Congress enacted the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010 in response to the mortgage crisis that led to America's Great Recession. The two parts that apply closely to homebuyers are the Ability-to-Repay (ATR) and Qualified Mortgages (QM). A Qualified Mortgage is a category of loans that have certain, more stable features that help make it more likely that borrowers will be able to afford their loan. These loans do not...
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our bathroom, one of the rooms you clean most, hides areas that rarely see a scrub brush. It’s time to tackle these 5 nasty spots you probably forgot. If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your bathroom, we don’t want to know what’s living in your tub. Probably, a host of staphylococcus, the skin infection bacteria that, a recent study showed, more frequently grows in tubs than in garbage cans.
By: Gwen Moran All it takes is for one ember to fall on your roof. Don't let it happen. How do most homes ignite during a wildfire? A floating ember or piece of burning wood touches down on a roof, gutter, in a vent, under a deck, or on a porch and ignites leaves and debris, says the National Fire Protection Association. Or else, a surface fire simply takes the fast lane to your home via dry...
By: Joseph D'Agnese Conduct a do-it-yourself home security check by walking around your house to assess what needs to be done to reduce the risk of a break-in. A professionally installed and monitored home security system is a nice addition to your home’s defenses, but it shouldn’t be step one. First, conduct your own home security check. After you’ve inspected your...
By: Gwen Moran Most homes aren't covered for the #1 natural disaster, flooding. Here's the scoop. Most people think they're covered for flooding with their homeowners insurance policy. But they're not! You must buy a separate flood insurance policy to be covered. If you're in a floodplain, and you have a mortgage, you likely do have the insurance because mortgage companies require...
When it comes to kid-friendly projects, a little advance planning helps avoid last-minute trips to the store and provides your child with a smooth DIY experience. Tip: Make sure kids have safety goggles and dust masks, just in case.
How your home looks from the exterior — can increase your home’s sales value up to 17%, a Texas Tech University study found. That's right! Stage Your Yard! Tips for Making the Outside and Gorgeous as the Inside:
Ever wondered what steps you need to take to buy a home? You picked the perfect place to start. Right here! We've chosen 12 steps that you should focus on when you buy a home. Meet with a real estate professional: Discuss the type of home you're looking for, including style, price, and location. The Buyer's Advantage: As the home buyer, your agent's commission is paid by the seller of the...
Are you getting ready to navigate the home selling process? Here are 6 Tips to do BEFORE you sell. Can you guess what #1 is?
Although this is a great place to begin, it’s important to keep in mind that all may not be as it seems. Here are our top tips to avoid getting duped by listings online.