When you rent, fall is more about a change in the weather. When you own your home, it feels different. The yard is yours, the porch is yours, and you get to decide what the season looks like. In East Tennessee, fall is hard to beat. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons are still warm […]
For decades, mortgage lending has relied on a narrow set of “classic” credit scoring models—primarily older versions of FICO—to evaluate borrowers. That’s beginning to change in a meaningful way. As of April 2026, government officials announced that lenders are now permitted to use VantageScore 4.0 as part of the mortgage underwriting process. In the coming […]
Thinking about relocating to Tennessee? You’re not alone. Over the past few years, Tennessee has become one of the most popular destinations for homebuyers across the country—and for good reason. With its affordable cost of living, strong job growth, and unbeatable lifestyle, more people are choosing to call the Volunteer State home. Whether you’re moving […]
Saving for a home doesn’t require extreme budgeting or giving up everything you enjoy. It comes down to understanding your numbers, building a few solid habits, and being realistic about what “affordable” actually means. Start with your real numbers: Before setting a savings goal, look at your last few months of income and expenses. Not […]
If you are self-employed, you probably already know that securing a home loan may be more difficult for you than it is for other people. However, getting a home loan as a self-employed person is not impossible. How the Self-Employed Get Home Loans Essentially, securing a home loan as a self-employed person is the same […]
Heat waves rippling around the country have us turning on our air conditioners – and worrying about cooling bills. Fortunately, there are ways to beat the summer swelter without breaking the bank. Try one of these summer energy-saving tips to stay cool: Close the Curtains It might be nice to let a little sunshine in, […]
A seller has accepted an offer on the home you want to buy. Congratulations! While you may want to move into your new home right away, most buyers have a long waiting period before they finally get the keys. Most buyers, however, make plans for the way they want their new home to look, which […]
Getting the exterior of the home ready for the cold winds, snow and ice is critical for keeping Old Man Winter out and keeping it warm and toasty inside. By being proactive, you’ll lower your energy bills, increase the efficiency and lifespan of your home’s components, and make your property safer. Windows and Doors Check […]
When you’re nearing the time to buy a home, you probably have a lot of questions. The housing marketing is steadily improving, and this signals a great time to buy. If you’re not sure if it’s the right time, ask yourself the following questions: Where Are You Now? Many things about your current lifestyle and […]
If you’re looking to buy a home, you want to pick the right location. The United States is an enormous country, with diversity in both population and climate. If you’re not sure where you want to settle down, consider these cities: Philadelphia. Philadelphia home prices have remained steady through the shifting market. A historic city, […]