Given the current global pandemic and how it has economically impacted the housing market, ConsumersAdvocate.org hit the ground running by conducting extensive research on how to choose the right mortgage lender and how smart mortgage decisions can pave the way to affordable home ownership. 

This guide on the best mortgage rates features a side by side comparison of 18 different mortgage lenders voted “best for” in various categories.  The lenders were assessed on the type of lender, the mortgage types available, customer experience, and reputation and transparency. 

Whether you are just beginning the search for your perfect mortgage rate and need an understanding of the process in a step one to done manner, or you are months into the process…

By, Katie Conroy

It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of selling your home, buying a new one, planning your move, and traveling to your destination. But moving to a new city can feel strange and foreign, especially if you’re coming from out of state. Many homeowners don’t start thinking about adjusting to their new home until after the big move. If you’re wondering how to ease the transition, try some of these tips to help your family feel at home in your new environment.

Personalize Your New Space

You’ll have an easier time adjusting after your move if you take some time to personalize your new home. Consider doing some light remodeling to make your space feel more like you. Just be sure to go easy and take it one room at a time! In the…

By Brie Taylor at https://brietaylorweb.com/

Not only does a great looking lawn help sell your house, but it can increase the value of your home as well. As you prepare your home to put on the market, you may be burnt out by preparing the home itself. But, you can’t forget about the outside of it as well. The first impression potential buyers will have of your home is the lawn. An impressive lawn makes for impressed buyers, so it’s definitely worth putting time and effort into landscaping.

If you happen to have more time to prepare your lawn, you may want to consider landscaping projects such as hydroseeding and fertilization to make your lawn look healthy. If you aren’t planning on doing a full-scale landscaping project, however, there are still a…

 

 

By,

Katie Conroy

Advicemine.com :: kc@advicemine.com

When building or buying a new home, most people focus on having the essentials such as enough bedrooms and bathrooms, a functional kitchen, and a spacious living room. As time goes on and homeowners go through transitions in life, what they expect and want from their home also changes. Many people have come to realize that having an office in their home can make it easier to accomplish more in a shorter period of time. Whether you’re self-employed or you’ve been working for the same company for decades, having a separate space in your home for work can increase productivity. Here are some easy ways to transform your garage into your dream home office.

Put in a new floor.

Most…

How Much House Can I Afford?

Buying a home is usually the most expensive purchase people make in their lives. It is considered to be a symbol of success which signals to others that you are getting closer to fulfilling the American dream. Knowing that buying a home is a big financial and psychological commitment, finding out how much you can afford should be your #1 priority.

To start your home buying journey, you need to be mindful of the following four things:

1.     Establish your priorities

o   Make a list of your ideal home (features, location, type of property, age, square footage)

2.     Calculate how much you can afford

o   Use the 28%/36% rule

o   Know your debt-to-income ratio (most lenders prefer a DTI under 36%)

…

5 Tips for Buying and Managing Your First Investment Property

By: Katie Conroy, Advicemine.com

Buying an investment property can be a fantastic way to build wealth. If you’re interested in investing in real estate, you might be excited about your financial prospects. But if you’re planning to purchase your first investment property and expand your real estate portfolio, there’s more to the process than simply handing over your down payment and collecting rent. Here are a few guidelines to help you find the right investment property, hire contractors for strategic renovations, and determine a reasonable rental price for your tenants. For more information, visit A+ Construction and Remodeling. 

Understand the Market 

Before buying a…

Assessing Your Options When Deciding on Senior Home Care - by Lucille Rosetti @ The Bereaved

Running out of funds is the primary concern for older people as they prepare for the next phase of life, according to the Journal of Accountancy. Preparing a suitable home for your later years is just as important as financial matters, though. You need a property that you can afford and that can accommodate your changing physical abilities. Thankfully, there are many ways to tailor senior home care to suit your needs. 

Move to a new home

Many seniors opt to downsize with their golden years in mind. Maybe you aren’t particularly attached to your current house or perhaps you want to move (e.g., to be nearer to your grandchildren, or from a chilly climate to…

486 BC - Alexandros Choulos Papagorgio was eating some fine Greek cuisine, when suddenly he spilled his meal all over the floor. His wood floors now stained with oil, Alexandros had a bright idea. He used his roofing “keramik” tile as flooring material in his dining room - making the clean ups much easier.  This origination story is especially interesting since I made it up. Sorry. But this tale about a Greek man getting upset by this dilemma is far more interesting than anything else online. Besides, it achieves the message Im trying to get across - although Tile now comes in incredibly vast variety of cost, material, quality, size, etc, it’s inherent value as a building material is to protect surfaces in messy-prone areas of the home - kitchen,…

Photo by Rawpixel

 

You’ve Decided to Downsize — Now What? 6 Tips for Seniors

By: Lucille Rosetti

info@thebereaved.org │The Bereaved

There are many reasons seniors decide to downsize. For one, letting go of the burden of possessions during retirement can be incredibly freeing. What’s more, it can also help add an extra financial cushion to your retirement income. Regardless of your decision to downsize, there are a lot of bittersweet and stressful moments ahead. One of the hardest is also one of the most obvious — what to do with your current home. Here are three options to consider.

 

Rent Your Home

 

For many seniors, renting out their home can bolster bank accounts, add to a financial safety net, or foot the bill for…

What's happening in Marin real estate this week. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

November 1, 2019 Hi Alex, Welcome to the Marin Real Estate Roundup, the #1 resource for Marin County buyers and sellers.   Weekly highlights Please respond for more info or a private showing Pick of the Week (Off Market - please email for address): Chic Cape Cod Home in Palm Hill, Larkspur. 4 BD/4 BA. Rare, enchanting and ideally situated in sunny lower Palm Hill close to the historic downtown, bike path, little league field and tennis courts, this home brings together an East Coast vibe with the ease and sophistication of the Larkspur lifestyle. $3,200,000. …