Homeownership
Does a Swimming Pool Add to Home Value?
As the weather heats up, there’s no denying the appeal of a swimming pool in your own backyard. Before you take the plunge to have a pool installed, it’s important to ask […]
Buying Your First Rental Property? Here’s What You Need to Know
Like any investment, buying your first rental property entails some risk. But, the rewards can be pretty sweet, too. Ready to become a real estate mogul—or, at least, the proud owner of […]
Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval: Which Is Better?
You know those eye-catching envelopes you find stuffed in your mailbox? The ones that claim you’ve been “pre-qualified” or “pre-approved” for a new credit card or car loan? If you’ve been shopping […]
Pet-Friendly House Tips: Best Home Features for Pets
Some say pets are the new kids. Whether you agree or not, it’s no secret that our fur babies are like family. So, how can you make sure your next home purchase […]
How Do I Get a First-Time Home Buyer Grant?
Saving up for a down payment or closing costs can be a struggle, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer. But, if you know where to look, there are plenty of grants […]
How to Prepare Your Garden for Spring in 7 Steps
Whether you’re cultivating a vegetable crop or planting some beautiful blooms, a garden is a great way to freshen up your home for the spring (and it doesn’t hurt that it boosts […]
Here’s What Not to Fix When Selling a House
Thanks to certain home improvement channels, renovations might seem like a relatively easy way to increase your home’s value. A new door, new floors, a coat of paint, and a few new […]
The Mortgage Process: What to Expect
When you’re gearing up for a home purchase, it’s important to know what to expect from the mortgage process. That’s why we wrote this quick guide to walk you through it from […]
Know Before You Go: Preparing Your House for Vacation
What to plan for when preparing your house for vacation. The weather is warming up, the trees are regaining their green, and the kids — if you have any — are hauling […]
How Much Mortgage Can I Qualify For?
What is “DTI” and how does it influence how big my mortgage can be? We’ve all done a bit of hypothetical house hunting before, right? You’re up late. You’re curious. You want […]
Low Appraisals/Appraisal Gaps: What You Should Know
So, you’re buying a house. You crunched the numbers and you’re ready to nail this purchase. There’s just one issue: the appraisal reflects a lower value than your offer. This is called […]
When Are You Ready to Buy a House? 5 Signs to Look For
Looking for a sign that it’s time to become a homeowner? We’ve got five for you right here. Everyone’s journey is different, but if you can relate to these milestones, it could […]