What is the Talk Around Towne?
Home Décor Fit for a President
One of the best benefits of homeownership is the ability to put your own personal touch on your home by decorating or renovating it however you want. While the Presidents and First Ladies of the U.S. don’t technically own the White house while living there, they are given the freedom by Congress to renovate, decorate or maintain the living quarters however they see fit. In honor of President’s Day, here are some fun facts about how [...]
Could You Qualify for Downpayment Assistance?
Are you having trouble saving up enough money for a downpayment? You're not alone. In fact, saving for a down payment is the largest obstacle to homeownership, according to a recent Zillow Housing Aspirations Report. While there are several mortgage programs available that offer little or 0% down such as the no money down USDA Loan, no money down VA loan, or the 3.5 percent down FHA Loan, saving up for all the costs associated with [...]
Could You Qualify for Downpayment Assistance?
Are you having trouble saving up enough money for a downpayment? You're not alone. In fact, saving for a down payment is the largest obstacle to homeownership, according to a recent Zillow Housing Aspirations Report. While there are several mortgage programs available that offer little or 0% down such as the no money down USDA Loan, no money down VA loan, or the 3.5 percent down FHA Loan, saving up for all the costs associated with [...]
“Semper Gumbi” (Always Flexible)- Mantra of the Military Spouse
Real Estate Agent Leah Pommerer knows the challenges of moving for the military because she’s lived it. She’s packed up her home, her children and her life, and moved across the country. However, when she talks about moving, the very real challenges of military deployment and leaving her friends and family for a new place, she isn’t complaining, she’s smiling. She says her mantra, “Semper Gumbi” or Always Flexible is how she stays positive. “Bloom where [...]
How To Prep Your Home For a Hurricane
Hurricanes are a major source of concern—not only for the health and wellbeing of your family and friends—but for your home as well. With heavy winds and long periods of rain, hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to your home. There are, however, preparations that can be made upfront that can save money and heartache in the long run. We spoke with Towne Insurance Agent Chandler Fulton, who gave us some great insight for during, and after [...]
Is Owning a Home Still the American Dream?
With Independence Day around the corner, we’re reflecting on what it means to be American. There is so much to be thankful for as we celebrate our freedom on the 4th—such as the dream that America was founded on. The American Dream stands for democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality. It is the idea that every American should have the same opportunity for success, and upward mobility for themselves and their family. An overwhelming majority of [...]
Home Improvement Projects to Put on Your Summer To-Do List
What’s on your to-do list this summer?? If you have a home improvement project in the works, it could actually pay off in the long run. “Doing needed (or desired) renovations in your home can help bring its value up,” said Chris Busching, National Renovation Manager for TowneBank Mortgage. “If your kitchen that has appliances and cabinets from the 80’s is being compared to a kitchen that has been upgraded in the last few years, you can [...]
Investment Property or Vacation Home? Which One is Right for You
So, you’re thinking about finally investing in that beach house up for sale in your favorite resort town. But will it be your vacation home? Or will you use it as a rental property? Maybe you’re planning on doing a little of both. Either way, purchasing a property can always be seen as a good long-term investment, whether you plan on generating rental income or not. However, mortgage lenders and the IRS will define your home [...]
Thinking of Buying into a Homeowner Association? Here’s What You Need to Know
A Homeowner Association (HOA) is a private association created by a real estate developer to market, manage and sell homes and lots in planned developments. These can include, houses, townhouses, and condominiums. If you buy a house in the subdivision or condominium, you are generally obligated to become a member of the homeowner association and pay monthly or annual fees. The HOA manages the common areas and amenities and enforces the rules and bylaws. HOA fees [...]
Fun Staging Tips to Maximize Your Home’s Selling Potential
Most homeowners spend weeks, if not months, preparing their home to sell. From repainting walls, fixing leaky plumbing, to waxing floors, it can be a lot of hard work. Should staging your home be part of that process? Staging your home might not always make it sell for more money, but it will likely help it sell faster and for the home’s market value. Hiring a professional to stage your home could cost you hundreds, if [...]
5 Reasons to Buy a Newly Built Home
Buying a home is an exciting, yet complicated process. As a homebuyer, you will make countless decisions about what you want—and don’t want—in your dream house. One decision you will make is the age of your house. Although no one can make that choice for you, here are some reasons why many homebuyers choose to buy a newly built home.
Home Improvement Projects you can knock out over the weekend
Don’t have the time and money for major renovations? Try some of these mini but mighty home improvement projects. They might not cost a lot, but they’ll make a major difference in the look and feel of your house!
Eight Tips for Buying your First Home
Buying your first home can be an overwhelming process. These eight tips from our mortgage professionals will help take the stress out of home buying and make it an enjoyable experience.
Should you hire a home inspector?
It’s not mandatory to hire a home inspector before purchasing a home, but neglecting to do so could blindside you to issues in the house that are undetectable to the untrained eye. When you’re touring a home, you’re most likely going to notice that the walls need a fresh coat of paint and that the appliances could use an update. But you might not realize that there’s an issue with the electrical wiring throughout the house—one that could start a dangerous fire if left unfixed.
How to Create a Killer Man Cave
Nowhere to watch the big game? Need a space where you can relax and chill out after a long day at work? It might be time to think about creating your very own “man cave.”
9 Easy tips to prepare your home to sell
Before you list your house on the market, it is important to prepare your home to be viewed by potential buyers. Thankfully for you, this doesn’t mean renovating your kitchen and adding a pool. Just a few minor fixes can go a long way in wooing potential buyers. Getting your house in tip-top shape will ensure that it sells quickly and for the best price possible.
The Ultimate Moving Checklist
There’s no doubt about it—moving isn’t a fun process. It requires you to box up your life, only to unpack it in a new location. For those of us who are more unorganized than others, it can require days sorting through forgotten belongings.
11 easy ways to make a small room look bigger
Everyone has a room in their house that’s a little too small for their liking. It’s easy for a tiny room to feel cramped, cluttered, and unorganized. But a small space doesn’t mean you have to feel like the walls are caving in on you. Here are some tips on how to make your small space feel bigger, brighter and more functional.
How to choose the right listing price for your home:
Choosing a listing price is one of the first steps in selling your home. Some up-front research and careful deliberation will help you expedite the selling process while still getting your money’s worth.
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