Our Latest Blogs
5 Ways Pets Make Your Home a Better Place to Be
Pets make your home a better place to be. There is a reason that people love their pets. It’s not just that these big personalities make us laugh, pets are companions that can make our lives better in a number of ways. Here are 5 big ways that pets make your home a better place to be: 1. Emotional Health Dogs and cats can sense sadness, tension, fear, excitement, and pain. Many times our pets are happy to offer us
Why do I need an Appraisal?
If you are looking to buy a home or your are considering refinancing your current mortgage, you may want to know… Why do I need an appraisal? Appraisals are required for almost all mortgage loans. A licensed professional appraiser must make a complete evaluation of the property being financed and provide a report determining the fair market value of the home. Let’s take a look at why you need an appraisal: Home Buyers are Protected by the Appraised Value When
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Less Plastic Waste.
We are excited to share a few ideas for being thoughtful about our planet while celebrating Thanksgiving with your loved ones this year. Bring on the good eats, family game time, and conversation, without the excess trash. Unfortunately there are many ways that the holidays generate a lot of plastic waste. Decorations, serve ware, and packaging can pile up quick, but your garbage can doesn’t have to fill up with plastic after a holiday gathering. Try one or more of
Thanksgiving Menu Planner
Thanksgiving Menu Planner Whether you are inviting the whole family over for dinner or just a few friends and neighbors, planning ahead will help you stay organized. A printable Thanksgiving menu planner is a great way to prepare for the big day. How to use this Thanksgiving menu planner Write down which of your Thanksgiving guests are bringing each dish. Does your Aunt make the best green bean casserole? Is your brother an expert at smoking a turkey? Could your
Fireplace Safety Checklist
Fireplace Safety Checklist Fireplaces are a classic feature treasured in many homes, but they also can be a potential hazard if some safety measures aren’t observed. Soot and creosote buildup can ignite, improper ventilation can fill your home with dangerous fumes, and untended fireplaces can cause major house fires. In this article we are listing a number of fireplace safety rules that you should know as a homeowner: General Fireplace Safety Don’t leave a fire unattended. Make sure that the
How to Make Sugar Cookies for Santa
Making cookies for Santa is a favorite holiday tradition in many families. There is something special about working together with your family to bake and decorate Santa’s favorite holiday treat. We are excited to share a classic recipe for sugar cookies and a delicious butter cream icing. Follow these step by step instructions to make sugar cookies for Santa: Sugar Cookies Step 1: Mix wet ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. 3/4 cup – Butter (softened or room temperature)
5 Ways Holiday Traditions Build Stronger Families
It’s no secret that many people love holiday traditions. The holidays present a unique opportunity for you to pause your every-day schedule and make an effort to invest in quality time with your loved ones. Holiday memories can be a source of joy and reflection for your friends and family members for years to come. Whether you are starting a new tradition or keeping an old one, there are benefits to coming together for holiday fun. Here are 5 ways
Become a Homeowner in 2021
If you have a goal to become a homeowner in 2021, it can help to know the possible challenges of home buying in this unique year. Each year we post an article about setting a goal to become a homeowner in the new year. This year, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic has made an impact on the finances of many people, as well as the housing and mortgage markets. Writing this article on how to become a homeowner in
