Category Archives: Homeowners

Understanding What Counts as Debt When Applying for a Mortgage

A person calculating out her debt-to-income ratio.

When you apply for a mortgage, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) will play a vital role. The mortgage lenders will review your credit profile and check the DTI ratio to assess your affordability. So, the debt-to-income ratio will indicate how much debt you carry, such as credit card balances, payday loans, medical bills, personal loans, and utility bills against your monthly income.

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Understanding How to Take on a Renovation as a Young Homeowner

A young couple hanging up a light as they are renovating a room in their home.

If you have watched home improvement shows like “Fixer Upper” or “Property Brothers,” you are probably very excited to renovate your home. On TV, home renovations look fast, fun, and exciting. However, working through a renovation as a young homeowner comes with a unique set of challenges.

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7 Summer Home Maintenance Tips

Hands in the air with various tools used for home and construction projects.

Summer is a beautiful season to enjoy long days, warm weather, and outdoor activities. However, it is also an ideal time to tackle some essential home maintenance tasks. Proper summer home maintenance enhances your home’s appearance and ensures everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are seven summer home maintenance tips to keep your home in shape.

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The Art of Lighting and How to Elevate Your Outdoor Space

Landscape lighting strategically placed near shrubbery.

As summer arrives, it is time to elevate your outdoor space. You can enhance your comfort, enjoyment, and functionality on your deck, patio, or porch with updated lighting.

Lighting is an essential tool and one of the most important aspects of elevating outdoor spaces and achieving design goals. With the evolution of LEDs and advancements in fixture designs, exterior lighting can be taken to exciting new heights! Here are six tips and techniques to elevate your outdoor space with lighting.

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Real Estate Experts and Why You Should Make Use of One

A couple speaking with a real estate expert while looking at homes for sale.

Thinking of buying or selling a property? You should consider working with a real estate expert to help ensure each element of the transaction runs smoothly. There is not just a single type of realty expert- there are many, and which ones you will need depends on your situation and goals.

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Understanding the Effect of Flood Risk on Residential Property Values

A small wooden house charm sitting in a puddle of water, symbolizing flood risk.

Natural disasters are erratic and unplanned events that can have a drastic effect on your property – and by extension, what it is worth.

In recent years, we have seen much more extreme weather events taking place, and it is taking a toll on infrastructure as a whole. As homeowners, this means we have to put effort into protecting our homes from taking on exponential damage due to the weather.

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Top Tips for Maintaining a Home on a Large Acreage

A rural home on large acreage.

Residing in a house on a large piece of land is the dream for anyone who yearns for privacy, nature, and peace. Shopping for rural properties instead of urban or suburban homes lets you buy more real estate with the same resources. Living in the country gives you room to be more self-sufficient, pursuing agriculture for consumption and profit.

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Stay Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer: The Benefits of Home Insulation

A sheet of insulation laying over blueprints for a home.

Home insulation is not just a home improvement; it’s a game changer for comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year. Properly insulating your home creates a barrier against the cold in winter and the heat in summer, significantly reducing heating and cooling costs.

Beyond the immediate financial savings, insulation contributes to a more stable and comfortable indoor environment, minimizing the impact of outdoor temperature fluctuations.

In this article, we explore the many benefits of home insulation and highlight why it’s essential for any homeowner looking to enhance their living space’s energy efficiency and comfort.

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Income-Generating Retirement: How Real Estate Investments Can Secure Your Future

A man stacking coins next to a small house, symbolizing how real estate investments are a great vehicle for generating retirement income.

Facing retirement can bring a mix of feelings and a big question mark about money. When the cash from work stops flowing and the money saved up is not looking as strong as hoped, finding a way to keep the bank account happy becomes key.

Real estate can be a wise choice for those looking to boost their income, especially during retirement. It is not just about trading properties; it is a pathway to a more secure and comfortable life after work. This guide will walk you through the essentials of making clever real estate investments that could significantly benefit your retirement years.

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Elevate Your Home Decor: Incorporating Brass Finishes with Style

A dining and living area incorporating brass finishes in the design.

Brass finishes have made a stunning comeback in home decor, adding warmth, sophistication, and a touch of vintage charm to any space. From faucets to light fixtures, cabinet hardware to accent pieces, incorporating brass into your home can instantly elevate its aesthetic. So, if you are ready to infuse your living spaces with timeless elegance, let us explore the world of brass finishes and how to incorporate them seamlessly into your home decor.

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