Buying a less expensive home that needs some improvement can be a fun way to add character to the house, and if done correctly, save money. While you may be getting a good deal on a house that you can make your own, obtaining insurance on the house may turn out to be difficult and…

Every season brings the threat of basement flooding and being prepared can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. A few ways you can ensure your basement stays dry during wet weather are: Check and maintain your gutters, keeping your gutters clean and working efficiently can decrease the risk of water coming into your…

Searching for a new or first home is an exciting time for many Americans. When you find the home that fits your needs and decide to make an offer, you want to do everything possible to ensure the offer is accepted. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: Compliment the house, many sellers…

According to the Mortgage Credit Availability Index from the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage credit availability increased last month by .5% averaging 116.4. The jump is good news as it means lending standards are becoming more relaxed. Experts have implied that the increase is due to the growing number of jumbo adjustable rate mortgages. Additionally, many…

Home appliances can be expensive and unexpected purchases that cause significant financial setbacks. A few ways you can save money when buying a new home appliance are: Overlook scratches and dings that can help lower the price of your appliance. Look for older models that are still new. Search for great deals at different locations…

According to the Labor Department, U.S. employers added 209,000 jobs last month making July the sixth straight month that the job market has reached 200,000 or more added jobs. The labor market has not experienced job gains for this long of a period since 1997. Job growth will help lower unemployment rates over the next…

Having hardwood floors in your home is a timeless feature that adds to the home’s value, but many people are unaware of how to properly maintain wood floors to keep them looking new for many years to come. A few ways you can keep your hardwood floors well maintained are: Dust the floors every week…

The Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program’s report has stated that there is approximately $22 billion dollars of usable money from the Treasury’s Making Home Affordable program, with an additional $3.4 billion available from the Hardest Hit Funds Program. These available funds are for struggling mortgage holders to ensure they can keep…

Selling a home can be stressful and time consuming, and although the housing market is strengthening, that doesn’t necessarily mean selling your house will be without obstacles. A few reasons you may have trouble selling your home are: Price- if you are pricing your home too high it may take a long while to sell…

Last month, home resales increased at the fastest rate seen in approximately eight months. According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales exceeded many analysts’ expectations by jumping 2.6%, increasing the annual rate to 5.04 million units. As mortgage rates decrease and the U.S. job market continues to grow, the housing market is…