(VIRGINIA) – There has never been a better time to refinance your home. That’s because of a little-known government program called the Home Affordable Refinance Plan (HARP). This allows Americans to refinance their homes at shockingly low rates, and reduce their payments by as much as $4,905 a year. But here’s… read more →
It doesn’t need to be played on a Sunday to be super … but it would certainly help. With snow and chilly temperatures battering the region, NFL officials said this week that contingency plans call for Super Bowl XLVIII to be played at any point between Friday, Jan. 31, and… read more →
With tightening credit markets, low savings rates and stagnant wages, many first-time homebuyers find themselves struggling to amass a down payment. The solution? Parents! Twenty-seven percent of first-time homebuyers received a down payment as a gift from “the good ol’ bank of mom and dad,” says Walter Molony, economics spokesperson for… read more →
The average sales price for homes that went to closing across Northern Virginia’s inner and outer suburbs in 2013 stood at $476,913, an increase of 7.4 percent from the $444,103 reported a year ago, according to new figures. A total of 34,225 residential properties were sold… read more →
Housing is typically the biggest expense in a household budget. It would be nice to reduce that major expense when you’re retired. Once you are near retirement, you might want to consider downsizing or relocating to somewhere more affordable. There are many choices because you won’t be tied down to a location near your (former) employer.… read more →
Bitterly cold air has again settled southward from the Arctic into a large part of the Eastern states. Unlike the outbreak from early January, this time the cold will have more staying power. Through the end of January, the polar vortex will hover just north of the United States border… read more →
Getting a mortgage can mean keeping track of a lot of moving parts. Savvy shoppers know to ask lenders about interest rates, closing costs and how much they can borrow. But even seasoned buyers may not know to dig a little deeper. Here’s a look at five key things that… read more →
The Washington Auto Show is a huge event displaying more than 700 new makes and models of cars, trucks, mini-vans and sport utility vehicles from over 42 domestic and import automakers. The Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) sponsors the auto show each year to entice, educate and entertain… read more →
It can be quite a struggle to keep a home clean with pets. With proper design planning, you can cut down on the frustration associated with pet hair, dirt and damage to your home! Here are 8 tips to Pet-Friendly Decor! Don’t buy expensive rugs Yes, you can use… read more →
Buying your first home is an exciting process, but it can also be a nerve-racking experience. You invest a lot of time and energy seeking out the right home in the right neighborhood. Then the real challenge begins: financing it. Getting a mortgage loan requires you to have enough money in… read more →