Cathy Lutz

A federal program helps low-income families buy a home with a unique method meant to encourage saving: It matches dollar-for-dollar what they save to buy their first home. The Individual Development Account, or IDA, doesnt offer a lot of money to help with a down payment ” up to $2,000 in federal matching funds with […]

Buying a condominium can be a smart start to being a homebuyer, without many of the maintenance hassles of owning a detached home. Insurance through the homeowner association, or HOA, covers some areas of the complex, though each homeowner must have their own insurance to cover certain parts of their property and their belongings. Heres […]

According to a recent HomeAdvisor research report, Americans spent on average $564-$2,260 to install a home automation system, with prices ranging as high as $15,000 to install a hard-wired system. While outfitting your home with a full suite of smart home technology can be pricey and intimidating, there are some smaller ways you can start […]

Shopping for a mortgage can be overwhelming. Even if youve owned a few homes and have had a few home loans, chances are there are some mortgage options you dont know about. Here are four to ask a mortgage expert about: A 20 percent down payment isnt a must. The long-held view that at least […]

Do you dream of a light, airy living space? Do you want to feel like you’re living inside of a cloud? Below are five tips for a lighter living space, now. Paint it white.Well this is an obvious one. From walls to wood paneling and hardwood floors, two coats of white paint will turn your […]

A 30- or 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage with the same payment amounts each month is one of the most common ways to buy a home”but not everyone can qualify for a traditional mortgage, or has the money set aside for a sizable down payment so they can get a low-interest loan and have affordable payments. Here […]

Many hopeful homeowners may get confused by the terms modular and manufactured when it comes to property types. And while modular and manufactured homes tend to get used interchangeably, they are actually very different. Technically, both types of homes could be considered manufactured, since they are both built in a factory or manufacturing facility, but […]

Interest rates remain low, though thats no reason to stow your money under your mattress. Hiding your money at home wont earn you any interest, and thats one of the benefits”no matter how small”that banks and credit unions can offer customers. But banks and credit unions have different benefits and drawbacks, and knowing how each […]

Carbon monoxide poison is a silent danger that claims over 400 lives in the U.S. annually, as well as over 20,000 visits to the emergency room, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To keep your family safe, know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: Headaches Nausea Vomiting Dizziness Shortness of breath Fatigue […]

One feature that many people look for when buying a home is a fireplace, but not everyone understands what exactly goes into getting a nice fire roaring. Knowing the terms can help. For instance, the fireplaces flue allows smoke to move through the chimney, and the damper is an opening you can adjust to control […]