House flipping has become a popular practice in recent years. Investors purchase older, often rundown homes and restore them to their former glory with a little DIY magic. While these stories make for good television, they don’t always have a…
Your home can be a valuable financial resource if you’re looking to fund an important project or consolidate debt. Accessing your equity through a loan, home equity line of credit or cash-out refinance can be a smart move in the…
Outdoor spaces can provide a lot of aesthetic value to your home. But what if you want to make your yard or patio a true extension of your living space? Whether you’re planning on spending quality time with the family…
When budgeting for a new home, there’s a tendency to focus on saving up for the down payment and closing costs. You may have also factored in the ongoing costs of your mortgage, insurance and property taxes. But those aren’t…
Older homes come with built-in history, a unique character and nostalgic charm. But over many years, they may also harbor hidden problems that can cost a pretty penny once they finally surface. Knowing how to detect and correct these issues…
Refinancing allows borrowers to reduce their monthly mortgage rates and payments, shorten loan terms and convert home equity to cash. But refinancing can be complicated — even responsible borrowers with relatively high credit scores and a history of timely payments…
Many retirees dream of trading the responsibilities of homeownership for the carefree lifestyle of assisted living. Others would rather grow old at home near friends and family, where they can enjoy the fruits of their labor. But not every home…
Spring cleaning is more than an annual tradition. It’s the necessary response to a long winter of tightly sealed homes and trapped indoor allergens. Wiping the slate clean of accumulated dust and dander provides a fresh start prior to peak…
Positioned at the intersection of two adjoining streets, the corner lot is a polarizing topic in real estate circles. For some, it’s a premium plot of land; for others, it’s an area to be avoided. Truth be told, the upsides…
As you may know, saving for a competitive down payment was one of the primary obstacles homebuyers faced in 2023. With high prices and rising mortgage rates, many buyers have turned to down payment assistance (DPA) for relief. But while…
