Category: News

The housing market tight in many parts of the country and affordability a big issue for a lot of buyers, so buying a fixer-upper is something you might be considering. We’ve all seen the home make-over shows with amazing before and afters but is it right for you? Here are a few things to consider: 1. Know Your Limits How much of the work can you do. How much time do you have to put into renovations. Are you prepared to live in a work zone for a while 2. Work Out Costs In Advance Have a contractor walk through the inspection with you and get a written estimate for work he would do. If you are doing the work yourself price the costs of supplies, either way add 15%…

We want to wish everyone a safe and happy Veterans Day. And to especially thank all the veterans (and their families) who served to protect us.

Interest rates are still at historic lows but may not stay this low for long. With rates low and many owners seeing a rise in their equity, many people are asking about cash out refinancing or getting a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Here is a quick breakdown of the similarities and differences between the two loan types. Both allow you to get cash out immediately and in both cases you are borrowing against the equity in your home. The major differences is with a cash out refinance, you are replacing your first loan with a new one and the home equity loan is a second loan to your existing first mortgage and an additional payment. Cash out refinancing generally has a lower interest rate, as it replaces the…

Buying the right house for you might be at the top of your list, but the neighborhood is important too. Here are a few tips to consider: HOA and Property Taxes - these can actually vary widely between one area and the next so make sure to check them and if there is an HOA check the rules in advanced! Schools – we probably don’t need to mention this – if you have kids or are planning to, then you probably already have this in mind. Neighbors – this can be a little tricky but it’s a good idea to get a feel for your neighbors. You may want to try an old fashioned hello and ring the doorbell of a neighbor and introduce yourself. Area Attractions – this can…