Author: Anne

If you’ve got kids going back to school, you’ve probably bought your fair share of pens, crayons, and notebooks this past week. The thing is, those supplies could end up anywhere – but don’t worry, even if your two year old finds it all, it’s not the end of the world. Here are our best […]

Everyone talks about “rate shopping” when it comes to mortgages.  It’s the pervasive belief that misleads a lot of people – but not you, because you’ll read this blog. (wink wink)  While some rates can change, what mortgage rate you get mostly depends on how you manage your credit and debt. That’s right. No matter […]

If you’ve ever been to an open house, you know there’s a lot to consider.  Is it actually cramped, or is it those drapes?  Will it need a new AC in the next year?  What are houses in the neighborhood selling for?  Only you know what’s most important to you and your family, but there […]

Moving is stressful… and without being organized, it can be downright chaotic. But where to start?   Here’s some tips to help you stay organized during a move! If you like apps, try these! Sortly. You can compartmentalize your house by room, by boxes, by… nearly anything! This app boasts checklists, being able to photograph items […]

If you’re looking for a home, you’ve probably heard the term “Private Mortgage Insurance,” or PMI.  This the insurance you pay on a loan when you have a low down payment, and it’s to protect lenders and investors from defaults on a mortgage loan. When you have to have PMI: You typically are required to […]

Happy Independence Day!  We hope you get to spend it with your families, enjoying all the things that fill our favorite memories. Family is really important to us, and we know it is to you too.  Independence Day makes us remember that more than ever, and the freedom we have to life, liberty and the […]

So, what makes a home inspection important?  And what are the ins and outs of it?  A home inspection is an important part of purchasing a home.  Here’s the rundown of what it looks like… When does it happen?  A home inspection usually takes place after a seller accepts a buyer’s offer. This protects you […]

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you know the stress of making sure everything is clean, tidy, and fresh looking before a showing.  It’s easy to envy those perfectly styled homes you see in that home magazine subscription you just pitched. So, in an effort to make it as easy for you (and […]

If you’ve ever seen the term “DTI” on a mortgage or realtor search and wondered what exactly it meant, fear not!  DTI stands to debt-to-income ratio, and it’s not as complicated as it might sound. Here’s a simple guide to what it is, how it works, and why it’s helpful for you! What is a […]

There’s been a trend for young home buyers to purchase a “forever home” instead of a starter home.  So instead of going for a smaller, usually 2 bedroom home with a smaller price tag that they’ll stay in for 5 years or so, young home buyers are looking to buy a bigger home in their […]

We love a good house plant. Filling your home with green and growing things has so many benefits, including being beautiful décor when you’re selling and staging. But what about when the rooms that need it are low light and a little harder to plan?  Never fear. After battling many a north or south facing […]

A VA loan is a mortgage loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  And it may be exactly what you or a military family you love needs. Basically, it’s a loan given by private lenders, but instead of having to pay a large down payment and/or mortgage insurance, the lender is protected […]