What Is An Appraisal Contingency? When to Include One in Your Offer

Key takeaways An appraisal contingency gives the home buyer the option to renegotiate or back out of a deal if the home appraises for less than the purchase price. If the home appraises for the same or more than the agreed-upon purchase price, the deal continues as planned. You may choose to waive a

When Should You Refinance Your Mortgage?

A small change in your mortgage rate can add up to big money over time. On a $400,000, 30-year loan, lowering your interest rate from 7% to 6% can cut the monthly payment by almost $300 and reduce the total interest paid by tens of thousands of dollars. But refinancing comes with upfront and long-te

Is an ARM Loan a Good Choice for First-Time Home Buyers?

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a home loan that starts with a fixed interest rate for a set period—often 5, 7, or 10 years—then adjusts periodically based on market rates. For first-time homebuyers, an ARM can be a smart, cost-saving option in specific situations, but it can also introduce ris

How to Build a Garden Without Disrupting Nature

Creating a garden can transform your outdoor space, but doing so without disrupting the natural landscape takes careful planning. Whether you’re in Tucson, AZ, choosing native plants that thrive in desert heat, Seattle, WA, building around existing trees and shade, or Atlanta, GA, designing a yard t