Forget About the Bank of Mom and Dad — Here’s How You Can Save Your Own Down Payment

Are you considering buying a home for the first time? It might come as a surprise that you’ll want to have approximately 20% of the purchase price of your home for a down payment. For some, it can seem nearly impossible to come up with the funds. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can save a little over time and not have to borrow from the “Bank of Mom and Dad”.

Investing in a New Home? 3 Reasons You Can’t Skip the Pest Inspection

There are so many small details involved in the final sale of a home that it can be easy to forget about all of the things that need to be done. While you won’t be able to forget about a home inspection, a pest inspection can be every bit as important before you sign on the dotted line. If you’re wondering why you shouldn’t forego this important step, consider the following information.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 24, 2017

Last week’s economic news included releases from the National Association of Home Builders and releases from the Commerce Department on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.

Living Under Water Restrictions? Transform Your Garden With These Succulent Plants

It can be difficult to deal with water restrictions if you’re a bit of a green thumb and don’t want your beautiful plants to go to waste. Fortunately, there are plenty of succulents out there that can be quite striking and will still be able to store the water they need to survive. If you’re looking for some low-maintenance plants that thrive in the dry season, here are a few succulents that will do the trick.

Squad Goals: 4 Steps to Throwing a Patio Party Your Friends Never Forget

Summer may be the season for swimsuits and beachside barbecues, but it’s also a great time to get your friends together for a party in your own backyard. Whether you’re ready to show off your new home or are just looking for a good reason to celebrate the season, here are some ways to ensure your party is one that will make the summertime memorable.

NAHB: Builder Confidence in Market Conditions Dips in July

According to the National Association of Home Builders, July builder sentiment dipped to an index reading of 64 as compared to June’s revised reading of 66, the original reading was 67. Analysts expected the reading for July to increase to 68. Builders cited increasing lumber prices as a concern affecting builders’ outlook on housing market conditions for new single-family homes. Any reading over 50 for the NAHB Housing Market Index indicates that more builders than fewer are positive about housing market conditions, but July’s reading was the lowest in eight months. NAHB said that home builder confidence in market condition “remains strong.”

Buying a Home in a Fire Risk Area: Here’s What You Need to Know

Outside of the significant financial responsibility of delving into home ownership, there can also be a lot of other risks involved that you may not have thought about as a new homeowner. While the requirement of homeowner’s insurance is well known and guarding your house against theft can be commonplace, if you happen to be living in an area that’s at high risk of fire, here are some things to consider beforehand.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 17, 2017

Economic reports released last week included readings on inflation, core inflation, and Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s testimony. Mortgage rates and new jobless claims were released as usual along with a monthly report on consumer sentiment.

Selling Your Home This Summer? Here’s Why You’ll Want to Recruit the Neighbors to Help

With the power of social media, it’s easier than ever to use Twitter and Facebook and your own home website to sell your home online. However, there are a lot of different buyers on the market and that means it’s important to keep all your options open when it comes to marketing your home. If you’re wondering how you can harness the power of your neighbors to get the word out, here are some things you may want to consider

Upgrade My Life, Alexa: 4 Great Reasons to Invest in a Home Smart Assistant

In an age of rapidly changing technology, doing things like programming in temperature changes and monitoring your home security from afar are becoming common. Fortunately, having a smarter home is even easier these days with Alexa, which was created by Amazon in 2014 as a smart home assistant. If you’re looking for an instant home upgrade that will utilize the smartest technology on the market, here’s why Alexa might be a great option for you