Advice

Elimination of Fannie and Freddie: More of The Same?

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Recent government plans to overhaul housing finance call for mortgage programs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to be replaced by a number of smaller companies that would carry out the current role of these two large agencies. Currently both Fannie and Freddie create and sell mortgage bonds backed by the federal government, but current proposals … Read more

Small Spaces: Get the Most for Less

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When living in a small space such as a college dorm room or apartment, making the area comfortable and functional can be challenging. Here are some inexpensive yet effective ways for maximizing your small space. • Storage is the primary issue in a small space. You’ll need to be as efficient as possible, so take … Read more

Summertime Mosquito Control

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Summertime means being outdoors, and being outdoors means one thing: dealing with mosquitoes. Wherever you live in the country, you face these summertime pests to one degree or another, and everyone knows how their presence can ruin a family’s summertime fun. While completely eradicating mosquitoes may be just a dream, there are some things you … Read more

Home Safety for Homeowners and Renters

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It’s May 2011. Do you know where your safety standards are? That’s right, it’s Building Safety Month again, the annual fete of codes, safety and awareness sponsored by the International Code Council Foundation, or ICCF. Whether you’re a builder, a real estate agent, a homeowner, or a renter, this month-long safety focus provides the perfect … Read more

Single Women Targeted For The Home Improvement Scams

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While married couples continue to make up nearly 60 percent of home buyers, over the last decade the number of single women buying homes has increased by 50 percent, accounting for 22 percent of all home sales. Single women households include those women who never married, as well as those who are divorced, single moms, … Read more

New Home Features Trending 2011

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The current trend in home features is smaller, more intimate homes, as well as the disappearance of some of the home’s most traditional rooms. With lingering uncertainty about the economy, among other things, creating a shift in buyer priorities, homebuyers are refocusing on “green” homes (built as such from the start), as well as affordable … Read more

How Much Home Can you Afford? Lending Criteria

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An important step during the home buying process is determining if you qualify for homeownership and how much home you can afford.  Figuring out how much mortgage you can comfortably afford is somewhat difficult because different lenders use different criteria, but you can get a fairly good idea by looking at a few different factors: … Read more