Consumer Protection from Irresponsible Mortgage Practices

Congress enacted the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010 in response to the mortgage crisis that led to America’s Great Recession. The two parts that apply closely to homebuyers are the Ability-to-Repay (ATR) and Qualified Mortgages (QM). A Qualified Mortgage is a category...

Quick Plumbing Inspection

No one wants to waste water or money. For that reason, take a few minutes every other month to do the following inspections: * Check to see if cutoff valves on sinks and toilets are working properly. Many times, builders will put individual cutoffs on supply lines to...

Reduce Financing Costs

There is much more than a lower rate and payment to determine whether to refinance a mortgage. Lenders try to make refinancing as attractive as possible by rolling the closing costs into the new mortgage so there isn’t any out of pocket cash required. The...

Moisture And Mold

Moisture is mold’s best friend and it thrives between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit which is why it is commonly found in homes. Mold spores float in the air and can grow on virtually any substance with moisture including tile, wood, drywall, paper, carpet, and...

What to Avoid Before Closing Your New Home

It’s understandable; you’re excited; you’ve found the right home, we have helped you negotiate a contract, you made a loan application and the house passed inspections. Closing is not that far away, and you are making plans to move and put personal touches...