Rule Quote of the Day: “Rules and regulations, who needs them. Open the door, we can change the world.” – Graham Nash Possible Game Show Answer: Platypuses sweat milk. This is because it doesn’t have teats. Yum – where’s my spoon and Lucky Charms?! Today in Economic History: It was on this date in 1784 when a group of shoemakers got together to battle for better wages and working conditions. Their first meeting was held in Philadelphia and they called themselves the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers. What is a cordwainer you ask? It’s a shoemaker who makes new shoes from ..read more

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make in your lifetime, and navigating the mortgage application process can seem daunting. At A and N, we believe that with the right guidance, securing a mortgage can be straightforward and stress-free. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for your mortgage application. Step 1: Assess Your Financial Health Before diving into the application, it’s crucial to evaluate your financial situation. This includes checking your credit score, assessing your debt-to-income ratio, and re ..read more

As a prospective homebuyer, attending open houses can be an exciting step in the home-buying process. It’s your opportunity to explore potential homes, visualize your future, and gather detailed information beyond what’s available online. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or seasoned in the real estate market, making the most of each open house can significantly enhance your decision-making process. Here are essential tips to help you navigate open houses effectively: 1. Prepare Ahead Before you step into an open house, preparation is key. The first step is to find a Realtor you trust. Rea ..read more

After buying a house as your primary residence, you might eventually decide to move. People often assume that you can list your home on the real estate market and relocate as soon as it sells. Yet knowing the right time to sell your home is key if you don’t want to lose money on such a major investment. There isn’t a simple answer for how long to live in a house before selling. Homeowners have many factors to consider, so the answer differs for everyone. In the guide below, our professionals from A and N Mortgage help answer the “How long should you own a house before selling it” question. Key ..read more

Guardian Quote of the Day: “Never travel faster than your guardian angel can fly.” – Mother Teresa Possible Game Show Answer: Play-Doh started out as a wallpaper cleaner before the head of the struggling company realized the non-toxic material made a good modeling clay for children. And of course this blog would not be complete without some fun Play-Doh facts This Week in Economic History: It was on April 22nd, 1889 when the cannons sounded at exactly 12:00 noon, and thousands of settlers rushed into what is now Oklahoma to claim cheap land previously set aside as Indi ..read more

The first day I got my driver’s license I went to the Dairy Queen in Wilmette and scraped up the side of my Toyota Corolla against the dumpster in the parking lot. I remember shouting out the window, “Who puts a stupid dumpster in a parking lot?!” (*side note answer: every restaurant in existence). Then on the drive back with a burger in one hand and a Mister Misty in the other I lost control and hit the guardrail on the highway overpass – it was a helluva first day! When I got home I told my parents it was a hit & run (*only half a lie since I was the ‘hitter’) and they gave me the c ..read more

I’ve been writing this mortgage blog for 15 years. I pour my heart and soul into keeping you informed of interest rates, market updates, and anything that can have an impact on your financial life. I take great pride in this blog and the knowledge that I bestow upon you, my readers – and yet every time I publish this blog I never get questions about where I think rates will go, or housing trends. Every week it’s the same tired & predictable replies from you guys: When are you going to give us some snail quotes? How about a snail joke. When are you going to talk about snails?  ..read more

Milk Quote of the Day: “In Hollywood, a marriage is a success if it outlasts milk.” – Rita Rudner Today in Economic History: It was on this date in 1974 when President Nixon agreed to pay back taxes of $432,000 after word leaked that he had been dodging the full income tax on his $200,000 salary. And with that, Mortgage Fans, this is the official two-minute warning to file your taxes by the 15th. Possible Game Show Answer: George Washington had only one tooth remaining in his mouth when he was sworn in as president in 1789. (*Washington, unlike most Americans, probably didn’t ta ..read more

As the flowers bloom and the days get longer, the real estate market is buzzing with activity. The spring season is renowned for being one of the best times to sell a home, and as a homeowner, you want to make the most of this opportune moment. One key factor that can significantly impact the success of your home sale is curb appeal. We’re here to guide you through the essential steps to boost curb appeal and make your property stand out in the competitive spring real estate market. 1. Embrace the Power of Spring Landscaping: Spring is all about renewal and growth, and your landscaping sh ..read more

Becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone, and understanding the components of your mortgage payment is crucial for a smooth financial journey. As your trusted mortgage partner, we’re here to break down the essentials, providing you with the knowledge to navigate the world of homeownership confidently. 1. Principal At the heart of your mortgage payment is the principal, the original loan amount you borrowed to purchase your home. Paying down the principal builds equity—the ownership stake you have in your property. 2. Interest Interest is the fee you pay to the lender for borrowi ..read more