When you've found the home of your dreams, it can be easy to be blinded by that dream. It's the perfect home … there can't be anything wrong! Or if there is something, how bad can it really be? Or maybe you just love the house so much that you... (Read More)

Did you know that the average size of a home in the United States in the early 1950s was less than 1,000 square feet? Today the average U.S. home has more than double that amount of space. For many home buyers, bigger is better. But does your... (Read More)

Thinking of buying your first home or one that better suits you and your family? Here are three important people who can help guide you through the largest investment most people will ever make. A mortgage professional. Nearly nine of 10 buyers... (Read More)

You've found the home of your dreams, the seller has accepted your offer and your loan application is being processed. When is the best time to "lock" your mortgage rate? And for how long should your lock be effective? If you're buying or building a... (Read More)

Ready to close on the purchase of your home? Congratulations! Closing day can be exciting — but also a bit overwhelming. Here are some of the things you can expect when you meet to finalize your home loan. A lot of signing and initialing... (Read More)

It's a sad, but true fact. Each year, U.S. fire departments respond to hundreds of thousands of home fires, some involving injuries or deaths. That's why we wanted to share some important fire safety tips to keep you and your family safe. Most... (Read More)

Do you feel like the mortgage industry has a language all its own? You're not alone. Surveys show that many consumers get frustrated with all of the unfamiliar terms, acronyms and phrases that are part of the mortgage application process. Here are... (Read More)

Considering how hectic each day can get, home maintenance may be the last thing on your busy mind. But keeping your home in shape from top to bottom is important. Upkeep is critical to your home's longevity - no matter what its current age. Regular... (Read More)

In the market for a new home? Purchasing a home is definitely something most people don't do very often. So it's easy to make mistakes. And when it comes to home buying, mistakes can be costly. Here are some of the most common errors made by... (Read More)

Thinking about making a move this fall? If you need to sell a home first, you know that there likely will be a smaller group of potential buyers than there was in May, June and July. That doesn't make the off-season a bad time to sell a home... (Read More)