If you’re holding out hope that the housing market is going to crash and bring home prices back down, here’s a look at what the data shows. And spoiler alert: that’s not in the cards. Instead, experts say home prices are going to keep going up. Today’s market is very different than it was before the housing crash in…

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The 4-1-1 of Contingencies

A word that anyone who is going through a house sale should know is “contingency.” And along with that, understand that just because a bid is accepted, doesn’t mean that the deal is going to go through. How it works: A bid is made with the understanding that it is contingent on having the house…

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Drawers, sockets, stairs: Oh my! So you’ve just moved into your new home and you’ve fallen in love with the winding staircase with iron railings, the gorgeous mahogany cabinets, and the romantic stone fireplace. Trouble is, your 1-year-old seems to be turning your peaceful home into their jungle-gym. When your little newborn suddenly turns into a…

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7 Money-Saving Tips

When it comes to improving your financial picture, small steps can yield big gains. Whether you’re saving for a down payment or dealing with increased expenses having just moved into a new home, the following tips are great ways to save money in a variety of areas. Start today and you’ll quickly notice the positive…

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Even though home prices are going up nationally, some people are still worried they might come down. In fact, a recent survey from Fannie Mae found that 24% of people think home prices will actually decline over the next 12 months. That means almost one out of every four people are dealing with that fear, and you might be,…

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A burglary is a violation of your personal space and can be a very scary, traumatic experience for homeowners and their families. If you’ve become a victim, it may take some time to recover, but here are some steps to quicken the process. 1. Leave the house, call 9-1-1, and don’t touch anything. Don’t look for…

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Whether your goal is to lose one or 100, shedding pounds is no walk in the park. (Pardon the pun!) If you’re seeking to better your lifestyle, or know someone else who is, look no further for motivation than these five simple tips. 1. Make a commitment. Start by making a commitment to yourself. Many people…

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With youth styles changing like the seasons, decorating a child’s bedroom can be a challenge. To avoid spending serious coin on makeovers, keep in mind these tips when decorating.1. Opt for a neutral color scheme. This doesn’t mean turn your child’s bedroom into a sterile waiting room (which may or may not trigger fears of getting…

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It’s hard to sit your kids down and talk about how to handle money without their eyes rolling up out of boredom. But, notes finance guru Jonathan Clements, author of ‘The Jonathan Clements Money Guide 2015,’ there are ways to turn everyday events into ‘teaching moments’ for kids. Talk about allowance – Giving children an allowance…

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The process of buying a home can feel a bit intimidating, even under normal circumstances. But today’s market is still anything but normal. There continues to be a very limited number of homes for sale, and that’s creating bidding wars and driving home prices back up as buyers compete over the available homes. Navigating all…

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