Reading Time: 2 minutes Veterans sacrifice it all to serve and protect our country. If you’re one of the 21 million veterans in the United States, your service is truly appreciated. For eligible veteran homeowners or perspective buyers, there are programs and benefits available to help buy a home or refinance – and, in some cases, continue to save money through tax exemptions. However, 59% of veterans report being unfamiliar with the benefits at their disposal. If that sounds like you, these insights can help you understand your options. VA loan basics What is a VA loan? VA home loans are de ..read more

Reading Time: 5 minutes Your Mortgage Lender and Your Bank? We get buyers home happy and now we make banking happy, too.  For over 34 years, we have been leading the mortgage industry in quick, easy, and happy closings. And while that has been our number one focus, we knew years ago that we wanted to do even more for our partners and clients. So, what did we do? We Bought a Bank! What does this mean for Cornerstone Home Lending, our partners, and our clients?  Our mortgage team will continue to serve partners and clients long after closing by providing connections to financial ser ..read more

Reading Time: 5 minutes With ever-growing opportunities to earn money renting out property through platforms like HomeAway, Vacasa, VRBO, and Airbnb, a vacation home can become more than a home away from home. In the US, the typical Airbnb host earned an estimated $13,800 in 2021, and the industry is expected to grow from 82.6 Billion USD today to 119 Billion USD by 2030. Despite recent rate increases by the Fed, mortgage rates are still pleasantly low when compared to decades past. The rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage peaked around 18% in the 1980s, with average rates around 9% in the ..read more

Reading Time: 5 minutes The best home renovations to increase a home’s value are quite unexpected. It’s easy to get caught up in dreams of gourmet kitchens and extravagant master baths. But these typically only return about 10 to 15 percent. That’s what Alan Ilyaich, owner of Eco Choice Windows & Doors, told us when we asked the question on most homeowners’ minds: Which home renovation is going to give me the biggest return on my investment? We’re here to make getting prequalified for a home loan easy. You can do it all online. Home renovations are hot Take it as a sign of our times. B ..read more

Reading Time: 2 minutes If you need a good reason to eat dessert first: We have two. First, this chocolate zucchini sheet cake is decadent without being overly rich or filling. And second, science says you should. The dessert-first mentality is common in some parts of Europe, like Germany, and this might be why. Eating a tasty treat first could support greater satisfaction for the rest of your meal. Desserts also typically provide a source of fat that could help you better absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in your entrée and veggies. Food for thought: It may be worth trying to see if this heal ..read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes Whether you’re buying or selling, having the help of a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference. Working with an agent gives you an advantage when making an offer or pricing your home to sell, negotiating, and reading through contracts. So, how can you tell if you’ve found the right one? Ask 9 questions before you decide on a realtor Knowing which questions to ask a realtor can simplify the decision-making process. And that’s one less thing to worry about when buying or selling a house: 1. Do you work full-time or part-time? Why? This question ..read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes It’s arguably the most important exterior feature of your house. Not only does your siding showcase the style of your home, making the strongest curb appeal statement, but your home’s structure relies on its protection. Old or damaged siding isn’t just an eyesore, reducing your home’s value. It also invites moisture damage and other serious problems. Being able to recognize when it’s time to call a siding professional can potentially save you thousands in home repairs. 5 warning signs your house needs new siding Homeowners can have a hard time determining whether thei ..read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes Here are the highlights: We love our pets. That’s no secret. Currently, 70 percent of homes in the U.S. have pets, and this plays a major part in the homebuying process. The total that Americans spend a year on their pets is $1,163. And, almost half of pet owners are willing to move for better pet amenities and accommodations. If you have a fur baby — or plan on adding one — now’s the time to connect with a trusted, local loan officer who can help you find a home that meets your pet’s needs within your budget. Like what you’re reading? Follow us on Insta for more ho ..read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes If you solar-power your home, is it going to pay off? The answer to this question depends on the cost of solar in your state, how much sun exposure your house gets, and which tax credits you may be eligible for. What is the cost of solar? The good news: Solar power remains cost-effective because the cost of solar for residential properties continues to drop. Residential solar system prices have decreased by more than 70 percent in the last decade, the Solar Energy Industries Association says. To put it in perspective, a residential solar system that cost $40,000 in 20 ..read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes If you’re hoping to buy a house, you may be wondering how much your student loan debt will have an impact. Do you have to pay off your loans first before getting a mortgage? Or are you able to qualify with student debt? Let’s look at the latest data for answers. Doing this will shed light on what you can expect and which steps you can take next to make your dreams of homeownership a reality. While every person’s financial circumstances are unique, you may be closer to achieving your goal than you think. Does student loan debt delay homeownership? You’re not the only on ..read more