep yourself cool without overheating your wallet: Use the right air conditioning While using an air conditioner to combat...
When growing households experience household congestion, expanding their usable living space footprint by remodeling the basement ranks among the best solutions, especially when extra recreational and lounging space is needed. Along with the increased quality-of-life benefits, a remodeled basement reportedly delivers upwards of a 7% return on investment. If you are considering transforming a basement...
While buying a home might seem as simple as paying the asking price, knowing the ins and outs of making offers is crucial to buyer success. Everything from the terms of your mortgage loan to eventual closing costs can affect the amount you spend on your home, and making the right offer can significantly affect your chances in a competitive market.Here are some of the basics of making an offer on a...
Image by Suphaksorn Thongwongboot from Shutterstock When relocating to a new home, you’ll need to plan to pack, hire movers, and to change your address with the post office but don’t forget to update your car insurance. If you’re moving to a new state or just to a new zip code, you will have to make some changes to your insurance to ensure you’re covered at your new residence. Do You Have to...
The concept of a starter home is an American tradition that has existed for decades. Buying a starter home makes it possible to achieve homeownership, financial independence, and to build equity and credit while you transition to a larger home. However, your first home doesn’t need to be a tiny, one-bedroom house with none of the amenities that you want. In today’s post, we’re going to look at...
Selling a home rarely proves to be a simple, straightforward process. However, if you plan ahead for the house selling journey, you may be better equipped than other sellers to identify and address potential hurdles. Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you plan for the home selling journey. 1. Identify Your Home's Strengths and Weaknesses No home is flawless. Fortunately, if you allocate time...