Posts made by author 'Audrey Payne'

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial investments people will make in a life. The stress of that fact alone can be a burden on any relationship when you are buying a home together.

Programs on networks like HGTV are always showing the happy couples who are buying their dream home, but what they don't show is the arguing and disagreements that are likely going on behind the scenes. Before you and your significant other find yourself at opposite ends of the home buying process, take a moment to review these helpful tips on keeping your relationship strong and sane.

1. Discuss your expectations

This seems simple enough, but you might be surprised with the differences you discover once you start discussing what you want in a home. Before you meet with a Realtor or start looking at

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Owning a home for the very first time is an exciting accomplishment, but it's also a learning experience. Yo've just moved in, and now you need to figure out how to actually maintain the integrity of your home. As the seasons change, so will your maintenance needs. Keep reading to learn about the five common home maintenance fails you might be making throughout your first year of homeownership.

1. Letting the grass get too long

If you like in a community with an HOA, there are probably strict rules about keeping your grass short. If you don't keep your yard well-maintained, you could face possible fines, which shoul...

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How much you can afford for a mortgage depends on many factors including how much money you have to put down, what type of loan you can get, how much your closing costs are and consideration of other expenses you need to cover.

Here's a few quick ways to estimate...

• How much can you borrow? Most lenders want your housing expenses (mortgage, plus taxes and insurance) to remain under 28% of your gross income. Calculate 28% of your gross monthly income to see what amount you have each month for this.
• How much cash do you have for a down payment? Wit ha conventional mortgage a buyer typically pays 20% of the purchase price up front. Most lenders will also let you put 10% down if you pay private mortgage insu...

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Traditionally, the real estate market tends to slow down during the winter months. As we all know though, 2020 is far from a traditional year and it looks like the housing market will continue to thrive through the season!

Mortgage rates and housing inventory are both considerably low, which creates a competitive seller's market with pent up buyer's demand. This combination makes for a fast-paced market no matter what season it is. Keep reading to find out how to prep your home to sell this winter.

 Make your home move-in ready

Houses are being snatched off the market quickly, and your home might not sell as fast as the others...

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Not to be a dramatic, but winter is coming. We've had a relatively warm fall so far in the South, but it's time to winterize your home before the first frost sets in.

1. Check doors and windows for leaks

When the cool breeze starts to make its way through the cracks in your home, it can cause moisture to build up and can do some serious damage. It is always a good idea to seal any cracks or leaks that you may have on your window frames, door frames, trim and siding. .Your heat bill will also thank you for doing this!

2. Clean the fireplace and chimney

Ensuring that your fireplace and chimney are clear of any unwanted debris and creosote build up is the best way to prevent a potential house fire. You can always clean a chimney yourself if you are comfortable with doing so, but it is s...

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