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Tools and Tips

Explore expert mortgage tips, tools, and insights to simplify home buying, refinancing, and more. Make smarter financial decisions with our guides. Read more.

March 28, 2018 4 min read
How the Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction is Changing in 2018

Most of us are aware that tax reform was passed through Congress late last year. But how...

Notebook with sticky TAX TIME
March 23, 2018 3 min read
The Complete Guide to 2018 Tax Deadlines

Paying your taxes late is never an option—at least not if you want to avoid penalties...

Woman with a mop and bucket of cleaning supplies
March 22, 2018 5 min read
The Best Affordable House Cleaning Services

Let’s face it: we’re all busy. We’ve got jobs, kids to take care of, and errands to...

Woman holding paint chips deciding
March 21, 2018 2 min read
Renovate Your Home for Under $10,000

Home renovation doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, if you choose the...

post-winter home repairs
February 22, 2018 2 min read
Paying for Post-Winter Home Repairs

For a homeowner, the winter can be particularly harsh. The cold snow and ice ruins the...

white house paper cutout with family in front of it
February 7, 2018 3 min read
Homeowners Insurance: Why It’s Important

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or you’re well into paying off your mortgage,...

Pad with Get out of Debt on it
January 22, 2018 3 min read
4 Ways to Make a Dent in Your Debt—in a Big Way

When you have lots of debt, it’s easy to feel like there’s no way out—no light...

woman panting her room light blue
January 18, 2018 2 min read
How to Make Home Renovations More Affordable and Worth the Effort

There’s no doubt that renovating your home is a great idea—particularly if you...

man prepping door frame to paint
January 8, 2018 1 min read
Thinking Long-Term: How to Add Value to Your Future Home Sale 

Unless you plan to be in your home forever, you should always be considering its...

Couple with poodle on couch
December 26, 2017 3 min read
Marriage and Homeownership: How to Keep the Peace with Your New Roommate

Tying the knot and buying a home are only parts of the battle. The bigger challenge to...

Child holding coin purse in her lap
December 19, 2017 3 min read
How to Save Money This Holiday Season—Without Being a Grinch

Don’t want to spend all your cash this season, but still aspire to buy your loved ones...

welcome gift in an empty kitchen
December 14, 2017 3 min read
Holiday Gift Guide: The 5 Best Gifts for New Homeowners

Have a friend, family member, or colleague who bought a home this year? Don’t phone it...

Woman shopping at night with Christmas lights string across the streets
December 13, 2017 2 min read
Holiday Shopping on a Budget: Abide by these 6 Rules

Just because funds are tight doesn’t mean you can’t buy gifts for those you love this...

hand holding a Credit Card
November 27, 2017 3 min read
Five Things that Can Hurt Your Credit During the Holiday Season

With the holiday season comes lots of spending. Gift giving, decorating, entertaining,...

November 20, 2017 2 min read
Tired of Paying PMI? Here’s How to Get Rid of it

If you have an FHA loan or put less than 20 percent down when you bought your home,...