Posts by Chris Smith
3 Methods to Organize Your Home and Life
We all have some level of attachment to our things. However, many of us feel as though we’re drowning in stuff. Fortunately, there’s been a growing movement toward minimalism, and there are numerous methods that can help. Below are three decluttering philosophies to help you clear out and clean up your home and life. Feng…
Read MoreFrequently Asked Mortgage Questions
Does the term “amortization” leave you perplexed? Are you unsure how preapproval differs from prequalification? If so, you’re not alone. Here are some mortgage basics to help you become more familiar with the process. What’s the difference between prequalification and preapproval? Getting prequalified is often the first step when searching for a home. You supply…
Read MorePrepare your home for emergencies
Emergency situations such as fire, extreme weather and power outages can happen without warning. By taking the time to prepare for a possible disaster now, you and your family will be equipped to handle a crisis if one ever occurs. Fire Escape Route and Meeting Spot It can take a mere five minutes for a…
Read MoreFastest Growing American Cities
Cities all over the United States are experiencing unprecedented population swells. Fueled by a general migration to urban areas, these boomtowns are supported by steady job growth and thriving home markets. Here are four standouts whose numbers are on the rise. Seattle-Tacoma A healthy tech industry seems to be tempering the rain in the Pacific Northwest. The…
Read MoreSave Energy and Money This Fall
October isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween celebrations; it’s also Energy Awareness Month. Find out how you can reduce your household’s energy consumption this fall while preparing for the seasons ahead. Reducing Home Energy Use The average U.S. household consumes tens of thousands of kilowatt hours of electricity each year, and much of…
Read More5 Mistakes New Homebuilders Often Make
Designing your own home can be exciting, but it’s a lot more work than buying an existing house. With so many moving pieces involved, knowing what works and what doesn’t is key. Protect your home’s long-term value by sidestepping these five avoidable pitfalls of building a new home. 1. Forgetting About Storage Space From seasonal items…
Read MoreInterest Rates – Important Update
It’s been a natural fact that the Federal Reserve Bank was gonna raise the discount rate another 0.25% this December. That would probably raise mortgage interest rates by a similar amount, but there’s a lot more on the horizon. The economy is getting stronger, to the point where the Fed will have to raise the…
Read MoreWhen to Adjust Your Homeowners Insurance
Homes often grow and change alongside the people living in them. If you’ve added expensive furnishings or made substantial upgrades, it’s important to re-evaluate your homeowners insurance and make sure your policy reflects those changes. Here are four instances when it may be beneficial to review and adjust your coverage. Remodeling or Renovation Work Home improvement projects…
Read More3 Types of Secret Spaces for the Home
For decades, characters like Batman and James Bond have popularized hidden doors and clandestine passageways. Many homeowners have followed suit, adding secret areas to store valuables, provide a safe place in an emergency or create a fun playroom. Could a hidden feature make you feel safer, secure your possessions better or add to your home’s appeal? Conceal…
Read MoreHousing Market Trends and Perceptions
Whether you’re interested in buying or selling a home this year, there’s reason to be optimistic. See how a healthy real estate market and positive consumer sentiments are contributing to a buoyant housing sector. Real Estate Trends The U.S. housing market continues its recovery as home prices gradually increase, interest rates remain low and millennials represent the largest…
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