At Home In The Poconos
Your first credit card can be the start to building your financial future. Just remember, how you use it can affect you for years down the road.
For example, build a good credit score and you could see lower interest rates on home and auto loans, and receive better credit card perks. Make too many mistakes with a first card, however, and you could have less financial flexibility. Landlords, lenders and utility companies could view a low credit score as a risky customer for them and deny you ser...
When it comes time to list your home on the market, the decision to sell shouldn’t be taken lightly. Rather than asking your Magic 8 Ball whether now’s the time to pack up your belongings and move into a new space, you’ll want to focus on a variety of factors to be sure your decision makes the most sense for you and your family.
Here are five telltale signs that will offer the best indication that you’re ready to get off the sidelines and make a move.
You’re financially ready. Purchasing a h...
If you’ve purchased a home with an existing fireplace or are interested in installing one, there are a few things you should know. There are a handful of different fireplace types—each with its own unique maintenance and operating requirements—that homeowners need to be well-versed in for safety and cosmetic purposes.
Woodburning fireplaceLooking for a traditional type of fireplace? A woodburning version may be right for you. It requires a chimney (which adds on maintenance costs) and you’ll ne...
Anyone who wants to sell their home should get their mind in the gutter because if a house’s gutter system isn’t working properly, it can lead to many problems.
Gutters serve an extremely important purpose—directing water away from your house. Without gutters, rainwater can damage roofs, enter homes, flood basements, destroy gardens and even damage the house’s foundation.
Savvy homebuyers will know if there are issues with your gutters if, for example, they see water pooled near your home. Taki...
Like anything else in life, what you see when you look at a home is not always what you get. What might look like a charming Colonial on the outside can be riddled with problems on the inside—leaving you, the buyer, with a big mess.
Luckily, there’s something that can prevent this problem from plaguing you long after the “for sale” sign comes down: a home inspection.
Home inspections are a critical piece of the home buying puzzle because not only can they help you uncover potential problems...For those thinking about buying, here is quote from Vincent Van Gogh:
"The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found those dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.”
Artists take risks, too. They pursue their vision, often without financial security, facing long odds while stewing in their own self-doubt.
Occasionally, if they’re very lucky, they get to look back on th...
How to Spot a Good Buy, Part 3
Don’t forget the old adage: location, location, location.
Unless you’re looking for a fixer-upper, the house should be in a condition that is comparable to other homes in the neighborhood.
Avoid buying the biggest or fanciest home on the block.
Consider the amount of traffic or noise. Homes located in a quiet area away from a busy street will command a higher price.
Make sure the schools in your district have a reputation for quality...
