Author: fort_wayne_realtor

Laundry machines use a lot of energy. To save on power costs, consider the following when doing laundry: Use cold water to cut a loads energy use by more than half. Cold-water detergents can help ensure clothes get clean. Your washer will use about the same amount of energy no matter the load size, so…

The mortgage process can be complicated if you jump in without any prior knowledge on home-buying and lending. The best tool you can arm yourself with is an understanding of how your mortgage interest rate is calculated. Credit Can Make or Break You Your credit score will determine how reliable you are in the lending…

Shopping for a mortgage can be overwhelming. Even if youve owned a few homes and have had a few home loans, chances are there are some mortgage options you dont know about. Here are four to ask a mortgage expert about: A 20 percent down payment isnt a must. The long-held view that at least…

Figure out what items you need. Don’t hold onto things just because of sentimental value or because you might need them “someday.” Separate items by rooms and areas according to their function. This will allow you to create an organizational system both you and your kids can understand and adhere to. Use empty closet space…

When its time to file taxes, people want to claim as many deductions as possible. Home improvements are defined for tax purposes as work that increases the value of a home, extends its useful life or modifies it so it can be used for a new purpose. Examples include adding a new room, upgrading plumbing…

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With a variety of home surveillance kits available, many handy homeowners have chosen to install security cameras themselves. The installation process can be easy, but knowing the proper way to place and angle the cameras is vital to keeping your home as safe as it can be. The most important factor in judging where to…

These are the best trees to plant in your yard if you love fall foliage. Red Maple The red maple is a perfect choice if you want shade in the summer and vivid colors in the fall. Quaking Aspen Theres nothing quite as striking as a golden grove of Aspens in the fall. Dogwood With…

Windows that are old, damaged or worn out are inefficient and can lead to high utility bills. Replacing windows can be a huge financial investment, but it can also be an opportunity to choose styles that are better suited to your familys needs and preferences. If youve lived in your house for several years, you…

Hopeful homeowners applying for a loan who aren’t able to put 20% down upfront may be hearing their lender talk about Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. A PMI comes into play when a buyer, unable to come up with a 20% down payment, is seen as a risky investment. Instead of simply blocking the borrower…