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 […]

Becoming a homeowner doesn’t equip you with the basics of household know-how, although time and experience will likely teach you how to tighten up a leaky faucet. But technicians say that up to 30 percent of their service calls require nothing more than the flip of a switch or the push of a button to […]

Whether you’re scoping out a vacation property or looking into becoming a homeowner for the first time, applying for a mortgage is a lengthy and complicated process. While your real estate agent and lender will be there to walk you through the details, knowing what possible errors could lay in waiting will help you make […]

Attic fans, also called full house fans, can be an effective and cost-efficient way to cool a home. They bring in cooler air from outside through vents and push the hot air outside. Doing this means less reliance on your air conditioner, particularly in late spring and early summer when nights are still relatively cool, […]

So you’ve got new kitchen cabinets. Congratulations! But now what? For those wondering how to finish their brand-spanking-new cabinets, we run down the pros and cons of painting vs. staining”the two most popular finishing avenues. The kitchen is one of the most important factors in your homes value, so consider how the following information impacts […]

When applying for a home loan, it’s important to keep in mind how much monthly mortgage you can afford. Through the approval process, lenders will factor in your credit score, income and other financial data to determine the maximum loan amount youre eligible for, and you may qualify for more than you can afford. Consider […]

Financing solar panels for your home isnt cheap. The good news is that there are many options. Based on the average house paying $75 per month for electricity, a solar system that generates that much power costs around $25,000 to $35,000, according to the Solar Power Authority. Utility company incentives, tax breaks and other subsidies […]

The higher a down payment is on a house, the cheaper the mortgage will be. Its simple math. The traditional down payment of 20 percent for a house is just that ” traditional. There are all types of loans that can range from zero down to 3, 5 or 10 percent of a homes purchase […]

Clearing out clutter is key to staging a home for sale, and it’s the best way to make a room look more organized and spacious. Bottles, cans and other items that pile up can make a cabinet or shelf look crowded. Getting rid of some of these items can be a small step toward a […]

If you dont pay your property tax bill, expect your lender to reach out. Property taxes can be one of those homeownership costs that you dont think about when shopping for a home. But theyll hit you sometime during the buying process”there’s no hiding from them. Property taxes vary by state, county and even city, […]