Here Are a Couple Ways That Lenders Determine How Much You Can Borrow: 1. Percentage of Gross Monthly Income Many lenders follow the rule that your monthly mortgage payment should never exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.This will ensure that you are not stretched too far with your mortgage… read more →
Using technology to help manage the household can add up to a good amount of time and money saved—not to mention a significant reduction in things (paper calendars and planners) and clutter (all those papers!). Here are the top four apps our clients hate to live without. Perfect Your Budget… read more →
Before purchasing a house, it’s important to hire a home inspector to evaluate the home from bottom to top—including the attic. This often-overlooked storage space can provide visual cues to potential problems in the safety and structural integrity of a home. If there is damage present, the inspection can help you determine… read more →
Reopening of the Renwick Gallery November 13-14, 2015, Washington DC. The Smithsonian museum reopens after an extensive renovation. On Friday, explore the galleries, meet curators Bell and Atkinson, and take tours led by museum docents. On Saturday, attend a free family festival with craft activities, artist demonstrations, musical performances and special… read more →
Choosing color palettes can strike fear in the hearts of even the most confident homeowner. Many people struggle to decide which color scheme will best complement the inside of their homes. They don’t trust their ability to match complementary shades. Others fear they may quickly tire of the color palette they… read more →
Shopping for the best mortgage involves more than just checking interest rates and loan terms. Many borrowers are surprised by the many additional costs involved in closing the loan. Almost all closing costs relate to fees that the mortgage lender is charged by a third-party company and then passes on… read more →
Looking for a four-legged friend to share an apartment with you? These breeds have many of the traits desired for apartment living. Remember that every animal has a unique personality and breeds don’t guarantee a perfect fit, but these pooches and kitties are among the top recommended breeds for apartment… read more →
You can get a great deal on real estate owned property, but buying a home owned by a lender comes with some risk. Lenders sell REO properties “as is,” meaning you won’t receive any information about the history of the home. That could create some problems when you go to insure… read more →
Though often overlooked, your garage is one of the most important rooms in the house. It’s also one of the largest. It gets used several times everyday. It acts as a main storage unit. Plus, if you have an attached addition, it probably becomes your most accessible entryway, which makes… read more →
Without your parents to literally take care of the roof over your head, the college experience is an eye-opener when things inevitably go wrong around the house. When you rent your own place, you’ll have to call your landlord when you need something fixed. However, there are a few fixes you can make… read more →