Pools: what you should know For decades, having a swimming pool in your backyard has been a milestone in the American dream. Pools provide endless entertainment and even become a watery hearth for the backyard. They’re yet another way to turn a house into a home and bring cherished memories into your family life. So, should you put in a

  Tips for a successful spring house hunt It’s spring. Finally, some warm weather and time outdoors with the ones you care about most. Spring is also one of the peak times of the year to buy a house. Competition is high and people want to get in and out of their homes before things start to heat up for

  Do yourself a favor: Get pre-approved! We are always asked, “Can I afford to buy a home at X price?” The bottom line is that this question often carries a sophisticated answer tailored to the financial state of each homebuyer. Other than calling Suze Orman, there is one step that we strongly encourage you to take in order to

    The Three Biggest Steps Toward Saving for a Down Payment The down payment on a mortgage can be one of the biggest hurdles in the journey to homeownership. It is important to have funds available for a sizable down payment (20% or higher), as this will allow you to forego paying monthly private mortgage insurance. Overall, the equation

  Credit issues? The non-QM loan could be for you After the housing crisis, the Dodd-Frank Act ushered in regulatory reform for the minimum standards for mortgage lending practices. Part of this regulation provides protection to lenders from losses, so long as the lenders sell mortgages that comply with the standards set by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It’s a