When interest rates drop—whether it’s a significant dip or modest shift—it’s natural to wonder if you should take the opportunity to refinance your mortgage. After all, who doesn’t want a lower monthly payment or a shorter loan term? But refinancing isn’t a one-size-fits-all move. Before you start the process, take some time to ask yourself these crucial questions so you can better weigh the pros, costs, and how it may suit your long-term goals. How much could you actually sa

When it comes to their mortgage payment, most homeowners tend to think of it as covering just the amount they borrowed. However, it’s actually applied to several different costs—some of which are fixed, while others can change over time. Here’s a breakdown of the four main components that might be included in your monthly bill. Principal The principal is essentially your loan balance. For instance, if you took out $300,000, the principal begins at that amount, and every month

The homebuying process is rewarding, but also tedious. In fact, deciding that you’re interested in purchasing a house is just the first step. Where do you turn next? Consider making an appointment to meet with a mortgage broker. Below are five things to have in order before you make the call to schedule an appointment. Income details The mortgage broker will want to know the current details of your income. Typically, recent pay stubs and tax returns will suffice. They will us

The homebuying process comes with a language all its own, and two of the terms you may have heard are prequalified and preapproved. While both can be essential parts of obtaining a mortgage and buying a home, you may not know what they mean. Check out the information below to learn how each term may benefit you during your home search. What Does it Mean to Prequalify?  When you prequalify for a home loan, it means you’re getting an estimate of how much you may be able to borr

Whether you’re seeking an uncluttered, organized kitchen or have an open floor plan and want it to blend seamlessly with your other living areas, a minimalist design may just be the way to go. Its sleek surfaces and lack of ornamentation can provide clear and tidy workspaces, while its simple lines can create the illusion of space. In short, it both performs well and looks good. You may imagine that developing such a highly functional, aesthetically pleasing space will exhaus

Rugs are more than just floor coverings—they’re the underappreciated heroes of home decor, adding warmth, color, and personality to a space without much effort or skill required. Even still, there are several nuances to keep in mind to ensure that you maximize their effectiveness in your interior design. Use this guide to discover how to choose and style these pieces in your home and transform your rooms in a flash. Types of rugs Deciding on the appropriate rug for the space

Valerie Cady, founder of Winnow and Spruce Organizing, discusses how she got started as a professional organizer along with the key steps to decluttering your home, whether for a move or simply to open up your spaces. Tell us about yourself: I double majored in recreational therapy and psychology in college, and I’ve worked in psychiatry, chemical dependency, outdoor recreation, and direct sales and as the head of a private school. With that final position, I realized I wasn’

When it’s time to put your house on the market, you want to showcase it at its very best, but knowing how to do so doesn’t always seem easy. Understanding where to focus your time and energy can make the process less overwhelming and help you sell faster—and even potentially for a better price. Here are some practical, cost-effective tips for staging each major area of your home to make them shine. Living room The living room often serves as the first real impression buyers g

Purity Ring kindly requests that you wear a respirator (N95 or KN95) for the duration of the show. There will be free high-filtration...

Southern California's Seaside Highland Games is the premier Scottish festival on the Pacific Coast and will launch its 21st outing on...

Join us on October 9, 2025 , for the inaugural Kiwanis Corks and Kegs , an extraordinary evening of fine wines, craft beers, and...