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Instant Reaction: Mortgage Rates, July 03, 2024

Facts: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac increased to 6.95% over the last week from 6.86%. This is the first weekly increase since May 30. At 6.95%, with 20% down, a monthly mortgage payment on a home of $400,000 is $2,118. Positive: While mortgage rates increased this week and affordability is bleak, there is also …

7 Home Staging Secrets- Lighting Can Make All The Difference

As you set out to flaunt your home’s best assets, the most vital element might be the lighting tasked with accentuating it all. Think about it: we love parks, shopping centers, and other public areas that have bright, ample lighting. Potential buyers will appreciate the same glow coming from your home. It’s not as simple …

How to Feng Shui Your Bedroom for Better Sleep

Did you know that rearranging your bedroom using an ancient Chinese metaphysical practice can help encourage deeper sleep? Brittanica defines feng shui as orienting sites, buildings and objects to encourage positive energy or “chi.” It’s also an approach to interior design that embraces establishing balance and peace in your home to promote happiness and health. …

How Much Is a Down Payment for a House?

Buying a home is exciting whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, upgrading to a larger space or downsizing. Still, the process can seem overwhelming and complex, especially if you’ve just started looking at homes for sale. Determining your down payment amount (and the factors that impact how much your down payment will be) will help you …

What Is a Mother-in-Law Suite? Benefits, Design Ideas and Costs

The concept of a mother-in-law suite stems from early 20th-century traditions when caring for aging parents was a societal expectation after marriage. However, you don’t need to have in-laws to reap the benefits of having a second, private living space as part of your home. What is a Mother-in-Law-Suite? A mother-in-law suite is typically a …

Everything You Need to Know About Flipping Houses

Flipping houses can be an exciting and profitable venture, especially if you want to get into real estate investing and have the know-how to take on significant renovations. However, it’s not for the faint of heart. You’ll need to finance your flip, budget for renovations and stick to a project plan. We’ll help you navigate …

The Key Elements of Environmental Art

Environmental art became popular in the late 20th century because of growing concern and awareness for the environment. Environmental art has several overlapping characteristics as land art or earthworks, but comments or establishes an opinion on environmental issues. As artists continue to think about the environment as a cohesive system rather than a living space, …

What Affects the Housing Market? Understanding the Basics

Whether you’re buying or selling a house, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the housing market. However, that can be a lot more complicated than it seems. Many factors affect both your local and national housing markets, some of which can be hard to track and quantify. However, there are some basics you …

DIY Ways to Integrate Solar Energy to Offset Cost & Improve Backup Power

Although adding solar energy systems to single-family dwellings can reduce utility bills and improve property values, a large installation’s price tag sometimes proves prohibitive. Spending tens of thousands of dollars on state-of-the-art panels, wiring and equipment necessary to convert the sun’s rays into lighting can easily exceed one’s budget. However, increasing your renewable energy footprint …

DIY Projects for Your Bedroom

Your bedroom is probably the most personal space in your house – and one of the most relaxing. However, it often goes without the same effort as other rooms regarding décor. If you are looking to start a new project, here are a few great DIY options for your bedroom: Floral garland backdrop To create …