In November 2014, my spouse and I were thrilled to buy our first home, fulfilling a dream we had long held. We’re social people and couldn’t wait to host friends and family in our new place. We also enjoyed working on home improvement projects, embracing what homeownership is all about. But, just 18 months later,…
Many people think that home improvement projects always increase a house’s value, but in reality, only certain changes do. For instance, repair work can boost your home’s worth when done by professionals like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba. But not every home upgrade pays off. Shows like “Fixer Upper” might inspire you to remodel your kitchen…
There’s no simple solution to protecting your home, and many companies claiming to offer loan modifications and foreclosure prevention have turned out to be scams. Lots of struggling homeowners have been tricked and ended up losing money that could have saved their homes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is trying to fight these fraudulent companies,…
You’ve finally saved up enough money and finalized your plans for a home renovation you’ve been dreaming of. Now comes the tricky part – finding a dependable contractor who fits your budget. Here are five essential tips to help you find the best contractor within your financial limits. **TAKE YOUR TIME SEARCHING** It’s natural to…
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a way for homeowners to borrow money by using their home’s value as collateral. Think of it as a secondary mortgage, with your primary mortgage as the first lien. If you’re weighing your options between a HELOC and a home equity loan, here’s a breakdown to help…
People often say you shouldn’t pay off your mortgage early, but it really depends on your situation. If you’ve got a low interest rate, like under 4%, you might save around 3.625% annually by paying it off early. However, this isn’t a huge savings, especially when you compare it to potential investments that might earn…
Dreaming of owning your own home one day? It’s a great idea to start thinking about it sooner rather than later, depending on how long-term your plans are. For me, having a place to call my own was always a big dream, and it became even more important when I became a mom and wanted…
A Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, allows homeowners to access a line of credit using the equity in their home as collateral. It’s a type of second mortgage, where the first mortgage retains the primary claim on the property. Have you ever found yourself choosing between a HELOC and a home equity loan?…
Brooklyn’s rent prices might soon surpass those of Manhattan. Traditionally, New Yorkers who found Manhattan too pricey were advised to look into Brooklyn. That advice might not be valid anymore. Rentals in Brooklyn have been increasing faster than those in Manhattan year over year. In August, the median rental price for an apartment in Brooklyn…
This article is brought to you by Chase, with insights from Everything Finance. Most people think that spring is the best time to buy or sell a home. This belief is rooted in both practical reasons and some old misconceptions about the housing market. In spring, many folks are eager to get outside after a…