Catherine Lashley

What Is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?

Saving for a down payment can be one of the biggest barriers to homeownership, and lenders view borrowers who can put more money down as less of a risk.

January 1, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford? A Step-By-Step Guide

The simple way to determine how much house you can afford is to calculate your monthly household income and compare that to the expenses likely for the type of home you want to buy, including your monthly mortgage costs. After that, the basic rule of thumb is that you should allocate no more than 28% of your monthly income to housing costs.

January 1, 2025

7 Hidden Renovation Issues That Can Derail Your Budget

One of the biggest advantages of owning a property is the ability to renovate it to your liking. Remodeling is an exciting chance to create your ideal living space, and it's also a smart way to invest your money. 

January 1, 2025

How to Buy a House in 2025: A 12-Step Guide to Homebuying

Buying a home isn’t overwhelming if you understand the process; it just takes proper planning. You’ll need to get your finances in order, secure a mortgage preapproval and find the right home. After you make an offer, you’ll negotiate the deal and navigate essential parts of the buying process – including the home inspection and appraisal – before you get to the closing table. 

January 1, 2025

Living in Washington D.C. Is a Balance of High Costs and Rich Culture

Washington, D.C. is home to some of the most iconic American monuments, including the Capitol Building, the White House and the Washington Monument. With more than 20 million visitors each year, there's no doubt that the city has plenty to offer in terms of rich history and vibrant culture. 

January 1, 2025

Discover the Charm of Living in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan, is probably best known for the University of Michigan, home of the nationally ranked Wolverines football team. But in the last decade, the city has become increasingly popular as a place to settle down permanently. It offers top-rated public schools, a thriving job market and a vibrantly vintage downtown. In fact, in 2024, the U.S. News & World Report named Ann Arbor the No. 1 U.S. city for best quality of life. 

January 1, 2025

Expired Listings: Why Homes Don’t Sell and How to Fix It

When a listing expires, it means that the property did not sell in the timeframe set by the seller and their agent in the listing agreement, which is typically three to six months. At that point, the listing is removed from our database of homes for sale and the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). 

January 1, 2025