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Does the thought of applying for a mortgage in a House Mortgage Brokerage company give you the jitters? Mortgage rates have been rising steadily over the last few months, and it can be a little intimidating to begin applying for a home loan. After all, purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make in your lifetime (not that we’re trying to add to the pressure). However, if you go into the process with a little knowledge, then the whole thing will be much less scary. If you’re ready to apply for a mortgage, then here are four tips you should follow.

Get a copy of your credit report

One of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success when applying for a mortgage is to order your credit report. We recommend getting a copy of your report at least six months before you begin your search. This allows you to check your report for errors and have them corrected before applying. It also lets you know what your credit score is. Lenders will look closely at your credit history and score when determining if you qualify for a loan. The better they are, the more likely you’ll get a deal you like.

Get your paperwork together

Applying for a mortgage requires and generates a lot of paperwork. You will feel less stressed when applying if you get your paperwork together beforehand. The lender at Highline Mortgage will want to go over your finances with a fine-tooth comb. The types of documents that they will request include your bank statements and tax returns so they can get a good picture of your financial situation. Have them organized and easy to access before you apply.

Get smart about your options

As with any large purchase, you will want to shop around for the best deal. Different lenders offer different types of loans, each with its own rates and terms. Some homebuyers opt for a conventional loan which usually requires a down payment of at least 20 percent. But there are other options out there such as DSCR mortgage financing that are worth looking into. You may also consider government-backed loans such as FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans as well. Shopping around could save you hundreds of dollars a month in payments.

Get pre-approved

Once you’ve gotten your credit report squared away, organized your paperwork, and explored your mortgage services options, it’s time to get pre-approved. In today’s market, you must get pre-approved by your lender before you shop for a home. Getting pre-approved gives you a clear picture of how much house you can afford. This saves you time and heartache by allowing you to focus your efforts on homes within your budget. Pre-approval also signals to a seller that you’re a serious buyer and you’re likely to make it to the closing table. While the housing market is shifting away from the extreme seller’s market of the pandemic, there is still competition from other buyers out there. Getting pre-approved will make your offer stand out.

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We’re all looking for ways to economize this year. As we continue to weather the effects of inflation, many of us are trying to save money this holiday season. But that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice any holiday cheer. In fact, you can make your home look extra-festive this time of year without spending a lot of money. Here are some fun ideas for decorating your home for the holidays on a budget.

Decorate with greeting cards

If you’re anything like us, then you receive an avalanche of greeting cards in the mail this time of year. Many of them are so beautiful or feature lovely photos of your friends and loved ones. Why not turn them into a gorgeous – and free – display? Hang them on a string along your mantle or create a collage on the back of a door. It will keep you smiling all season long.

Display wrapped gifts

Why not get a head start on your holiday wrapping this year? If you do, then you can set out your beautiful packages to create a lovely holiday display. Of course, you can stack them under your Christmas tree. But you can also stack them next to the front door or tuck them beneath a bar cart for something a little different.

Make your own holiday ornaments

If you don’t have enough ornaments to fill out your Christmas tree, don’t worry. You can easily make beautiful ornaments with things you already have on hand. Slice and dry a few oranges and hang them from your tree. Or make paper ornaments with leftover scraps of wrapping paper. You can also string small items together to make a garland, such as cranberries, popcorn, pom poms, or any other festive bits and bobs you have laying around.

Hang ornaments in other places

On the other hand, if you have too many ornaments to fit on your tree, then hang them in other places around your home. We love hanging some of our favorite ornaments from ribbons in our windows. You can also hang them in doorways, along stairwells, or even from a chandelier.

Add a touch of nature

Mother Nature is the ultimate decorator, and you can find many things in your own backyard that you can use for decorations. Of course, pine cones are a classic holiday decoration. Place them in bowls on a table or string small ones together to make a garland. Use a selection of evergreen branches in a vase for a pretty centerpiece that will cost you nothing to make. You can even use a large bunch of evergreen branches in a vase in place of your tree this year.

Upcycle candle holders

No need to buy fancy holiday-themed candle holders when you can easily use what you already have at home. Fill the bottom of a mason jar or other clear glass jar with Epsom salt and place a tea light or votive candle inside. Or turn wine glasses upside down and place tea lights on top to create a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.

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While the holiday season is not the busiest time of year in the real estate market, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to sell your home. In fact, when you sell between November and January you’re likely to encounter very motivated buyers. You can also make your home look especially inviting during the holiday season, making it more attractive to buyers. But there are some things you should know to ensure a successful sale. Here’s what needs to be on your radar when you’re selling your home during the holidays.

Keep the decorations simple

Decking the halls is one of the best parts of the holiday season. And it can make your home look warm, inviting, and cheerful to prospective buyers. But don’t go overboard. Keep your decorations simple this year. Opt for decor that is more “winter” in nature as opposed to religious. And it’s OK to put up a Christmas tree, but make sure it’s the right size for the room. A very large tree can make your room look cramped, so opt for something smaller this year.

Focus on your curb appeal

The holiday season is a great time to focus on your curb appeal. But just like your indoor decorations, you should also keep your outdoor display on the simple side. Festive white string lights can make your home look cozy. Add a winter wreath to your front door. And be sure to keep the yard clean and free of debris. If needed, hire landscaping services, paint your front door, and clean the gutters. First impressions are everything after all. The gutters might not be easily accessible to you or your could be busy doing other things. Whichever the reason might be, keep in mind that there are gutter cleaning services that you can call for assistance. If the gutters are looking too rundown, you should consider adding half round gutters to your budget. They will look amazing at first glance, and letting potential buyers know of any neat and brand-new upgrades you may have done in an attempt to make a sale is a good way to keep your property high on their wish list.

Crank up the heat

Make visiting buyers feel warm and cozy by cranking up the heat during a showing. This is especially important in cold climates. If you have a fireplace, then have a fire going during their tour. Play soft jazz or classical music and leave out some delicious holiday treats to make your home feel like an escape from the cold outside.

Price it correctly

The real estate market has been in a state of flux since interest rates have risen in the last few months. Home buyers have more negotiating room than they did earlier this year, and you will need to keep that in mind if you are selling. Work with your agent to find the right selling price for your home. They have the knowledge and experience to help you determine what that listing price should be.

Find motivated buyers

As we said above, those that are house-hunting during the holidays are probably more motivated than buyers are at other times of the year. Work with your agent to target buyers who may be on a deadline. Buyers looking for homes this time of year include those relocating for work, investors who want to hit tax deadlines, and even military personnel if your home is near a military base.

Find time to enjoy yourself

Finally, selling a home can be stressful. That’s why we recommend giving yourself time to just enjoy the holiday season. Make sure to plan times when you can be with family and friends to make the most of this time of year.

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Are you looking to shake things up a little this Thanksgiving? The last two years have certainly been a challenge, and putting a fresh spin on the holiday can be just the ticket to re-energize your holiday gatherings. We’ve gathered a collection of some of our favorite unique traditions to share with you. We think that these ideas can be a fun way to celebrate the season and have you feeling more grateful than ever.

Create a thankful table

It’s fun to give your guests something to do while you’re making all your last-minute meal preparations. So instead of using your regular fabric tablecloth this year, roll out a long sheet of craft paper instead. Then give your guests pens and markers to write down what they’re thankful for. It’s something you can keep and look back on fondly in years to come.

Make an interactive centerpiece

Collect a few branches from outside and place them in a vase in the center of your Thanksgiving table. Then give your guests little cards with strings attached. Ask them to write down what they wish for in the coming year. They can then hang them from the branches. It will create a beautiful centerpiece and can be a wonderful conversation starter.

Have a virtual happy hour

One silver lining of the pandemic is that it forced us to find new ways to connect virtually. Even though you may be hosting an in-person event this year, schedule a virtual happy hour so those that can’t make it can still enjoy the time together. You can schedule it before or after the meal – or even during the meal so you can all eat together!

Collect donations

This is the season of giving, so why not extend that to your own Thanksgiving celebration? Invite your guests to bring a canned good or other non-perishable items that can be donated to a local food pantry. Or raise money for your favorite charity.

Try a new recipe

Everybody loves the staples of the Thanksgiving table and have come to expect turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and all the fixings. Why not mix things up a little by trying out a new dish this year? It can be something that reminds you of a loved one or that makes you feel tied to your family’s history. Share the recipe with your guests so they can recreate it at home.

Take a walk

Instead of plopping down in front of the TV after dinner and watching football, why not take a walk? It’s a wonderful way to work off some of those Thanksgiving calories and gives you a chance to connect with all your guests. When you come back home you’ll be ready for dessert.

Take a group photo

Finally, keep a lasting memory from your Thanksgiving celebration by taking a group photo. You can make it even more fun by providing fun costume pieces or even matching t-shirts that your guests can take home with them.

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The holiday season is officially here. While this time of year can bring loads of good cheer, it can also bring up some anxiety when you start thinking about all the extra money you’ll be spending. From preparing Thanksgiving dinner to starting your holiday shopping, this time of year puts a real dent in your wallet. And with inflation continuing to squeeze our bank accounts, you may be wondering if there’s any way that you can save some money right now. That’s why we’re offering our best money-saving Thanksgiving tips so that you can enjoy the season without having buyer’s remorse come January.

Determine your priorities

If you’re trying to make every dollar stretch this year – and who isn’t? – then it’s important to determine your priorities this holiday season. Do you want to host a lavish Thanksgiving dinner with your loved ones? Then consider scaling back on the number of gifts you buy this year.

Are you hoping to travel to visit family and friends you haven’t seen since the pandemic? Then figure out where you can cut costs elsewhere to comfortably afford those added travel expenses.

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Stick to your budget

It is so easy to overspend during the holidays. Impulse buying can be tempting, especially if you have lots of people on your gift list. To keep costs in check, make a budget. Then keep checking in on that budget to make sure you’re spending is staying within those limits. If you find you’re going over in one area, then you can make adjustments in another. That’s why we strongly recommend determining your priorities this holiday season.

Choose simple decorations

We know how fun it is to deck the halls this time of year. But you can easily create that wonderful holiday ambiance you’re after without spending a ton of cash. Homemade decorations – especially those made by your kids – can make your home feel just as festive. For a pretty and free Thanksgiving centerpiece, collect things like pinecones, nuts, and evergreen branches from your backyard and arrange them in a beautiful bowl.

Streamline your feast

Nobody said you have to make a turkey and a dozen different side dishes to have a real Thanksgiving feast. Instead, focus on a few favorites and one or two desserts. Everyone gets so stuffed during Thanksgiving that nobody is going to feel like they’re missing out. And don’t be afraid to have a potluck-style Thanksgiving feast if you are hosting. Your guests will no doubt enjoy chipping in, and it will both reduce your spending and your stress for the meal.

Shop smart

Finally, when you’re shopping for your Thanksgiving meal, be smart about it. Look for coupons and focus on seasonal produce. Don’t be afraid to shop around a little as most stores will be offering deals this time of year. The same is true for shopping on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Make a list of those gifts you need to buy and shop around for the best deals on those gifts.

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Owning a home means keeping up with all the repairs and maintenance that the home needs. Issues will invariably arise over the years. Things like plumbing and roofing leaks may be too complicated to repair for a regular homeowner. Hence, hiring professional plumbing and roofing services is necessary. For blocked drains, you may have to seek professional drain cleaning services.

However, not all maintenance and repairs require professionals. That’s why it can be such a huge advantage to learn some simple DIY skills. If you’re a homeowner or will become one soon, then these are the most important DIYs that you should know.

Know how to paint

Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update the look of your home. A fresh coat of paint can instantly revitalize a room and make it look fresh and modern. If you’re a homeowner, then you should familiarize yourself with the process of painting a room. This includes how to tape fixtures and baseboards, which brushes or rollers to use, and what colors and finishes work best in each type of room.

Know how to replace filters

Another easy task that all homeowners should know how to do is to replace air filters, especially in their furnaces. While we understand that doing any other work on a furnace or residential hvac system requires a call to a pro, changing the filter is a regular task that will keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently. Find out what kind of furnace filter you have and whether they need to be changed or cleaned. Complete this chore every year to extend the life of your heating system.

Know how to unclog a drain

Calling a plumber for maintenance and repairs can be expensive. That’s why you should learn how to unclog the drains in your home, including those in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Drains can become clogged easily, and you’ll save yourself quite a bit of money learning this simple DIY. It may take some time and effort on your part to get the drain running cleanly again, but we promise you’ll be happy you learned this skill.

Know how to unclog a toilet

Another common plumbing problem you’ll face as a homeowner is a clogged or constantly running toilet. This is another DIY you should learn so that you can save money by not having to call in a professional. Most of the time, all you will need to fix a clogged toilet is a plunger and the right technique. Fixing a running toilet takes a little more know-how and may require dismantling part of the toilet, but it’s a simple repair that anyone can do.

Know how to seal drafts

Do you want to save money on your home energy costs? Inflation is making it harder for many Americans to afford everyday items, let alone high energy costs. That’s why we strongly recommend learning how to identify drafts in your home and how to seal them. Drafts usually come from doors and windows and can be sealed with caulk, foam filler, or weatherstripping. Sealing drafts will not only save you money but will also keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Your kitchen can make or break your home sale. Kitchens are the heart of any home, and most buyers put updated kitchens at the top of their wish lists. So what happens if you’re selling a home that has, let’s say, a less-than-contemporary feel? Do you need to invest thousands or possibly tens of thousands of dollars for a complete rehab? Fortunately, in most cases, that isn’t necessary. If you want to refresh your outdated kitchen, then check out these kitchen remodeling tips that will give you a quick, easy, and affordable update.

Paint wood cabinets

Pine and other woods were very on-trend…several decades ago. While some buyers may appreciate the look of natural wood, most want something more modern. If you have pine or other wood cabinets, then consider giving them an update with paint. While this particular job may require some time and effort on your part, it is affordable and will transform the look of your kitchen.

Swap out hardware

Another easy and affordable way to quickly refresh your outdated kitchen is to swap out hardware and faucets. It seems like such a small thing, but cabinet hinges and drawer pulls are the like the cherry on top of the cake. They can take your kitchen from drab to fab in an instant. The same is true of sinks. By simply choosing from more modern-looking kitchen sinks with water-saving features, your kitchen will be much more attractive to potential buyers.

Refresh your color palette

When was the last time you updated the color scheme of your kitchen? If Reagan was president at the time, then it’s time to make a change. Colors go in and out of style every year, so updating your kitchen’s color palette can also make it far more appealing to buyers. Choose bright, neutral colors that will bounce light around the space and make it feel more spacious and clean. These colors can also be your guide when choosing new countertop finishes like granite countertops. 

Change up the lighting

Lighting can also dramatically affect the look and feel of your kitchen. If you haven’t updated your lighting fixtures in a long time, then this is another way you can quickly and cheaply upgrade your kitchen. There are many choices at most home improvement stores and online and they are often easy to install yourself. Also, consider adding smart lights to your kitchen that can be controlled remotely through a smartphone. You may also consider these mr16 bulbs.

Add new decorative touches

Is your kitchen currently full of roosters, cartoon chefs, or drawings of wine bottles? Do you have lots of word signs placed around your kitchen that say things like “Eat” or “Live, Laugh, Love”? Then it’s time to do a decorative refresh. Word signs and country decor have gone out of style with today’s homebuyers. Most buyers are looking for sleek, modern, and minimalist kitchens that have plenty of space and are easy to keep clean. Remove all the old decor and keep any new decor to a minimum. Swap out curtains for simple window treatments like roman shades or even a window film that maintains privacy but lets in plenty of natural light.

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There’s no denying that it’s been rough out there for homebuyers over the last couple of years. Demand has been high and the supply of homes for sale has not been able to keep up with that demand. It hasn’t been unusual for buyers to submit offers on multiple houses before finally having one accepted. Which can make it all the more crushing when that deal ultimately falls through. Why does this happen? Let’s take a closer look.

Rising interest rates

The federal government has recently raised interest rates in an effort to curb inflation. As a result, interest rates for mortgages have almost doubled over the last year. Many buyers began their home searches before this drastic increase. The homes they once thought they could afford are now out of reach because of the rise in rates. Higher interest rates mean you won’t be able to borrow as much as before. If you got pre-approved for a loan several months ago and are making offers based on that information, then you may not ultimately qualify for that mortgage in today’s market. To avoid this problem, be sure to lock in your interest rate. Check-in with your lender once a month to make sure your estimates are still accurate. If needed, shop around for a different loan. You may also be able to lower your interest rate by paying for points upfront.

Low appraisal

Another reason that your deal may fall through as a buyer is because of a low appraisal. In the frenzy to get an offer accepted, some buyers have offered well above the listing price. But when it comes time to have the home appraised by the lender, the appraisal comes in for less than the price offered on the home. If you don’t have the extra cash to cover the difference, then your deal can fall through. Avoid offering more than you can afford, or ask the seller to renegotiate the price if the appraisal comes in low.

Increased debt

Inflation has put a serious dent in everyone’s wallets. With prices for everyday goods rising as fast as they are, many have turned to credit to keep up with daily expenses. But if you’re in the process of buying a home, be careful. Your lender will be evaluating your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) during the closing process. This is how much money you owe each month compared to how much you earn. The lower your DTI, the better. Most lenders will be looking for a DTI of 45 percent or less. If your DTI is higher than that or has increased significantly since you got preapproved for your loan, that could spell trouble. Avoid taking on any new debt while you’re house-hunting or it could jeopardize your deal.

You’ve found a better deal

Not all deals fall through because of a problem the buyer is having. Sometimes, you may end up finding a more affordable home. Home prices are falling, and you may decide to back out of a deal if you find a better option. Take into account contingencies on your contract as well as any earnest money you may potentially lose to decide if this is the right course for you. You might also try re-negotiating the selling price because of the new market conditions.

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It’s been challenging for buyers in the housing market over the last couple of years. And even though demand for homes has eased and more homes are now available, the housing supply continues to remain low. If you’ve been having trouble finding a home, then it might be time to expand your search to include condos. Luxury condos for sale can be a great alternative to traditional single-family homes, but there can be disadvantages as well depending on your needs. I recommend you the Altura EC property. Altura EC offers modern and sophisticated unit designs, with elegant finishing touches from renowned developers Qingjian Realty and Santarli Construction.

To know more, here’s what you should take into consideration if you’re thinking about buying a condo.

You’ll only own your unit

Unlike a single-family home where you own the home itself and the property surrounding it, when you buy a condo you only own your unit. The unit is usually part of a larger building or a development. The building and the land around it will belong to another party, usually the Homeowners Association (HOA). For some homebuyers, this can be an attractive feature of condo life. It means you’re only responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your unit. The building itself and the land surrounding it will be maintained by someone else hired by the HOA. You may also protect your unit by getting a condo insurance policy.

Condos may be more affordable

Condos can be a more affordable option than a sing-family home. This can be a great way for first-time buyers to finally make their dreams of homeownership a reality. Hillock Green Condo boasts a close proximity to childcare centers and various F&B outlets, along with a supermarket at ground level, ensuring convenience for residents. And there are often additional amenities available to you that you may not have in a single-family home such as a pool or a gym. However, you need to also consider the monthly costs you’ll incur as a condo owner that you wouldn’t have if you purchased a single-family home. This includes HOA fees and building insurance fees. You’ll want to factor those costs in when determining whether a condo is right – or more affordable – for you.

Be aware of possible assessments

If your condo’s HOA is run well, then it has a reserve of money saved up to pay for expensive repairs, such as the replacement of the roof or HVAC system. But if the HOA is poorly managed and does not have sufficient cash for these repairs, then all condo owners may suddenly get a huge and unexpected bill in the mail. When you purchase a condo, you will be given the opportunity to look at the HOA’s books. This will let you know of any large assessments that may be coming down the line and whether or not the HOA is in a good position to handle them.

You’ll have to abide by the HOA rules

When you purchase a condo, you’ll be given a copy of your HOA’s CC&Rs, or Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. This tells you explicitly what belongs to the HOA and what belongs to you. This makes it clear who would be responsible for condo roof inspections, repairs and maintenance. It will also tell you the rules of the HOA. This can include restrictions for parking, laundry, noise, pets, or improvements you want to make to your unit. If you’re seriously considering buying a condo, then make sure you’re comfortable with these rules.

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The big day is here! Halloween is one of those holidays that some people – especially kids – look forward to all year. Handing out candy to trick-or-treaters or inviting people over for a party is one of the pleasures of the season. But if you waited until the last minute to decorate your house for Halloween, don’t worry. There are quite a few quick and easy things you can do to make your home look spooktacular! These are our favorites.

Trash-bag spider

If you have a black plastic trash bag or two handy, then you have everything you need to make a spider. All you have to do is fill one bag with leaves or paper. Then cut long strips from the other for the legs and tape them on. Place it wherever you like! This is a perfect decoration for outdoors. However, if you’re hanging them on higher floors of your home, you can use equipment for safety.

Paper bats

Another easy last-minute Halloween decoration you can make is bats. Just grab some black construction paper and draw flying bats on the pieces. Cut them out and attach them to the walls or the ceiling. If you have fishing line or even thread, you can also attach them to the bats and hang them from the ceiling so they look like they’re flying.

Floating witch hats

While you’ve got the black construction paper out, you can also make floating witch hats. Simply cut and tape the hats together and then hang them from the ceiling with fishing line or thread. These also look great hanging on your front porch.

Wine bottle mummies

Make your bar look a tad creepier by crafting a few wine bottle mummies. All you need to do is wrap the bottle with white ribbon or even masking tape and then stick on a pair of googly eyes.

Door mummy

Continuing with the mummy theme, you can turn your front door into a giant mummy, too! Just take some white party streamers and wrap your door in them. Tape on some scary-looking eyes to complete the look.

Pumpkin cooler

Another great idea for your bar will also keep your drinks cold. Simply take a pumpkin and carve out the inside. Then fill it with ice and bottles of your favorite beverage. It’s both practical and adorable!

Toilet paper pumpkins

If you have some orange or yellow scrap fabric laying around, then try making toilet paper pumpkins. This is one craft that couldn’t be easier. Simply wrap a roll of toilet paper in the fabric. Add a stick to the top and you’re done!

Pumpkin balloons

Another easy way to make pumpkin decorations is with balloons. Blow up orange balloons either with air or with helium if you have it. Then cut out eyes, noses, and mouths from black construction paper and tape them on. You can also draw them on with a black marker.

Tomato cage ghosts

Finally, don’t forget to add a spooky Halloween element to your yard, too. If you have tomato cages left over from your summer garden, you can turn them into ghosts. Turn each cage upside down and put a white pillow case over the top. Add eyes and a mouth with a black marker or paint. You can even make them glow by adding string lights inside. Your guests will love them!