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Your home affects your health. In fact, research shows that when your surroundings are appealing to you, they are more healing to you as well. So when you make improvements to your home’s environment, those changes improve your well-being and affect your frame of mind,…

It might seem strange that mortgage companies use gross monthly income when determining affordability instead of 'take-home' pay. After all, it's the take-home pay that consumers use for their monthly expenses and bills - including the mortgage. But there are a few good…

This year has been nonstop uncertainty. The coronavirus pandemic led to shutdowns and major changes to our everyday lives. Those changes are likely to continue as we head into winter. Cities have been hard-hit, not only in terms of public health, but also economically.…

Keeping up with the upkeep of your home is a like having a second full-time job. So, how is your second job going? Do you feel like you know what you need to maintain around your house (and when), especially for those things you reply on every day, like your appliances and…

December 2020 Market Update According to the National Association of REALTORS®, existing home sales continued to increase for the fifth consecutive month in October 2020. Interest Rates According to Freddie Mac, 30-year fixed rates decreased from 2.80% to 2.72%.…

Upgrading your home with new, smart technology could not only keep you safer and save you time and money, it could also increase the value of your home! Here are a few simple, smart upgrades you can make now that will appeal to buyers for years to come: Thermostat Smart…

It’s not too late to address a few home maintenance musts before winter fully sets in. Here’s a list of last-minute tasks to knock out before you go into hibernation mode. 1. Check and clean the gutters one last time. As the last leaves have fallen, take time now to…

Colder weather ahead doesn’t mean you have to forfeit your precious outdoor space. This year especially, you’ll want to enjoy your backyard or balcony as long as possible. Here are some tips to make the most of your space this fall and winter. Clean up ahead of…

This time of year, many homeowners start planning for the busy holiday season ahead. Part of your planning should be thinking about ways to ensure your oven range and other vital kitchen appliances are ready to handle the inevitable spikes in holiday meal making. One of the…

Are you preordering your Thanksgiving feast, or making it all from scratch? Either way, when you follow these simple food safety practices, you can avoid the likelihood of food-borne illness and more importantly, help ensure an enjoyable holiday with your family. Tips for…

Most Tax-Friendly States of 2020 Retirees are often the main group we imagine moving from higher-tax states to states considered tax-friendly. The coronavirus pandemic, however, has led younger people, many of whom are in their prime career years, to also look for…

How to Buy a Home Sight Unseen If you're thinking about buying a house right now, you're probably wondering how best to go about it. The truth is, you can still do in-person tours in some places, depending on the local regulations, but many people are buying homes right…