Skip to main content

Don't Downplay the Down Payment


 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

For Builders and Buyers, Lumber is a Bummer

  For Builders and Buyers, Lumber is a Bummer Over the past several years we’ve seen  real   estate  prices climb higher and higher due to a limited supply and an increased demand, but a new factor is pushing prices up even further: the skyrocketing price of building materials. So, what’s behind these increased prices, and, more importantly, when can we expect some relief? We’re all painfully aware that the pandemic triggered widespread supply chain issues, and building materials have been no exception. Supplies of steel, aggregates, and cement have dried up, but the trend might be most noticeable when it comes to lumber. Nearly every aspect of home construction necessitates lumber – framing, trim, doors, flooring, windows, railings, and cabinets. The pandemic shut down lumber mills across the country, and supply chains were slowed by a shortage of truck drivers. Low interest rates and a lack of existing inventory increased demand for new construction, and all that n...

Which States Have the Lowest Cost of Living?

  Which States Have the Lowest Cost of Living? For many of us, the past year has brought about a slew of unexpected changes. The pandemic didn’t slow rising home prices or increase the amount of available inventory in major metro areas, but what it did do was dispel the idea that all office workers must be tethered to a physical location. With remote work becoming more and more normalized, many Americans are wondering why they’re paying exorbitant housing costs for less space, less privacy, and less stability. With that in mind, let’s take a glance at the most affordable places to live in the United States by cost of living index*. Mississippi:  With a cost of living index of 84.8 (the national average is considered 100), Mississippi has the lowest housing costs in the country and has held the top spot for years. You can expect to pay around $134,000 for a home, so if you’re looking for a new home town where your money can go further, Mississippi might be for you. Oklahoma: ...

Vacation with Peace of Mind

  Vacation with Peace of Mind Ready to finally take that extended vacation this summer? Since it’s probably been a minute (or 751,680 minutes) since you’ve last traveled, here are a few helpful reminders for ensuring your home stays mishap free while you’re away. Set Your Thermostat If you have an AC, heatpump, or evaporative cooling unit, make sure to leave it on to prevent mold, mildew, and other conditions caused by heat and humidity. Adjust your thermostat to 4 degrees higher than you would if you were home, which will reduce energy use while ensuring that the unit runs periodically. If you can, invest in a smart thermostat, which will allow you to monitor and control conditions at home via a handy smartphone app wherever you are. Turn Water Off When you are going to be away for an extended period, it's a good idea to turn off your main water line. This can prevent plumbing leaks from occurring in your absence, which otherwise could result in significant water damage and costly...