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...
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Blog
Pay Off Debt or Save for Retirement?
Should you prioritize paying off debt or saving for retirement?If youre younger and have high-interest debt, tackle that first and pay beyond the minimum monthly rate.Youll be able to stop wasting money on interest and then focus on long-term goals.If you have...
4 Steps to Win a Bidding War
From a buyer’s standpoint, getting into a bidding war for a house they want is never fun. They can offer more money than they ever planned to spend and still end up without the home of their dreams. A real estate agent should be able to tell you ahead of time if...
Here’s How to Bring Warm Minimalism into Your Home
Minimalism has been having a moment for some time now. As trends evolve and tastes change, however, were seeing a slight twist being put on the less-is-more movement. The result is warm minimalism.For those who enjoy the lack of clutter but find minimalism to be too...
5 Pro Design Tips for the DIYer
If you’re redesigning your living space, you know that your options are endless. From color schematics to feng shui, there are myriad ways to set up your home. Below are five pro design tips to keep in mind.Eye-level art. Do you want your walls to look like a gallery?...
Put a Little Life into Your Lights
Whens the last time you paid attention to your lights, switches and fixtures?They may seem like little things, but when selling a home, everything counts, so putting some thought into your homes lighting can go a long way toward sprucing up your home without emptying...
Challenges of Owning a Historic Home
Owning a historic home provides old-world charm, but it can also pose challenges.Historic homes often need more maintenance, and outdated technology, such as heating units, could mean higher bills.If decorative fixtures need repair or replacement, the materials may be...
Tips for Organizing Your Home
No matter the size of your home, odds are you could still spend all day cleaning. Even though life tends to get in the way of secondary chores, identifying your homes major bound-to-be-disorganized areas can help ease the clutter tension in your home and save you...
Is a Second Mortgage a Good Idea?
If you need money for home improvements, college tuition or another purpose, you might be able to secure funds with favorable terms through a second mortgage. Before you do so, it’s important to make sure you understand the terms and potential risks.How Does a Second...
New Home Trends: Papered Ceilings?
You may have heard that wallpaper is making a comeback. But have you heard about wallpapered ceilings? Technically, this trend is called ceiling paper, and it can transform a room in the same way papered walls can.Highlight a space. Do you have a home office tucked to...
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The Difference Between Pre-Qualified and Pre-Approved
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...
Pay Off Debt or Save for Retirement?
Should you prioritize paying off debt or saving for retirement?If youre younger and have high-interest debt, tackle that first and pay beyond the minimum monthly rate.Youll be able to stop wasting money on interest and then focus on long-term goals.If you have...
4 Steps to Win a Bidding War
From a buyer’s standpoint, getting into a bidding war for a house they want is never fun. They can offer more money than they ever planned to spend and still end up without the home of their dreams. A real estate agent should be able to tell you ahead of time if...
Here’s How to Bring Warm Minimalism into Your Home
Minimalism has been having a moment for some time now. As trends evolve and tastes change, however, were seeing a slight twist being put on the less-is-more movement. The result is warm minimalism.For those who enjoy the lack of clutter but find minimalism to be too...
5 Pro Design Tips for the DIYer
If you’re redesigning your living space, you know that your options are endless. From color schematics to feng shui, there are myriad ways to set up your home. Below are five pro design tips to keep in mind.Eye-level art. Do you want your walls to look like a gallery?...
Put a Little Life into Your Lights
Whens the last time you paid attention to your lights, switches and fixtures?They may seem like little things, but when selling a home, everything counts, so putting some thought into your homes lighting can go a long way toward sprucing up your home without emptying...
Challenges of Owning a Historic Home
Owning a historic home provides old-world charm, but it can also pose challenges.Historic homes often need more maintenance, and outdated technology, such as heating units, could mean higher bills.If decorative fixtures need repair or replacement, the materials may be...
Tips for Organizing Your Home
No matter the size of your home, odds are you could still spend all day cleaning. Even though life tends to get in the way of secondary chores, identifying your homes major bound-to-be-disorganized areas can help ease the clutter tension in your home and save you...
Is a Second Mortgage a Good Idea?
If you need money for home improvements, college tuition or another purpose, you might be able to secure funds with favorable terms through a second mortgage. Before you do so, it’s important to make sure you understand the terms and potential risks.How Does a Second...
New Home Trends: Papered Ceilings?
You may have heard that wallpaper is making a comeback. But have you heard about wallpapered ceilings? Technically, this trend is called ceiling paper, and it can transform a room in the same way papered walls can.Highlight a space. Do you have a home office tucked to...