MORTGAGE BLOG

5 Ways to Decorate Your Front Porch for Fall

Blog posted On September 21, 2022

With Fall right around the corner, this is the time that people start pulling out the Fall decorations. For many, this is the time to spruce up the front porch with pumpkins, straw bales, and more fun Fall decor. 

5 Ways to Decorate Your New Home on a Budget

Blog posted On July 20, 2022

Moving into a new home is an exciting process, but sometimes decorating it can be an extremely daunting and expensive task. This can be especially true if this is your first home, or if you are moving into a bigger place and you need to buy additional furniture to fill the home.

Below are five things you can do to help decorate your new home on a budget.

DIY Projects That Can Boost Your Home’s Value

Blog posted On June 15, 2022

Are you thinking about putting your house on the market? Certain updates can help you maximize profits from the sale of your home. It may be overwhelming to think about the cost of renovations, but there are several medium-to-low-cost updates that can quickly boost your home’s value.

6 Ways to Create the Perfect Outdoor Space

Blog posted On May 11, 2022

It’s that time of year again! Temperatures are starting to rise, which means people are beginning to spend more time outside. Is your outdoor space ready to start hosting your family and friends? Here are some tips on creating the perfect outdoor space that will prepare you for your upcoming outdoor gatherings.

The Cost of Aging in Place

Blog posted On December 01, 2021

When you approach retirement, you’ll be faced with the decision of whether to stay in your home or move.  Many retirees choose to downsize or move from a single-family home to a townhouse or condo.  Others choose to renovate their current home to accommodate expected life changes.  If you’re considering whether you’re going to stay in your home or move when you retire, make sure to account for all the expected costs.

9 Quick Ways to Decorate Your Home for Thanksgiving

Blog posted On November 24, 2021

You’ve called the family. Your kitchen is cleaned and ready to go. You have the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and all your favorite baking ingredients. Everything’s ready for you to host Thanksgiving at your house. But what about the decorations? The table centerpiece? The placemats? In case you need some last-minute help with festive décor, here are nine quick DIY projects that can help spice up your home’s Thanksgiving vibe.

What to Know About Insurance and Wildfires

Blog posted On September 08, 2021

Over the past several years, the severity and size of wildfires across the U.S. have increased at an alarming rate. In 2020, nearly 40,000 forest fires destroyed 4 million acres of land. In California alone, almost 500,000 homes are located in wildfire zones – as are millions of other homes across the country. But many homeowners are unaware of their risk – leaving them vulnerable for hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

6 Decorating Tips for Homes with Pets

Blog posted On July 14, 2021

Having the company of furry friends can add significant joy and health benefits to our lives. Many studies have shown that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression, high blood pressure, and stress. However, owning a pet can also wreak havoc on your home. It might be harder for you to incorporate your pet’s belongings into a new home’s design, but with these six quick tips, you’ll have a model pet palace in no time.

Home Renovations with the Highest and Lowest Returns

Blog posted On May 20, 2021

Home renovations can be costly endeavors, depending on the scope of your project. Some homeowners might renovate simply because they need more space. Others might have the goal of boosting their home’s value. If the purpose of your home renovation is to increase your home’s value, it’s important to weigh out its cost. Certain renovations might not have the same resale value that you imagined. To help you plan for your home renovation, here are the current home upgrades with the highest and lowest return on investment (ROI).

A Home Buyer’s Guide to a Pet-Friendly Purchase

Blog posted On April 07, 2021

When buying a home, it’s important to consider the needs of all family members involved. For many families, this includes the needs of a furry friend. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 50% of American households have at least one pet, and nearly 90% of those households said their pets’ needs are very important factors when buying a home. If you’re one of those 90%, consider these four questions to find the perfect place for both or both you and your pet.

6 Quick Tips to Help Sell Your House Fast

Blog posted On March 25, 2021

Staging your home for sale is always important – even in a busy market. With the help of good staging, you could garner more buyer interest, close on your home faster, and potentially increase your profit. To get started with a solid home staging, follow these six easy tips from REALTORS® across the country.

10 Easy Ways to Go Green at Home

Blog posted On March 17, 2021

There’s one day a year that everyone loves to go green. Some think it saves them from a pinch of the skin, while other hope it can lead them to a pot of gold. But with a few simple changes, you can go green every day of the year – right in the comfort of your home – and save a lot more than a pinch. 

6 Factors that Affect a Home’s Price

Blog posted On March 02, 2021

Home price appreciation has surged over the past year – up 10.1% year-over-year, according to the recent Case-Shiller home price index report. This is the first time that home prices have seen a double-digit gain since 2014, as more buyers have been flooding the housing market and fewer homes have been available for sale. Whether you’re a proactive homeowner getting your house ready to sell, or a savvy home buyer looking to make a smart investment, knowing which factors affect a home’s price could help you maximize your returns in the future.

7 Simple Ways to Spruce Up Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Blog posted On February 03, 2021

Nothing says “welcome home” like a freshly trimmed front yard and a newly painted front door. Though we all know we can’t judge a book by its cover, when it comes to your home, the front cover matters. According to a study by the Journal of Real Estate Finance, your home’s curb appeal can contribute up to 7% of the overall price. For a $300,000 house, that’s equivalent to $21,000. So, if you’re preparing to sell your home, be sure to touch up its curb appeal with these seven simple strategies.

All Hands on Deck: 6 DIY Projects for You and Your Family Before Winter

Blog posted On October 15, 2020

As we roll into the eighth month of the global pandemic, you may be wondering, how many more games of Monopoly can I play?  From bike rides to hikes, movie nights to game nights — you’ve done everything in your power to keep the family entertained.

7 Inexpensive Ways to Add Value to Your Home

Blog posted On November 07, 2019

When you’re staging a home for sale the details matter. A couple of inexpensive changes can make a big difference to potential buyers who are touring your home.  Your Realtor or real estate agent is the expert when it comes to staging your home, but here are some ways you can up the perceived value of your home before you list.