Best Home Improvements to Add Value to Your Home

Many home improvement projects don’t add value to your home, especially in a down market. In fact, some improvements can even detract from the asking price when you decide to sell. On the other hand, some projects can add significant value to your home. So which home improvement projects should you invest in, and which […]

What’s the Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval?

Unfortunately, without proper preparation, many buyers get lulled into the mistaken notion that if a lender pre-qualifies them for a mortgage, it means that they have been pre-approved for the home loan. There’s a world of difference between these two terms. If you’ve ever been confused by the two, this will explain how they differ, […]

Top 10 Things You Should Do Before You Move in to Your New House

Moving into a new house is a busy time. But there are a few things that you should do right away to ensure your safety and peace of mind. There are the basic tasks needed to set up your move, including: Changing your address with the post office Arranging for your old utilities to be […]

Best Fishing Spots in Texas

Fishing is an integral part of most Texans’ lives, and now that summer is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to head out on the water and try to catch yourself a nice supper. Texas has countless places for excellent fishing, but here’s ten of what many consider the top fishing spots in the […]

Buying a House Without a Spouse

Getting married has several financial consequences; it can raise or lower your taxes. It can alter the types of retirement accounts you’re eligible for. It can affect your insurance rates. And yes, being married can also impact a mortgage. While there are many things to take into consideration when you purchase a home, you may […]

Is Friday the 13th an Unlucky Day?

Friday has been considered unlucky since at least the 14th century, when Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales associated the date with bad fortune. And, an ancient Norse myth may be responsible for the bad rap the number 13 gets. According to the story, the 13th guest at a dinner party arranged for the blind god of […]

Freshen Up Your Home With Paint

Paint is one of the most abundant and most versatile tools anyone can have in their redecorating toolbox. It can make a dark dingy room suddenly seem light and airy or transform a cramped area into one that appears spacious and bright. While walls, of course, are your biggest canvas they don’t need to be […]

Qualifying as a First-Time Home Buyer in Texas

Did you know that the definition of a first-time buyer isn’t restricted to people purchasing their first property ever? According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, it also includes the following: A person who has not owned a residence for at least 3 years. A single parent who previously co-owned a home while […]

Pricing a Home to Sell

While there are additional factors that come into play when pricing a home, such as time of year, supply and demand, and market fluctuations, the right price is ultimately the maximum amount that a buyer is willing to pay. It’s important for sellers to keep emotion out of the process, which can be understandably difficult. […]

Home is Bought – Now What?

What’s better, renting or buying? There’s no universally correct answer to this question, but one option may be a much better choice for you. For some, homeownership was a no-brainer. Here are the top reasons to think about when buying a home, and how to determine whether or not you may be ready to buy […]