Posted by Jacqueline Richards // January 8, 2023
You are about to curl up on the coach with a good book when you get a text from your real estate agent: “Buyer wants to see the house tomorrow. Does 1 p.m. work for you?” You stop mid-relaxation to vacuum, clear countertops, and ask the kids to please put away their toys. During the […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 26, 2022
On Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell five basis points to 6.416% APR. The average rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped 12 basis points to 5.70% APR, and the average rate on a five-year adjustable-rate mortgage went down five basis points to 6.407% APR, according to […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 19, 2022
You probably get a lot of questions from real estate clients about what home warranties are and the advantages of having coverage. Interested clients may also ask you how home warranties work, especially when a covered breakdown occurs and they need service. While plans can differ, here’s some general information about the American Home Shield® […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 12, 2022
Caulking is a home improvement task that many homeowners overlook, and the repercussions can be significant. According to Energy.gov, the heat that is gained and lost through windows accounts for as much as 30 percent of residential cooling and heating energy use. Much of this heat loss can be prevented with proper caulking, which stops air […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // December 5, 2022
Are you a homeowner? If so, tapping into the value of your house by qualifying for a home equity loan is an easy way to obtain the funds you may need for debt consolidation, paying for home improvement projects, or covering a major life event. These types of loans typically have lower interest rates than […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // November 28, 2022
Don’t completely panic and expect the worst if the buyer asks for an extension on the closing date. Read on to learn why it’s not necessarily the end of the world and how you can make the best of a less-than-ideal situation. You’re so close. The closing date for your home is in sight and […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // November 21, 2022
The Federal Reserve is one of many influences on mortgage rates, along with inflation and economic growth. The Federal Reserve doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its actions indirectly affect mortgage rates. As of its November meeting, the Fed has raised a benchmark interest rate by a total of 375 basis points, or 3.75 percentage points, […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // November 14, 2022
Fall is here, and with it comes the inevitable slowing of activity in the garden. Depending on your location, perennials may be blushing with color or starting to drop their leaves. Annual vegetables are nearing the end of their lifespan and are starting to succumb to the nip of successively heavier frosts. After the rush […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // November 7, 2022
Fireplaces are a beautiful way to heat your home in the winter. But before you light up a gas or wood-burning fireplace for the first time this season, there are a few issues you need to take care of, like cleaning up soot and creosote from last season and making sure you don’t need any […]
Posted by Jacqueline Richards // October 31, 2022
A crucial part of pest control–and one that’s not often talked about–is understanding pest behavior. With proper pest control, it’s not enough to simply eliminate the pest by trapping or exterminating, we need to prevent future problems too! This is extremely applicable in the case of squirrels. As fall cools down into winter, it’s vital to […]