APR versus interest rate When lenders advertise mortgage rates, they are required to display an additional number called the annual percentage rate, or APR. The advertised rate is the one used to calculate your mortgage payment. Borrow $100,000 at five percent with a 30-year term, and the payment is $537. But an advertised rate tells…

We all know about the vital things we should have at home. Water, toilet paper, a tool kit, a first aid kit, batteries – these are the givens. But there are other things you might not have thought about. Things that can serve multiple purposes and provide surprising uses (we're talking to you, tub of…

Think cleaning up or fixing up your place is an all-day – or all-weekend – effort? Well, you might be right depending on how long it's been since you spruced it up. But if you've let a few things get away from you and are feeling overwhelmed by the whole thing, take a beat, and…

With mortgage interest rates hovering near record lows, you may want to either refinance your mortgage or purchase a new home before rates go higher again. The question is — can you qualify for refinancing or a purchase loan? Since the recession, lenders have tightened loan qualification standards and their most widely used tool to…

With new home production still well below annual historical averages, chances are you're buying an older homes that needs some work. Believe it or not, there are loans out there that might suit your needs. If you're planning to replace systems or appliances, consider an energy-efficient loan. Energy Efficient Mortgages, also known as EEMs, are…

Recently bought a house? Here are nine ways to think about that debt you just took on. 1. It's your cheapest way to borrow. I'm not crazy about carrying debt. But if you need to borrow, a mortgage is the way to go. The interest incurred is typically tax-deductible and the rate should be low,…

Just about every homeowner has experienced the same sensation at one time or another: The excitement of a home purchase is deflated at the closing table when the closing agent slides over the Truth in Lending Statement that shows just how much money the loan will cost over the term of the loan. It is…

If you’ve embarked on the process of buying a new home, you’ve probably noticed that there is a lot of real estate lingo that gets thrown around by your agent, lender, and anyone else associated with the purchase. It’s important for you to understand the ins and outs of the process. Take closing costs, for…

It’s official: California is in a drought. As dry conditions continue, some regions throughout the state are being severely impacted. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has requested that its water customers, including its 26 wholesale water customers, reduce water consumption by at least 10%. Here are some simple ways to reduce your use:…

A functional and beautiful kitchen, flowing floor plan, plenty of storage, and spacious master bathroom will help win buyers’ hearts. However, often before they see those areas, they see your landscape. It’s the curb appeal theory that I’m talking about. Some buyers will decide based on the look of the outside of your home whether…