Category: real estate blog

Are you living with termites without even knowing it? The wood-devouring insects can often go undetected and wreak havoc on a home, potentially compromising its structural integrity and causing thousands of dollars worth of damage. Even worse, because termite damage is considered preventable, it typically isnt covered by homeowners insurance. That puts the onus of…

Buying a house is complicated. First-time buyers can make costly mistakes. Here are things to avoid Not Knowing What You Can Afford Use a mortgage affordability calculator to avoid wasting time looking at listings that are too expensive. Not Comparing Rates By applying to several lenders, you could secure a loan with much more favorable…

Financing solar panels for your home isnt cheap. The good news is that there are many options. Based on the average house paying $75 per month for electricity, a solar system that generates that much power costs around $25,000 to $35,000, according to the Solar Power Authority. Utility company incentives, tax breaks and other subsidies…

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A VA home loan comes with many benefits, the biggest being no requirement for a down payment. Veterans and service members also dont have to pay monthly mortgage insurance premiums, and interest rates on VA loans are usually lower than other loan types. The first step in getting a home loan from a lender approved…

Here are a few of the reasons why more and more luxury homes are being equipped with smart toilets. Super Sanitary Todays cutting-edge models boast a self-cleaning functionality, air-purifying systems and automatic flushing. Personalized Experience Some high-tech toilets boast adjustable heated seats, foot warmers, ambient colored lighting and even Bluetooth capability. Built-in Bidets High-tech toilets…

Life can change fast. For example, you could lose your job, a family member could fall ill, or an accident could occur. For many homeowners, unforeseen circumstances like these can cause financial problems that hinder their ability to keep up with mortgage payments, putting them at risk of losing their house. If youre having trouble…

Regular maintenance is an ongoing process for every homeowner. Keeping up with smaller projects is essential if you want to avoid major problems down the road. With a little bit of preventative maintenance, you can ensure that your home remains beautiful and efficient for years to come. Here are four areas of your home that…

Do you dread refilling your cars tank? These tricks can boost gas mileage and save cash Turn off your engine when parked for over 10 seconds, as idling wastes fuel. Avoid aggressive driving”like rapid acceleration and braking”which can lower gas mileage by up to 33 percent. Dont keep heavy items in your car. An extra…

Many lenders pre-qualify or pre-approve mortgage applicants, which can help considerably in the buying process. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some important differences to note. In general, pre-qualification is considered an initial step in which the applicant provides information on income, assets and debts. The lender may or may not require…