Homeownership is a privilege and a responsibility falling into one of three categories: maintenance, minimizing expenses and managing debt and risk.  Even after decades of owning a home, you may still need some help to handle some of these challenges. One of the most frequent calls REALTORS® receive from past customers is to ask for […]

If you consider the current difference in a 15-year loan is approximately ½% lower, then, yes, it may a good idea.  But, if you can’t afford the higher payment amortized over half the time of a 30-year, then, no, it may not be a good idea. It may be good for some people based on […]

You may have noticed that REALTORS® seem to always think now is a good time to buy and they can usually justify it with solid reasoning.  While it can be true in general, a good time to buy has more to do with the individual than anything else.  There are four things to consider. It […]

If you’re familiar with running out of hot water before you’re through with your shower, a tankless water heater may be for you. If you like conserving energy and saving your money too, tankless heaters are definitely for you. These “on-demand” units typically operate on gas or electricity and only heat your water when you […]

You may be amazed at the impact of making regular, additional principal contributions can have on your unpaid balance. Each month, an increasing portion of the principal and interest payment goes to reduce the payment.  However, when you make an additional principal contribution above the normal payment, it is applied entirely toward principal reduction. You […]

Whether it’s a fire, burglary or other disaster, one of the first things your insurance agent is going to ask for are the receipts for your personal items or a home inventory. You can reconstruct the inventory from memory, but you run the risk of forgetting items, possibly for years after you file the claim.  […]