Whether you’re remodeling or building a brand new home, staying up to date on the latest trends can be an enormous source of inspiration. While not every trend will be perfect for you, knowing what’s popular can help you find the best possible options for your own home. Here are the biggest trends in exterior design to know...

“First-time homebuyer” is a commonly used term in all areas of real estate. But what exactly is a first-time homebuyer? Here are the specific factors that qualify somebody as a first-time homebuyer and why they are important: Who Qualifies as a First-Time Homebuyer? As suggested by the name, a first-time homebuyer is any person who is purchasing their...

Sometimes, loans can be difficult to calculate. Home equity loan figures are no different, but they don’t have to be. All you need is a little understanding of the basics and a reliable equity calculator. Having a trustworthy loan officer available is also a highly valuable resource. Here’s a quick guide to calculating your home equity loan: What...

Smart lighting is available in many shades, colors, shapes and fixture sizes, which makes it easier to blend them into your day-to-day. With this technology, you can control multiple lights in a single room with bluetooth-enabled bulbs and experiment with various combinations. What Is Ambient Lighting? Ambient lighting refers to the first layer of light in the room,...

If you want to bring a fruity dessert to a potluck, consider trying a mango float. A traditional Filipino dessert, mango floats combine fresh, juicy mangos, whipped cream and graham crackers to make a light but decadent dish that’s easy to make in large quantities. Here is all the info you’ll need to make your own mango float...

If you're a veteran, a VA loan might seem like the perfect option for financing a home. However, there are some important differences between VA and conventional loans which could affect your decision. Here are some of the major pros and cons of VA loans to help you make the best financial choice: VA Loan Pros No Down...

There are many reasons a garden wall can be beneficial to your outdoor space. Garden walls can help define and separate areas of the yard, add privacy and improve the view. You can even combine other features like outdoor fireplaces, lighting or water features to efficiently use the space while adding functionality. If you’re thinking about building a...

If you own a home, then you have a home insurance policy. This policy is there to provide you with coverage in the event of something unexpected — such as significant damage from a storm or stolen property. If your home is damaged, you may be able to put some of your insurance claim toward upgrades and renovations,...

There are many reasons a homeowner might become a motivated seller, including financial situation, inheritance or life change. These types of sellers are highly coveted because of their unique situation and often come from a wide variety of property types. Here are some of the most common properties by motivated sellers. Distressed Property A distressed property is one...

You can add style and charm to any room while also providing useful functionality. One excellent way to accomplish this is by dividing a larger space in creative ways. If you've been thinking about ways to divide a room without costly materials and renovations, here are some clever ideas for upcycled room dividers. Salvaged Window Divider Hanging a...

Charming 1942 Cape Cod on convenient Woodbury Avenue. Just painted throughout the inside, new windows, hardwood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, gas heat, City water and sewer, and central air conditioning. The partially finished lower walk-out level leads to a screened and glassed patio and an exterior open patio. The large attached garage with a rear storage shed is a very useful feature. The large flat rear yard awaits its future gardener! The owner used a second first-floor bedroom as a more formal dining room. There are many possibilities in the well-priced home, being sold "as is". The roof is older. Systems are newer! Hardwood...

While VA loans come with numerous benefits, they share many of the same requirements as conventional loans. For veterans seeking a VA loan to purchase a home, it's often required to purchase a homeowners insurance policy. Here is the basic info about homeowners insurance requirements: Is homeowners insurance required for a VA loan? Just like most conventional mortgages,...