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 →
For many people, New Year’s resolutions often lose their motivational power by the middle of January. But unlike a commitment to save more or eat less, a resolution to refinance can be accomplished within a few weeks and you can reap the benefits for the rest of the year and… read more →
Welcome the New Year with visits to restaurants you have wanted to try, but have yet to visit. These restaurant weeks are welcomed by residents all over the area. Often there will be up and coming restaurants or old favorites. With locations throughout the DC metropolitan area, its easy to… read more →
Your home may be your castle, but you don’t have to pay a king’s ransom to keep it warm. Here are 6 things you should know about heating your house. Baby, its Cold Outside Sitting in your overcoat with the thermostat at 78 degrees? You could have a problem. If you… read more →
The world of mortgage lending has changed significantly since the housing bubble burst. Mortgage lenders have returned to traditional loan standards that require extensive documentation of income and assets for a loan approval. Government regulatory agencies also continue to react to the housing crisis, with more adjustments to mortgage requirements… read more →
Starting Jan. 1, manufacturers will stop making 60- and 40-watt incandescent light bulbs to comply with new federal energy-efficiency laws. Yet one manufacturer claims only 40 percent of people it surveyed are aware of the changes. With new light-bulb rules taking effect Jan. 1, should you choose halogens, CFL-halogen hybrids or LEDs… read more →
One of the main objections to real Christmas trees is that they are thrown away after the first use. Some people who want a real one choose to buy a living Christmas tree and plant it later. Others purchase an artificial tree to be used for many years, though that still… read more →