Cathy Lutz

New buyers can get overwhelmed by the additional expenses incurred during homeownership. Besides making monthly mortgage payments, homeowners may have to pay for gardening, pest control, pool maintenance, plumbing fixes, electrical work and more. But the good news is that tax time offers homeowners a number of deductions and credits not available to renters. Check […]

Home insurance may be one of the last things youll think about when buying a home, but in some situations, insuring your biggest asset isnt so easy. And without insurance, you wont be able to qualify for a home loan. Here are five things that can make getting home insurance difficult, or at least more […]

Choosing a real estate professional you’re comfortable with is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to putting your home on the market, but anyone going through the buying or selling process needs to be aware of the different types of listing contracts available”and which suits them best. Exclusive Right to SellMost commonly […]

Air quality has a direct impact on our health, both in and outside of our homes. While much is being done to improve the air outdoors, maintaining a healthy level of air quality inside is evenly important. A range of triggers can lower indoor air quality, including carpets, chemical cleaners, heat sources and humidity. Build-up […]

You look at the palm of your hand and you can almost see it, the glistening, sense-of-security-giving key to your new home. Youve planned out your budget, youre on track for mortgage loan approval, youve thought of neighborhoods, youve called the agent, you are pretty much set. But then you figure, wow, what kind of […]

Owing more money on your mortgage loan than your home is worth”commonly referred to as being underwater on a home mortgage”can seem hopeless. There were 6.7 million underwater homes in the U.S. at the end of the first quarter of 2016, representing 12 percent of all properties with a mortgage, according to RealtyTrac. The numbers […]

If you have ever owned any stainless steel products, you know how beautiful and appealing the look can be. Stainless steel appliances give a renovated kitchen that POP! it needs, while steel also makes for a very durable cookware product that never disturbs flavors, yet guarantees a balanced heating of foods. It also resists corrosion […]

If youre looking to add a bit more green to your design scheme, youre not alone. House plants are a popular way to add fresh beauty, and clean up your air while youre at it. However, keeping a house plant healthy is a responsibility, even if its a small one. Consider the following plants that […]

When it comes to protecting our eyes against harsh, damaging UV rays, most of us think about popping on sunglasses for long days at the beach; however, it’s possible to incur UV damage right at home, especially if you have an abundance of wide, bright windows. In fact, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology […]

If you’re shopping for a home loan, you’re likely focusing on interest rates. Below are a handful of questions you may have about the art of the interest rate. How are interest rates determined? Interest rates are influenced by shifting economic indicators in your financial market. This type of fluidity means they can change daily, […]