The government shutdown of 2018/2019 has been, as of this writing, an unprecedented 35-day hardship for approximately 800,000 federal employees. The shutdown began on December 21st; on December 26th Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a stop-work order to all contractors, and on December 28th the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ran out of funds and... Continue Reading →
We are within 10 days of the first official day of winter. Cars are frosting over, runoff is freezing on the streets and leather seats aren't that comfortable anymore. While many parts of the United States (U.S.) have already experienced several inches of snow, other areas are just starting to experience uncomfortably cold days. We... Continue Reading →
In 2008 the housing bubble popped, triggering a financial crisis that has not faded from the memories of homeowners and potential homebuyers. As agents we still see "bubble houses", homes that are available currently at a price less than the current owner paid. Because the history of the home is readily available to consumers, these... Continue Reading →
Most homebuyers participate in obtaining a mortgage in order to purchase their homes, whether it's a first home, an upgrade or part of their down-sizing process. Part of that process is rate-shopping to ensure the mortgage the buyer secures is most beneficial to their personal finances. But what about homeowners who are several years into... Continue Reading →
Lisa Coutts, Realtor 