Many home sellers often overlook easy and relatively inexpensive fixes and upgrades that not only increase visual appeal but may also add real value to a home’s selling price. While major remodeling is costly and may not address the needs and tastes of prospective buyers, these repairs and maintenance suggestions have universal appeal and may […]
If Mother Nature didn’t do ample damage with heavy rains, lightning, and hail, get ready to weather another storm in the way of contractor scams. As if there wasn’t enough to deal with in terms of flooding, downed trees, torn-off shingles, and cracked siding, now you have to put your trust (and money!) in the […]
Many first-time home buyers are confused about the way mortgage interest works; in fact, it’s fairly easy to understand once you think about it. As you know, any type of loan—whether it’s a mortgage or a car loan—requires you to pay interest to your lender for the use of this money while you’re paying it […]
Mortgage lenders, like companies that make car and credit card loans, take a risk that the person borrowing their money will be unable to repay it. While mortgage companies use criteria such as credit scores and down payments to determine the likelihood that the borrower will repay the loan, they also use mortgage insurance (MI) […]
The hail storm that passed through Madison this week sparked some phone calls asking what to do about air conditioner hail damage. Here are a few tips for what to look for with hail damage to AC unit coils and metal covers. Air conditioner hail damage can be superficial as with the exterior metal casing, […]
A healthy plumbing system can help lessen the chance of leaks, ruptures, clogs and other not-so-nice events. Homeowners who take some basic precautions and implement a few simple steps can be more confident in the state of their home’s plumbing, and can save on costly repairs as well. Know where the main water shutoff valve […]
All of the costs incurred in the course of purchasing or refinancing a home are called “closing costs.” They include fees that you pay the lender, most importantly the origination fees, but other fees as well, such as appraisal, title, and recording fees. Closing costs are usually paid from the borrower’s funds, but often you […]