Two things can happen when the mortgage rates go up before you’ve found a home or locked-in your mortgage. You’ll either pay the current mortgage rate which means a higher payment, or you’ll have to increase your down payment to keep the monthly payment at the same level. If the rate were to go up […]
Measuring Square Footage
Square footage is commonly used to determine if a home will fit a buyer’s needs. The price per square foot can be used to compare the costs of different homes and even, determine the value of a property. The challenge is what is the source of the square footage measurement and how was it done. […]
Checking for Water Leaks
Aside from standing water in your yard or water running out from under a sink, the first indication that you might have a water leak comes from a larger than normal water bill. Before calling a leak specialist or a plumber, there is a simple diagnostic you can perform. Go through your home and make […]
Old Keene Mill Shopping Center Renovations Completed by Thanksgiving 2019
Who has the Tea? Springfield Va Shopping Center gets a Facelift. The Old Keene Mill Shopping Center located in Springfield, VA is hoping to have all the construction completed by Thanksgiving of 2019! I was on a mission Sunday afternoon. One, to try something new at Starbucks; little consistency addiction. And two, find out when […]
Building Equity
Owning a home is the first step to building equity. Tenants build equity but not for themselves; they build it for the owners. Equity is the difference in the value of the home and what is owed on the home. There are two dynamics that cause this to grow: appreciation and principal reduction. As the […]
Taxes and the Homeowner
Since personal income tax was enacted in 1913 with the 16th amendment, homes have had preferential treatment. The mortgage interest deduction is based on up to $750,000 of acquisition debt used to buy, build or improve a principal residence. In addition to the interest, the property taxes are deductible, limited to the new $10,000 limit […]
Show Them You’re Serious
June and July are the busiest home sale months of the year. When inventory is in short supply and you may be competing with other offers, it is important to show the seller you’re serious. Make your offer look as good as possible because you may not get the chance to make or accept a […]
Don’t Leave Home Without…
You been planning this trip for some time and almost every detail has been considered…or has it? Have you thought about how to protect your home while you’re out of town? What’s going to make sure that everything you left is still there in you return? Nothing could ruin a trip more than coming back […]
