Who are Homeowners by profession

Are you surprised by any of these? Let me know

Mortgage Availability is better Even if your credit isn't perfect

Mortgage Availability Improves

Study: Student Debt Holds Buyers Back, But Doesn't Need To

Study: Student Debt Holds Buyers Back, But Doesn't Need To

Moving-Up? Do it NOW not Later

Things to consider if you are considering moving up:


Moving-Up? Do it NOW not Later


To see how this applies to your unique situation call or email me.

Is it time to lock in your housing cost

Should You Buy or Rent a Home?

Venezuela

Why the violence in Venezuela is the inevitable result of trying to centralize all control

How QM Rule Has Impacted Lending So Far

It would appear that the new QM rule has not had a clear impact other than making sure that some buyers are forced into government programs like FHA where the guidelines are more lenient


How QM Rule Has Impacted Lending So Far

Home Fixes that can fit your Schedule

Quick Fixes

These days everyone has a hectic schedule.  Between work, family, household chores, and social functions it can be hard to get everything done.  Those small tasks around the house can easily get pushed to the bottom of your to-do list.  Believe it or not, most of them can be done in under an hour!

Don’t procrastinate, take one hour and start checking these items off your list.
Hardware Update – Give your kitchen a new look by replacing those drab door handles and drawer pulls.  All you need is a screwdriver.  (If you’re adding knobs for the first time, create a template to ensure you drill your holes in the same spot each time)
Time to De-grime – Fire up the power washer and give your home’s exterior, sidewalks, and driveway a good cleaning.  It can be used to clean gutters and siding, even 2^nd floor windows.  (Make sure all windows are securely closed before you begin)  It will also remove stains left on walkways from leaves and mildew.
Clothes Dryer Duct – Built-up lint can cause your dryer to work less efficiently and is also a fire hazard.  Move the dryer away from the wall and unplug it.  Use your vacuum to remove lint from the wall duct and the dryer itself.
Freshen up – Pick a bold paint color to use on just one wall in a room.  Covering only one wall costs less and takes less time than painting the entire room!
Furnace Filter – This will improve the air quality in your home as well as the furnace’s efficiency.  This should be done at least once every three months and is a cinch to replace.  A simple swap of the new for the old and you’re done.
Build raised flowerbed/garden – Yes, you can actually do this in an hour.  Basically, all you need is a saw, a drill, 8’ sections of pressure treated lumber, screws, construction adhesive, landscape fabric, rubble, and soil.  Cut lumber to size and secure them together, add landscape fabric to the base to prevent weed growth, add a layer of rubble for drainage, and fill with fertilized soil.  Happy gardening!
Fix a Faucet – Tired of a leaky faucet?  If you can wield a wrench, you can install a new faucet.  Turn off your water supply before you begin.  Unscrew connections to your old faucet and screw in the new one. (More detailed instructions should be included with your new hardware)  Adding an aerator at the same time can help lower your water bill.
Weather-stripping – Replace worn weather-stripping in under an hour.  Look around windows and doors for worn pieces that need replaced.  Taking the time to do this now will help save you money on heating and cooling later.

 Hopefully these suggestions have shown you all that can be accomplished with just a little bit of time!

 The best way to get something done is to begin.  ~ Author Unknown

How to Shovel Snow and Protect your Back

We are all going to be doing over the next couple days so it doesn't hurt to be reminded of how to shovel snow correctly

Buying a Home: Should You Do it Now or Later?

Buying a Home: Should You Do it Now or Later?

Be Quiet Chicken Little. The Sky is NOT Falling

Be Quiet Chicken Little. The Sky is NOT Falling

Why Hire a Realtor

Things Realtors wished you knew

Click here to discover what 

5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional

Tips to Endure Winter's wrath

Winter’s Wrath

If you have been impacted by the current arctic temperatures, or if you live in an area frequently hit by winter storms, this article is for you! While you can’t change the weather, you can minimize some of winter’s biggest threats to your home.  
Here are a few suggestions to help avoid potentially expensive damage to your home this winter.

• Keep Pipes Warm – Some of the most expensive damage comes from pipes that burst!  Even if your home is warm, the areas where your pipes are located may not be (attic, basement, back of cabinets).  Wrap pipes with insulation in these colder areas, or open cabinets to allow warm air to circulate.  Allowing your faucets to drip will keep water moving through your pipes and also helps prevent freezing.
• Protect the outside – Clean your gutters to prevent water from clogging and freezing.  Make sure spouts direct water away from your home. Trim low tree branches that could freeze or snap, damaging your home or power lines.  Re-seal around doors and windows with caulk. Unhook garden hoses to prevent pipe damage.
• Carbon Monoxide – Buy a detector to protect your family! This is one of the biggest winter dangers due to improper ventilation of furnaces, generators, propane burning devices or wood stoves. It is recommended that you have a detector on each level of your home.
• Consider a Generator – This can help keep your home warm and keep things running. It can also help prevent frozen pipes and keep you more comfortable. Some insurance companies will give a discount if you have an automatic standby generator installed in your home.
• Check the Roof – If too much snow accumulates, your roof could collapse; especially a flat one or those over porches and additions. Consider purchasing a roof rake that will enable you to “pull” snow off the roof while you stay safe on the ground!
• Avoid Ice-dams – This happens when your home’s warmth melts the snow on your roof and it re-freezes near the roof’s edge. This creates a dam that can force leaks into your roof and damage interior ceilings and walls. If you see icicles dangling from your roof this could be an indication of ice-dams. To help prevent this, keep your attic cold (no more than 5-10 degrees warmer than outside). Prevent warm “leaks” into the attic by sealing holes around light fixtures and ceiling fans.
• Keep Emergency Kits – Keep one in your home and one in your car. Include items like flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radio, a car charger for your cell phone, non-perishable food items, water, blankets, some extra cash, gloves, hats, mittens, etc. Always keep your car’s fuel tank at least ½ full during the winter months.

Taking these steps just a day or two before a big storm hits can make a big difference!

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