Category: real estate info and tips

If youre looking for a new home, you probably already know that a mortgage lender will consider your credit score, percentage of available credit used and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. If your score is too low or your credit utilization or DTI ratio is too high, the lender may charge you a high interest rate or…

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Its official: Wet rooms are a rising trend in luxury bathroom design. For years, theyve been used as a solution when space was limited, but this style is increasingly being seen in high-end homes for many reasons. Before we dive into them, however, you might be asking yourself, What exactly is a wet room?! While…

Create the ideal outdoor kitchen by paying attention to these characteristics… Figure Out the Features The grill is the star, but a stove top, sink and refrigerator add tons of convenience. Seating Matters Consider two seating areas: one for casual hangouts and another for al fresco dinners. Put a Roof Over It Extend the roof…

If youre buying a house or condo, chances are you are going to need a mortgage, as having total cash on hand is rare. Most people know you should shop around for a strong rate and lender before agreeing to terms, but many dont realize the different people involved. By understanding the lender community, you…

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…