When it comes to saving money, improving your home’s energy efficiency can be a great way to rack up savings with minimal effort and plenty of benefits. Many energy-saving tips also cut your carbon footprint while also improving the comfort and value of your home. Here’s a look at a few strategies to help you save:Heat pumpsWhen you’re dealing...
Few decisions are as significant as buying a home. It’s a milestone that many aspire to achieve, but the path to homeownership can be paved with financial challenges, particularly for those still grappling with student loans. Here are the factors you should consider when deciding to buy a home while managing student debt:Pros of buying a home...
Topics: Financial Education, Homeowners, Mortgages / Home Equity
Are you thinking about selling your home? If so, you might want to put these improvements on your to-do list before you list it. Certain upgrades and projects can help your home shine in a sea of listings and attract numerous buyers to check out your abode. The more interest you can generate, the better the selling process will be! ...
Topics: Homeowners, Mortgages / Home Equity
Homeowner’s insurance is a necessary but costly expense to safeguard the money you’ve invested in your house. Yet you may be paying more for home insurance than you need to. There are ways that you may be able to reduce your rates and keep more of your money for improving your house instead of insuring it:Ask about discountsHere is an easy...
Topics: Financial Education, Homeowners
Buying your first house is an exciting step — and one that comes with many new responsibilities. Along with maintaining your home, you’ll also need to care for your lawn so it stays healthy and attractive. Not sure where to begin with mowing, watering, fertilizing, and all the other tasks associated with lawn care? These tips will steer you in the...
Topics: Homeowners
If you can’t afford a house on your own, or if you wish to purchase one together with a friend, a family member, or a partner, a joint mortgage could help you make homeownership a reality. Here’s a closer look at this financial tool and how it works:What is a joint mortgage?With a joint mortgage, two or more people can pool their resources and ...
Topics: Homeowners, Mortgages / Home Equity
The real estate market is quite different from other markets and can be confusing for even the most experienced buyers and sellers. You will need the help of a real estate agent whether you are an experienced buyer or doing it for the first time. Even with the help of an agent, you can educate yourself on some of the basic elements of a real...
Topics: Homeowners, Mortgages / Home Equity
Christmas is just around the corner, and if you're in a position to do it, paying off a family member's mortgage is one of the biggest gifts you could give this holiday season. A mortgage can be a heavy burden on a young homeowner, which is why paying it off is the ultimate act of charity. But when it comes to paying for someone else's mortgage,...
Topics: Homeowners, Mortgages / Home Equity
There are things that everyone shares: the need for food, the search for love, and the intrusion of mice into our homes. But don't despair! There are several ways to deter and remove mice. Read on to learn about a few of the more well known, if a little out-there, methods.
Topics: Homeowners
If you own a vacation home or split time between multiple properties, you may be able to earn income by renting to others. But before you decide to pull the trigger on turning your vacation home into a rental property, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions and be aware of some of the potential challenges. Don’t neglect Uncle Sam One of the...
Topics: Homeowners