When you refinance, you get a new mortgage to pay off your existing mortgage. At first, this may seem like a bad decision on its face. Getting a new mortgage takes time and money, so why should you want to do it? But there are a few reasons to consider refinancing. One reason to consider […]
Finding the right house and getting a good deal can mean the difference between living in your castle – however small your kingdom may be – and dwelling in a home that consumes too much of your paycheck. Here are five important questions to ask before you buy. 1. How much house do I qualify for? Getting prequalified for […]
Home Office: Only Self-Employed Workers Qualify for Home Office Deductions TAX FACTS: To take a home office deduction, you must be self-employed and the home office must be used exclusively and regularly for your business and be your principal place of business, with few exceptions. If you receive a W-2 from your employer, you do […]
You’re ready to stop living in a rented apartment or home, but you don’t have much money to put down on a home. Maybe you have some money saved, but not nearly enough to make a 20% down payment on the type of home you’d really like to own. If you don’t have much money […]
Is your house a little dated? Do you want to make some improvements or upgrades but also want to make sure that you get the best bang for your buck if you decide to sell? Not all home improvements bring a good return on investment when selling, so unless the improvement is simply for your […]
People choose tile for its nonporous surface in bathrooms, kitchens and any other space that needs to be cleaned often and thoroughly. So why do so few people pay attention to the grout between the tiles?
Selling your home during the holidays doesn’t have to be a hassle or impossible. With the right real estate agent and the right decorating tips, you can enjoy the holidays and still show your home to potential buyers. Here are some great decorating tips you can use when you are trying to sell your home, […]
Everyone talks about the steep learning curve of buying your first home, and they’re right to. But your first purchase is also the easiest home purchase you’ll ever make. After that, you need to not only find a new home but also find a buyer for your current home. Most confusingly of all, if you’re […]
Is This Your Situation: Buying a Retirement Condo? It’s common for people nearing retirement to think about a move. Maybe the house in which you raised your family is too big now that the kids have moved out. Maybe you chose your house because it was an easy drive from your workplace or because it […]
Whether you have cats or dogs — or maybe both — in your house, you want to keep them safe, healthy and happy. And your home extends to your yard. It is important to consider the common hazards to pets outside your home and learn what you can do to make your yard safe. Following […]
