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Jun 19
Professional Home Staging

Professional Home Staging

Professional Home Staging: An Overview When it comes to buying and selling a home, timing is everything. Most sellers hope to have a smooth transition from old to new, but it doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes your old home sells too quickly, forcing you to find an apartment... read more →
Jun 19
student loans and mortgages

Getting a Mortgage with Student Loans? Things to Consider

For many first-time home buyers, there's one thing that holds them back the most from moving forward on a home: student loan debt. This is understandable, as many people might worry about taking on the monthly costs of a mortgage while also attempting to pay back their student loans. But... read more →
Jun 16
Second mortgage opinion

Getting a Second Opinion On a Mortgage

A Second Opinion on a Mortgage Second opinions can be pretty valuable. When the doctor delivers a shocking diagnosis, you're bound to seek another perspective. The same goes for going to different mechanics for the same car problem or buying new clothes with your partner present. If second opinions are... read more →
Jun 16
chip away at mortgage

How to Chip Away at Your Mortgage With Minimal Effort

Monthly mortgage payments in the U.S. average at about $1,000 a month. If you're a new homeowner with student loan debt or other financial responsibilities, these monthly payments can cause an undue burden on your financial situation. So how can you mitigate these monthly costs? There are many ways, both... read more →
Jun 15
Fed Meeting

The Fed Meeting: A Recap

The Federal Reserve, FOMC meeting, Janet Yellen, the federal funds rate, mortgage-backed securities, rate-hike, normalization, etc. These words and more were the focus of financial news yesterday, but what does it all mean? Let's break it down: What Happened: Yesterday the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), a twelve-member council that... read more →
Jun 15
expensive mortgages

10 Outrageously Expensive Mortgages

Listed from least to most outrageous, here's 10 outrageously expensive mortgages found on Zillow that will have you counting your blessings that your mortgage payment is only $996 a month: 1. No, this is not a picture from "Legends of the Hidden Temple."... read more →
Jun 15
diy pest control

Do it Yourself Pest Control: Around the House

A Guide to DIY Pest Control Around the House A pest problem can ruin your home and take over your life. Luckily, there are many easy, do-it-yourself remedies for pest problems. Here are a few guidelines to defend your home from any tiny, unwelcome visitors and stop them from coming... read more →
Jun 15
15 vs 30 year mortgage

15 Year vs 30 Year Mortgages: The Key Differences

15 vs 30 Year Mortgages Choosing between a 15- and a 30-year mortgage can be tough, especially when the differences between the two are unclear. A 30-year mortgage will end up having lower monthly costs, but a 15-year mortgage will be paid off in half the time and may save... read more →
Jun 15
haunted houses pa

Haunted Houses in PA

Steeped in the bloody history of the Civil War, Pennsylvania is one of the most haunted states in the U.S. Many visitors to Gettysburg and other central PA towns report eerie sights and feelings of being watched. Here's some of the most haunted homes and inns in Pennsylvania: Farnsworth House... read more →
Jun 14
haunted houses in ct

Haunted Houses in Connecticut: The Top 5

Haunted Houses in Connecticut Consistently recognized as one of the most haunted states in the country, Connecticut is the perfect destination for paranormal thrill-seekers. These haunted homes will surely shake you to your core. Hartford Elks Lodge, Hartford Home to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, one of America's... read more →
Jun 14
Good Debt vs Bad Debt

Good Debt vs Bad Debt

Debt is usually generalized as being all bad, but in reality, debt can be either good or bad. This categorization largely depends on what the debt is from and the amount of interest accumulating on it. Here are a few examples of each, and some tips to manage your debt:... read more →
Jun 14
VA Loan requirements

VA Loan Requirements & Eligibility

What are VA loans? VA loans, or Veteran's Administration loans, are mortgage loans that are backed by department of veteran affairs for those who are either a veteran, current or former member of national guard, reserve member who has been activated, or a surviving spouse of a veteran. VA Loan... read more →
Jun 14
Open House

The Open House: Do’s and Don’ts for Buyers

Whether you're looking to make a purchase or something to pass the time on a Sunday, an open house is a fun and informative event to attend. Don't know what to expect when walking into an open house? Here's a few tips and guidelines to make your experience as enjoyable... read more →
Jun 13
haunted houses new york

Haunted Houses in New York

Whether you're in the Big Apple or up-state, New York has plenty of haunted homes with frightening histories to satisfy any thrill-seeker. A List of Haunted Houses in New York House of Death, Manhattan Built in the 1850s, this Greek Revival styled home has a violent and storied history. Inhabited... read more →
Jun 13
mortgage lender reviews

Best Mortgage Lender & Broker Review Sites

Here's a Few of the Best Sites for Mortgage Lender & Broker Reviews 1. Zillow Zillow is one of the most renown websites for people looking to buy or sell their home. What many people don't know is that Zillow is a great place to research mortgage companies as well.... read more →
Jun 13
mortgage brokers vs lenders

Mortgage Brokers vs Mortgage Lenders: The Key Differences

Mortgage Brokers vs Lenders The difference between mortgage brokers and direct lenders can be confusing. This is understandable because they do many of the same things. Both can walk you through the mortgage process, help you understand any legal complications that may arise, and try to get you the best... read more →
Jun 13
Styling Your Bookcase

Tips for Styling Your New Bookcase

Have a new bookcase? Here are a few tips and guidelines to help with styling it. What are you going for? Your style for your new bookcase will depend heavily on what you intend to do with it. Is it simply for storing your expansive collection of books? Is it... read more →
Jun 13
cleaning the home

Cleaning Your Home: Stress-Saving Tips

Cleaning your home can be a tedious and overwhelming task, especially if your home is particularly large or you haven't cleaned in a while. Here's a few tips to minimize the stresses of cleaning and save yourself time in the future: 1. Come up with a system Cleaning your house... read more →
Jun 13
composting

Composting: How to Get Started

Composting is a great way to occupy your time and improve your property, all while reducing your impact on the environment. How to start your own compost pile: What You'll Need A good compost pile is composed of many layers. These layers are typically categorized as either "brown" or "green."... read more →
Jun 12
bridge loans

Bridge Loans: What They Are, How They Work

What is a bridge loan? A bridge loan, or gap financing, is one way to receive financing when caught in the middle of a home purchase. Predicated on an expectation of upcoming funds, bridge loans assist in getting someone from point A to point B. In the real estate industry,... read more →
Jun 12
dodd frank act

What is the Dodd-Frank Act?

An Overview of the Dodd-Frank Act Since the 1970s and 1980s, with the rise of financialization and investment banking, the U.S. economy has been associated with one word: risk. As the 20th century came to a close, this association with risk was emphasized through multiple high-stakes incidents in economic history,... read more →
Jun 12
largest cities in pa

Largest Cities in Pennsylvania: The Top Five

  The 5 Largest Cities in Pennsylvania 1. Philadelphia Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,571,860. A center of culture and commerce, the average household income is $57,438, and the median age is 35. Its school system is dominated by the public School District of... read more →
Jun 09
Recycling tips

Recycling: What You Need to Know

  Some Tips on Recycling Recycling is the tried-and-true way to curb your personal waste output and its effects on the environment. Although many people see recycling as an unnecessary step with minimal impact, it can actually bring huge benefits both to the environment and the economy. When it comes... read more →
Jun 09
list of counties in nj

A List of Counties in NJ & Some Stats

A List of All Counties in New Jersey Atlantic Population: 272,705 Avg, Income: $74,698 Median Age: 40 Education: System breakdown: 150 schools Land (rural, suburban, urban,etc.): mostly rural and suburban with urban concentrations near coast Homes: mostly single family homes Bergen Population: 937,413 Avg, Income: $120,921 Median Age: 42 Education:... read more →
Jun 09
cities in new york

10 Largest Cities in New York

Here's a list of the ten largest cities in New York Alphabetically ordered: Albany Albany is a major city in New York and is also the capital of the state. It has about 97,660 people living in it with a median age of 30 and median household income of $63,080.... read more →
Jun 09
Counties-CT

Counties in Connecticut: A Brief Overview & Stats

Counties in Connecticut Fairfield County Fairfield County is in the southwest corner of CT along the coast and is the most affluent county in CT, there are about 566 people per square mile and the median household income is around $87,268. Fairfield has the best schools in the state as... read more →
Jun 09
Fafsa_and_property

FAFSA and Property: What to Know

Applying for financial aid can be stressful, and although the FAFSA definitely simplifies the process, certain parts of the application can be ambiguous. One such section of the application is net worth of current investments, both student's and parents'. The FAFSA details various assets which fall into the category of investments,... read more →
Jun 09
reverse mortgage

Reverse Mortgages: A Quick Overview

A Guide to Reverse Mortgages A reverse mortgage is a mortgage loan that could be very beneficial to some but could be extremely detrimental to others. Understanding how reverse mortgages work and how they can do just as much harm as good if they aren't used correctly is crucial for... read more →
Jun 08
backyard ideas

Bland Backyard? Not Anymore With These Tips

If you're looking to spruce up your backyard, then look no further. Here are a few tips and some fun ideas to help you get started on your home improvement journey. Tips for a great backyard: 1. Don't take on too much It's important to renovate your backyard within reason.... read more →
Jun 08
cottage

10 Great Cottages Across the Nation

#1 This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2480 square foot cottage is located in Wall Township, NJ. This house may seem plain from the front but it is definitely a party in the back with a beautiful stone patio that takes up a good portion of the backyard while leaving enough... read more →
Jun 08
saving for a mortgage

5 Great Apps to Help You Save Money For a Mortgage

Apps to Start Saving Money for a Mortgage Do you ever feel like you're spending too much money, living paycheck to paycheck but don't know what you can do to get out of that cycle? These 5 apps are great for anyone looking to save money! 1. Mint Mint is... read more →
Jun 08
mortgage technology

Two Big Tech Trends in the Mortgage Industry

The mortgage industry seems to have been largely left behind in the waves of technological innovation that have visited other industries. Two big mortgage tech trends, however, are poised to buckle that stagnation and upgrade the mortgage industry to the benefit of both borrowers and lenders. 1. Simplification through Technology Technology... read more →
Jun 08
fast mortgage application

Get Movement on Your Mortgage: How to Quickly Apply

Need to work through the mortgage application process but not too interested in finance as a hobby? Here's how to speed-up your mortgage application process and reduce down-time: 1. Gather Your Information Applying for a mortgage requires you to put a lot of information out on the table.  Some of the documents... read more →
Jun 07
USDA loans

Understanding USDA Loans: What They Are & More

What are USDA Loans? A USDA loan, or USDA Rural Development loan, is a type of mortgage loan. It is specifically for low-to-moderate income people who live or are looking to live in a rural area offered by the United States Department of Agriculture. This helps many low-to-moderate income families... read more →
Jun 07
fha loans

The FHA Loan: In Focus

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are loans designed to help low-income earners with their home and property needs. The FHA, a subdivision of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), approves lenders and insures part of each loan it oversees. FHA loans can be used to purchase property, renovate... read more →
Jun 07
VA loan requirements

Applying for a VA Home Loan: What You Need to Know

VA Loan Requirements If you or a family member is a military service member or veteran considering buying a home, you may be eligible for a VA Home Loan. What is a VA home loan? A VA Home Loan is assistance granted to service members and veterans by the Department of Veterans... read more →
Jun 06
finance internship

Garden State Home Loans Welcomes 9 New Interns

Garden State Home Loans Welcomes Nine New Teammates for a Summer Internship! Garden State Home Loans is proud to announce the recent on-boarding of 9 interns as part of our Summer Internship Program. With over 350 applications, the selection process was incredibly competitive, and we here at Garden State Home Loans... read more →
Jun 06
New Home Movies

Five Movies to Help You Settle Into Your New Home

Five Flicks to Watch When Settling in Your New Home Whether you're looking to treat your family to a cozy night-in or just want to snuggle under your covers by yourself, these five movies are the perfect way to get settled into your new living arrangements: 1. Home Alone (1990) Kevin... read more →
Jun 06
smart home

Upgrade Your Home to a Smart Home with These Tips

Making Your Home Smart Although Disney's Smart House (1999) seemed like a far off future when it was released, technological advancement in home appliances has made the possibility of a fully automated home more and more plausible. Here's a few tips and home improvement ideas to help you keep up... read more →
Jun 06
how to switch real estate agents

Break It Up: How to Switch Real Estate Agents

Switching Real Estate Agents Are you having issues with your real estate agent? It could be time to say goodbye! But, how do you know when it is time to part ways? Some warning signs you should look out for that may signal it’s time to cut ties: You are... read more →
Jun 06
using MLS

Navigating Multiple Listing Services (MLS): A Guide

Multiple Listing Service (MLS): "Multiple listing services, or MLS, is a service that provides a searchable database of property listings for sale." But what MLSs are available to help navigate listings, and how do they stack up against one another? Here's a quick guide to navigating the often cluttered world of MLSs. Before... read more →
Jun 06
staycation

Things to Do on a Staycation

What to Do on a Staycation Not everyone can afford to jet off to a tropical locale for a few days. In the past few years, staycations have been becoming more and more popular. A staycation is when you forego the expensive flights and create an escape for yourself right... read more →
Jun 02
New home purchases

Things to Buy for Your New Home

When moving into a new house, there are multiple things that you may need to buy. Here are ten things to buy after purchasing your new home: New Keys and Locks One of the first things you should do after purchasing a new home is change the locks. You don’t... read more →
Jun 01
how to stain wood

Staining Wood: How to Stain Wood Furniture

Do you have an old piece of wood furniture that looks like it could use a little sprucing up? Instead of going out and purchasing a new piece of furniture, consider staining the wood to create a new look to an old piece. Here’s what you need to do! How to... read more →
Jun 01
how to save for a house

How to Save for a Down Payment on a Home

Saving for a Down Payment Buying a home can be a costly adventure, one that you might not have the expenses for yet. If you are planning on getting a home in the near or distant future, setting a budget for yourself will help you save immensely. The first step to... read more →
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