A finished basement can be a fantastic addition to a home. People have successfully transformed their gloomy cellars into brightly-lit, versatile spaces for entertaining or just relaxing. Long for a basement overflowing with comfort and style instead of dust and clutter? A basement remodel might be for you!
You’ve seen the promos on TV [...]
What should you know before deciding whether to pay mortgage points or not? Lots!
Here are a few Q&As to get you started:
Q. What is a point?
A. A point is interest paid up front in order to get a lower mortgage rate from the lender. A lower mortgage rate means lower [...]
Should you buy a home of your own, or just keep renting?
The answer depends on many factors, including — but not limited to — the state of the real estate market, what you can afford for a down payment, your total monthly debt expenses, your credit score, your job security, and how long [...]
From school supplies in August and cars in February, it can feel like there is a “season” for everything you might be planning on purchasing. Which of course means there is also a season when, if you are patient, you can get the deals – ever noticed there are no bargains available for lawn furniture [...]
Trying to decide whether it will be curtains or blinds in your new home? Or, maybe a combination of the two?
Window treatments are used for a variety of purposes, including privacy, light control, and interior décor, and making the perfect choice isn’t as easy as it might seem.
Curtains and blinds — the [...]
Have you been putting off painting that room because just the thought of it is daunting?
Well, don’t be intimidated! Real Simple offers a helpful do-it-yourself primer that shows you how to paint a room in six easy steps.
And, all it takes is these six basic “tools”:
Mild dishwashing detergent Cellulose [...]
Okay, you’re in the market for a new sofa. The minute you hit the showroom, you’re going to be faced with a multitude of style options, but a minimum of upholstery choices: basically leather, microsuede (a polyester microfiber fabric with a suedelike, water-repellent finished surface), or fabric.
The style you choose depends on what [...]
Maybe you’re still early in the house-hunting stage, but it won’t hurt to start rounding up some of the paperwork and other information you’ll probably need when it comes time to apply for a mortgage. (If there will be a co-borrower, the same information will be required for each applicant.)
Social security number. Two [...]
Are you always scouring the Web for decorating and design ideas? Do you bookmark recipes and crafts you’re fond of, or want to try? Are you always referring friends and family to things you like that you think would interest or inspire them, too, whether it’s food or fashion, snapshots or sayings?
A candidate [...]
Your job is secure, you have no outstanding debt, and you have an emergency fund to fall back on. Should you be making additional payments in order to pay off your mortgage sooner?
Why not use our Prepayment Savings calculator to help you decide.
It will give you a quick estimate of how [...]
