10 Credit Myths You Should Forget
With more than one reporting agency and differing numbers, credit scores can be confusing—not to mention there’s a lot of misinformation out there. While it is important to have good credit, don’t believe everything you hear—because even a small misstep could send your credit in the wrong direction. Myth 1: I believe I have good […]
How Old Are Homes in the USA?
Most readers of OldHouseWeb.com own what are considered old homes (built in 1945 or earlier). They were polled about the age of the homes they live in—and nearly half of responders said they owned homes built between 1900 and 1945. About a third own homes built between 1800 and 1899. A small five percent owned […]
The Difference Between APR and Mortgage Interest Rate
Considering taking on a mortgage can be confusing and overwhelming. There’s an endless amount of information and advice and weeding through it can be a monumental task. When you get a mortgage, you are charged two different rates—the annual percentage rate and the interest rate. Understanding the difference between the two rates is important and […]
How Home Loans Work in Texas
If you’ve thought about buying a house in the Lone Star State, you’re not alone. It’s a great place to live! You might wonder how to get a mortgage in Texas, so we’ve put together a list of what you should know about Texas home loans. TDHCA (Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs) Texas […]
Signs You’re Not Ready to Buy a House
There are certainly pros and cons of becoming a homeowner — and stumbling across just one dreamy listing of a home for sale with the perfect open-concept kitchen and fenced-in backyard can leave you thinking about little else. But then you realize you’d rather save your money for a dream vacation and said house doesn’t […]
15 Top Summertime Lawn and Garden Tips
Summer heat creates a new set of tasks and challenges for your lawn and garden care. Take note of these 15 tips — and your outdoor spaces will thrive. You’ll have a lovely lawn and garden all summer that will be ready for the next phase of alterations in the fall. Summertime brings a spike […]
How to Keep Your Home Cool in Summer
Moving into the summer months, you may have graduations and vacations in mind, even though the fun season is unfortunately, the hot season. It’s time to make the shift from keeping as much warmth in the house to keeping it all outside. Here are some suggestions and tips to follow, for keeping your home cool […]
The Best Swimming Holes in Texas
Texans get hit with sweltering heat that sets in around the time the calendar says June, so what do we do? Cool off in one of our many magnificent swimming holes, of course. Hamilton Pool Preserve (Dripping Springs) With the ancient limestone rocks surrounding the pool, the gorgeous jade green water, and the stunning waterfall […]
Best Eco-Friendly Wall Coverings
More than just a stylish appealing trend, sustainability is sought after in all phases of design from construction methods and materials to wall and floor coverings. As demand for these natural products grows, manufacturers and retailers have begun to offer options made from a variety of earth-friendly materials. Many designers have also stepped up to […]
How FHA Loans Work
FHA loans are a great option for first time home buyers — if this is your first home purchase, a Texas FHA home loan is probably your best option with its low down payment and easier credit standards. Your down payment can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price and closing costs and […]