Think you’re a savvy mortgage shopper? You might not be. A study by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that only about half of home buyers shopped around for a mortgage, meaning the other half considered only one lender or broker. That’s great—if you’re a lender. But you’re a borrower, which means… read more →
If you have renter’s insurance, you’re in the minority. According to a recent study, 6 in 10 Americans don’t have this form of coverage. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back—having any renter’s insurance is a smart choice. But is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Muted Bells and Whistles… read more →
When you’re searching for your perfect home, you have different types of houses to choose from. Each has its upsides and downsides. Depending on your needs, you might prefer one of the following: A single-family home A multifamily house A condo A duplex There are various things to consider when… read more →
Renovating your kitchen is an exciting project, but the various tasks involved can also make it a daunting one—especially for home improvement novices. While some projects can save money on the overall costs of a kitchen remodel you need to know when it’s safer to leave tasks to the professionals. Here… read more →
Preparing walls for painting is the most difficult part of the painting process. If you don’t put in the time to scrape, patch, sand, and prime the walls, your finished project will show it. To get beautiful, glass-smooth walls and baseboards, follow these simple preparation tips: Things you Need Vacuum… read more →
Homes cost money. Not just the mortgage and the taxes, or even the down payment, but all the myriad things—from the heating to the gutters—that sap your savings. Aside from careful money management, how can you reduce your daily home expenses? Think Big Your biggest regular expense is likely your mortgage. You may be able to… read more →
If you’re a first time homebuyer, you might get a little queasy when the last line of your good-faith estimate comes in at several thousand dollars. And after the color returns to your face, you might also be a little more than perplexed by some of those fees. Knowing what you’re paying… read more →
Rent prices continue to rise as new renters flood the market. If you’re a renter, this brutal arithmetic adds up to less pocket money and fewer rental options. And while the rental crunch is real, it doesn’t mean you should rush into your next apartment. When you hunt for your next rental, take… read more →
Few people look forward to tax season, and when you’re a new homeowner, filing can be even more daunting. Suddenly, you have new forms to fill out and more potential for making a mistake. But taxes aren’t all bad; homeowners get more tax benefits than renters. And if you can avoid… read more →
A home that used to house tenants can be a great deal for a home buyer—they often sell for less than owner-occupied homes. But there are reasons why these homes may command less than top dollar. There are several things to weigh when considering buying a home that the owner didn’t occupy. Why Sell,… read more →