Posted by Jacqueline Richards // June 15, 2020
Home values have increased considerably in recent years in many areas, giving homeowners an avenue to tap their home’s equity to make renovations or otherwise improve their overall financial picture. While this can be a good way to access cash quickly, it’s important to proceed with caution and have a good reason for doing so. After all, […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // June 8, 2020
If you’re sick of renting, you might be considering a home purchase. After all, mortgages tend to be cheaper than paying rent — so why doesn’t everyone just stop renting and buy a home? The truth is that buying a house isn’t just a matter of paying the mortgage every month. There are all kinds of hidden costs of […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // June 1, 2020
June mortgage rates forecast With mortgage rates so low, June is a good time to refinance. There’s no need to rush, though: interest rates might remain near record lows for months. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.365% APR in May in NerdWallet’s daily rate survey. This was the second-lowest average for the 30-year fixed in […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // May 26, 2020
Your real estate agent just called and there’s a prospective buyer interested in coming to view your home… in one hour. How do you get ready, and fast? Check off these quick to-dos that clean up the most highly visible areas in your home—showcasing its best qualities for a better chance at landing that sale. […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // May 18, 2020
No need for fancy DIY skills, a lot of money, or a ton of time to pull off these yard upgrades. It’s your yard — yours to do with as you wish. And while that’s great, that doesn’t mean you have to be one of those people who spends every spare moment in their yard, sprucing […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // May 9, 2020
1) Do a major clutter purge before you even put your house on the market. Give yourself several weeks to do a deep clean and organize. This is also the time to make any needed repairs or cosmetic fixes. Plan on making numerous trips to the Salvation Army, Goodwill, or your installation’s thrift store donation […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // May 3, 2020
Life in the city or the suburbs can be entirely different from one another, so the place you choose to call home should reflect the lifestyle you plan to live. Here are some points to help you determine if you want to plant your roots somewhere suburban or settle in as a city slicker. When […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // April 27, 2020
Rising rents, absentee landlords, ugly wallpaper: At some point, nearly every renter has faced frustrations like these. If you’re planning to move in the near future—especially in an area with high housing costs—you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I buy or rent my home? The answer that’s right for you will rely on several factors, ranging from the practical […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // April 20, 2020
It should come as no surprise that before you sell your home, you’ve got to make it sparkle—after all, prospective buyers will be peeking in every corner, closet, and cabinet they can get into. But when you’re so focused on the inside, it’s easy to overlook the first (and arguably most important) space buyers will […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // April 13, 2020
If you’re struggling to make your monthly mortgage payments or have fallen behind, you may be at risk of losing your home. But depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for a loan modification, which can make it easier to stay on top of mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure. If you’re in this position, […]