Shayne's Blog

Your Needs Matter More Than Todays Mortgage RatesIf you're thinking about selling your house right now, chances are its because something in your life has changed. And, while things like mortgage rates are a key part of your decision on what you'll buy next, its important to not lose sight of the...

Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?Has your vinyl siding become worn, or do you no longer like the color? Are you wondering if you can paint over it instead of replacing it? The good news is you can paint vinyl siding; however, you will need to follow a specific set of instructions to preserve the qualit...

Should You Build a Deck or Patio?Adding space outside to enjoy warmer days can create fun and long-lasting memories. However, choosing between installing a deck or a patio can become overwhelming. There are many factors to consider before deciding. First, it is important to understand the key dif...

A Drop in Equity Doesn't Mean Low Equity You may see media coverage talking about a drop in homeowner equity. What's important to understand is that equity is tied closely to home values. So, when home prices appreciate, you can expect equity to grow. And when home prices decline, equity does too...

Why Buying or Selling a Home Helps the Economy and Your Community If you're thinking about buying or selling a house, it's important to know that it doesn't just affect your life, but also your community.The National Association of Realtors (NAR) releases a report every year to show how much econ...

Should You Install An Inground Pool?If you’ve imagined spending summers in your backyard to cool off, consider installing your own inground pool that you can enjoy for years to come. However, before making your choice, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages before investing. ...

Oops! Home Prices Didn't Crash After AllDuring the fourth quarter of last year, many housing experts predicted home prices were going to crash this year. Here are a few of those forecasts:Jeremy Siegel, Russell E. Palmer Professor Emeritus of Finance at the Wharton School of Business:I expect hou...

Essential Tips for New HomeownersWith summer nearly here and warm weather beckoning us outdoors, this is the best time to tackle those home projects you’ve been putting off during the winter. Make a maintenance plan to keep your home in tip-top shape while saving you money. The newer your home is...

Real Estate Is Still Considered the Best Long-Term InvestmentWith all the headlines circulating about home prices and rising mortgage rates, you may wonder if it still makes sense to invest in homeownership right now. A recent poll from Gallup shows the answer is yes. In fact, real estate was vot...

The Main Reason Mortgage Rates Are So HighTodays mortgage rates are top-of-mind for many homebuyers right now. As a result, if you're thinking about buying for the first time or selling your current house to move into a home that better fits your needs, you may be asking yourself these two questi...