THE BLOG

Starting in 2025, new credit scoring models will be used by many lenders to determine the creditworthiness of potential homebuyers. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac plan to mandate the adoption of the new FICO Score 10T and VantageScore 4.0 by the end of the year. For those...

Creating a health and wellness room in your home can be a positive step in prioritizing your well-being and fitness. A step beyond just room for an exercise bike, this room should include areas for reflection and calm. A place where you remove distractions and can...

Most homeowners do not have the expertise or interest in tackling a large home project, so they find a contractor to handle it for them. Hiring a contractor is very different from finding a handyman or gardener. A contractor must adhere to strict guidelines set out by...

Retirement is an exciting new phase of life, and one most people look forward to their entire working life. For those ready to make this change, downsizing their home is an important decision. While the thought of leaving the family home can be emotional, there are...

One of the least understood aspects of obtaining a home loan is the difference between the interest rate and the APR (Annual Percentage Rate). At first glance, they sound like the same thing, but while they both impact the cost of the loan, they are two different...

Everyone is looking for easy ways to spruce up their home. As spring approaches, those warm, cozy rooms that were so inviting in the cold can look cluttered and dark. If redecorating every season isn’t in your budget – and how many people can – then consider adding or...

Winter is here, and with it comes cozy evenings and comfort food. Your weekend plans are more likely to include movies on the couch than a picnic in the park. This is the time of year when everyone takes a closer look at their home and looks for ways to add warmth to...

The best part of buying a new home is going out and touring homes. This is especially true for first-time home buyers. As time goes on, however, it can be frustrating when each home falls short of expectations. While it’s important to be realistic about what is...

Once the holidays are over and the decorations come down, it’s common to take a serious look at your home and decide to make some changes. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, often result in looking at other ways to remove excess clutter, and taking a more...

Interest rates tend to fluctuate over time. As a real estate investor, it's important to understand how changes in interest rates can impact the housing market. How Rising Rates Affect Home Buying When interest rates rise, it generally slows demand in the real estate...

Owning a vacation rental, like an Airbnb or VRBO home, is a great way to earn extra income. Much of the year, all these properties need is a way to manage access and a cleaning service. When winter comes, however, it’s important to add some extra care – both for the...

Buying and selling a home can be stressful. Once you’re ready to move, the relief can leave you vulnerable to scams. Frankly, you’re so happy to be “done” that you can overlook red flags in your excitement. To protect your belongings and avoid extra costs or loss,...