A majority of Americans are confident in their most recent big financial decision, such as picking a credit card, buying a home or car or refinancing a mortgage, and as many as 59 percent say they deserve an “A” or a “B” when it comes to their personal financial knowledge, according to a recent survey by the National Foundation for …
Moving brings exciting possibilities of a different neighborhood, fresh spaces to decorate and new family traditions to be made. But it also means leaving behind people and places you love. While some sentimental items can be taken to your new place, many memories just aren’t transportable. That’s why it’s even more important to protect those goods that can make the …
When selecting a tree to plant at home, it’s important to keep in mind the future growth of the tree, say the experts at SDG&E, a Sempra Energy utility. Note that as trees grow to mature heights, they can interfere with overhead power lines and, in some cases, underground utility lines. Before planting a new tree, follow these safety guidelines. …
We are always thrilled to hear when folks make the jump to home ownership. And it’s important for prospective homeowners to know about all the resources available to them to help the experience go as smoothly as possible, especially when it comes to financing. Earlier this year, the U.S. Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov) released a report with some revealing …
In many homes today, it’s a common practice to hang a flat screen television above the hearth. While it may be appealing aesthetically, homeowners must be cautious when considering installing a TV above the fireplace, says the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Keep safety in mind with these tips.
You only get one chance to make a first impression and that first statement for your home begins with your front door. Fortunately, there are a few simple projects to help welcome your family and friends into your home with style. Start fresh with a new door Sometimes the simplest answer is to begin with a clean slate and replace …
In an attempt to bolster the buying experience for first-time buyers, Fannie Mae recently announced the HomePath®Ready Buyer™program, qualifying first-time homebuyers to receive up to three percent of the purchase price in closing cost assistance toward the purchase of a HomePath property, upon completion of an online homebuyer education course. On a $150,000 home, this could result in up to …
Whether it’s a thunderstorm, tornado or flooding, severe weather can be detrimental not only to your wellbeing, but also to your property and neighborhood. If severe weather threatens your area, keep in mind these FEMA guidelines.
Average fixed mortgage rates moved lower this week following a weaker than expected jobs report in March, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®). The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.66 percent, down from 3.70 percent the previous week. The 15-year FRM averaged 2.93 percent, down from 2.98 percent the previous week.
