Among the criteria that lenders use to determine your eligibility for a mortgage loan is your debt-to-credit (DTC) ratio. According to Equifax, one of three major credit reporting entities used by lenders, landlords, credit card companies, employers, and others, debt-to-credit is the amount you owe across all revolving accounts compared to the amount of revolving…

There’s not much you can do about the location of your home, but that may be one of the reasons why your home’s value isn’t as high as you wish it were. What you can do is make sure other aspects of your property are desirable. When you’re selling your home, you want to meet…

Whether you’re selling your home or buying a home, your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network professional will provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA), a computer-generated report that shows you what homes similar to yours are selling for in your area, or how the home you’re interested in buying compares to other homes on the…

Credit scores from FICO and VantageScore, the two most prominent U.S. credit scoring companies, rely on calculations based on a range of data, including payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%) and credit mix (10%). The total amount you owe, the number and types of accounts you have, and the…

Would you be happier if your outdoor space was remodeled with a fireplace, a swimming pool, or a new wood deck? In the 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, the National Association of REALTORS® found that nearly all homeowners reported increased happiness with their completed outdoor projects – 9.7 out of a possible “Joy Score” of 10. Using…

The pandemic that began in 2020 was life-changing in all aspects, including home design. As workers stayed home to work remotely, they began to appreciate what a difference more space could make. Before long, the hottest housing market ever emerged as households sought larger homes with more creature comforts. What many found were homes that…

From rooftop gardens to planned community developments, neighborhood farming is having a moment. Agrihoods, or urban farms, have growing appeal, pardon the pun, for foodies who want farm-fresh produce no matter where they live. The beauty of the concept is that it combines the best of urban and rural lifestyles. The benefits for individuals, communities and…

Your Checklist for Inspecting Your Future Home It goes without saying that buying a home is a massive undertaking. Careful consideration is a must when choosing a home. But the architecture and atmosphere of the house alone shouldn’t be the only deciding factors you draw from. It’s important to do some quality assurance as you…

How to Travel to St. Augustine, Florida in Luxury St. Augustine, Florida was the United State’s original premier travel destination. To this day, it’s still a renowned vacation locale for those looking to experience the finer things in life. From cultural excursions to fine dining, St. Augustine is a hub for traveling in luxury.  Planning…

Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent stage for how your entire home buying and selling process will play out. With so much at stake, it’s important to find a professional that you’re compatible with. If you just choose the first real estate agent with a park bench and you’re not actually a good match,…