Mary Kay Daughters/ Jeff Brown's Blog

Posted on 07/29/2020

Photo by Andrey_Popov via Shutterstock Is your house leaky? According to the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency), household water leaks account for up to a trillion gallons of water wasted each year. According to their calculations, the average home leaks about ten thousand gallons annually or more than 90 gallons every single day. So how do you tell...

Utilities

Conservation

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Posted on 07/29/2020

6 Gorgeous Plants For Your Front Porch Flowerpots

Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay To dress up your front porch, all you need are two tall flowerpots filled with gorgeous plants. Choosing an ideal combination of flowers, grasses and other plants is the key to creating the right aesthetic. To help you find the best mix, use this guide on the top six plants for front...

Planting

Flowers

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Posted on 07/29/2020

Tips for Qualifying for a Conventional Loan

Photo by Evan Dvorkin on Unsplash A conventional loan is the most common type of mortgage used to secure a home purchase. Conventional loans are backed by private lenders and typically conform to the standards established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In order to qualify for a conventional loan, you must meet several specific requirements. 1. Debt-to-income...

Conventional Mortgage

Home Loan

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Posted on 07/29/2020

Ways to Improve Your HVAC's Energy Efficiency

Photo by Skitterphoto via Pexels Keeping your home comfortable when the weather gets cooler can have a significant impact on your energy bills. In fact, your HVAC system is one of the biggest sources of energy usage in your home. You could end up spending more than you planned to on heating, especially if the weather turns colder...

Home Improvement

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Posted on 07/29/2020

Comparison: Investment Property and Primary Residence Purchases

Photo by Alexander Zvir from Pexels Those who currently own a home may consider investing in a second home for income purposes. However, it is important to understand you may have hurdles to overcome when searching for a mortgage or obtaining homeowners insurance. Here are some of the most significant differences between buying an investment property and a...

Investing

Buyer Tips

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Posted on 07/29/2020

Which Voice-Controlled Devices Should You Consider?

Photo by Andrey Bryzgalov via Shutterstock We’ve learned to use voice controls in our cars for hands-free calling, but what about in our homes? Alexa, Google Assistant, Echo and Siri are for more than simply using your voice to switch on the lights or control the temperature. Here are more ways to control your home with the sound...

Home Improvement

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Posted on 07/29/2020

How Zoning Restrictions Could Impact Your Home Purchase

Image by fancycrave1 from Pixabay Most home shoppers do not think about how the property they are considering is zoned. However, depending on certain circumstances, it may prove beneficial to check into zoning restrictions before you purchase a home. First, some homes are built in areas where there is mixed zoning — residential and commercial — which could...

Zoning

Buyer Tips

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Posted on 07/29/2020

Short-Term Rentals: Things to Consider

Photo by Arek Socha via Pixabay In a bid to afford homes in high-value areas, many homeowners turn to income from short-term rentals to cover a high mortgage payment. You can benefit from this option with some caveats: Location really matters. A lot. You might advertise your home as near the coast when it’s really 20 miles inland...

Rental Property

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Posted on 07/29/2020

An Older Home or New Construction: Which Is Best to Buy?

Image by MITCH WRIGHT from Pixabay If you thought we'd answer "It all depends" you're absolutely right. So, lets take a look at the upsides and challenges of old and new homes. Buying an Older Home or Condo If you fall in love with an older home or condo, your real estate professional will guide you through the...

Buyer Tips

New Construction

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Posted on 07/29/2020

How Some Home Improvements Can Boost Property Value

Image by edvaldocostacordeiro from Pixabay Once you have purchased your home, you have made a significant investment. There are some home improvements you can make which can increase the value of your home and make the space you have more livable for you and your family. While many are concerned about “curb appeal” for potential sale in the...

Energy Efficiency

Updates To Your Home

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Posted on 07/29/2020

Cost Considerations for Foreclosed Property

Image by Steve Heap from Shutterstock An active housing market has reduced the number of foreclosed homes in inventory, but there will always be foreclosed homes available to purchase. Many buyers are not aware of what to expect when purchasing a foreclosure. Here are some home truths about buying a distressed home. You’re not always getting a deal....

Buying A Foreclosure

Foreclosure

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Posted on 07/29/2020

How to Prepare Your Credit Before Your Home Search

Photo by bongkarn thanyakij from Pexels Shopping for a new home should be an exciting experience, but if you are unsure of where you stand with your credit, it can be a little nerve-wracking. Having good credit will not only help you to secure more favorable interest rates for your mortgage, but it can also help you to...

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