A report from Prime Time Window Cleaning gives a clear picture of the damage that can be caused by failing to clean out your gutters each year. They report that millions of dollars in damage are caused to Chicago-area homes. The lesson to be learned can be applied across the nation. When Fall comes calling, homeowners must clean out their gutters. One Prime Time Windows customer writes, "Naturally,...

When you enjoy nature, you can bring it inside your home to improve your mental outlook and your physical well-being. Here are five home decor projects that will incorporate nature indoors. Add Plants to Your Home You can add beautiful planters to your home for a variety of lush and green houseplants, but today, some homeowners are creating hanging moss walls that create a natural appearance in a room....

There are different types of underwriting. Underwriting, which is making certain the loan complies with the guidelines for which the loan is for, can be a thorough review or it can be a quick ‘drive through’ type where the loan application gets less scrutiny. What are the differences and why do lenders do both? First, it depends upon the quality of the loan itself. Early on, when I first got into...

I would say this is the most frequently occurring question professional stagers field every day! On the surface, you can certainly understand why the question is raised repeatedly. There are many reasons to support the process of staging a property prior to bringing it to the public for review. Let’s look at a few of them. Who is Buying? Whether you know, or believe it, it is true; the buyer will...

Buying a new home can be both intimidating and exciting, especially since it’s one of the biggest purchases you’ll make in your life. It pays, therefore, not to jump in without careful thought and questions. Since buying a home comes with risks and obstacles all its own, you’ll want to approach the market prepared. Below are some tips and considerations for when you’re ready to make the...

More. More. More. That’s what we want in life, and certainly in a home. Right? We’re conditioned to reach for the stars, and, in the real estate world, that means going for the biggest home you can. But is bigger always better? Yes, price-per-square-foot is an important factor in determining the value of a home. But it’s not the only one. The reason why the price per square foot method is a poor...

If you're planning to buy a home but don't have enough cash saved for the down payment, you may be wondering: Can you borrow money for a down payment? The short answer is: sometimes. Mortgage lenders generally need to verify where the money you're using to purchase a home comes from. Your down payment, closing costs and required cash reserves typically need to come from an acceptable, documented source....

With the exception of the VA and USDA programs, along with certain down payment assistance programs, almost every residential loan program does indeed require some sort of down payment. Many borrowers want to come to the closing table with as little cash as possible, and as the down payment amount is the largest chunk of change needed, the lowest down payment is often the request. A conventional loan can...

If you’ve been putting off home improvements because you don’t have the time, budget, or energy for a major renovation, you’re not alone. The good news is that improving your home doesn’t always mean taking on a full-scale remodeling project. Some of the most noticeable improvements can be completed in a weekend—or even in an afternoon—with relatively little construction. Whether you’re...

For years, sellers have been told to keep everything neutral when preparing a home for sale. Remove personal items, paint everything beige, simplify the décor, and try to appeal to as many buyers as possible. But is “neutral” always the best strategy? Not necessarily. The most effective staging doesn't just make a home look nice—it helps potential buyers picture themselves living...