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According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), affordable housing means that you should be paying no more than 30% of your gross income for housing costs, including mortgage principle and interest, property taxes, home insurance premiums, and utilities. In reality, home ownership costs much more when HOA fees, maintenance, and repairs are included. […]

Experience lakefront living at its finest in Smith Mountain Lake Purchasing your first luxury home is an exciting milestone, and doing so at Smith Mountain Lake makes it all the more special. Known for its serene waters, upscale communities, and vibrant lifestyle, this area is a delight for those ready to enter the high-end real […]

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are small stand-alone or attached homes built on lots occupied by larger single-family homes. Also known as granny flats, ADUs can allow aging parents to live close to family or give adult children a chance to save money to launch their lives. They can also be rented to small households for additional income. […]

Slang in popular culture often has confusing meanings. Bougie (boo-zhee) and Boujee (boo-ghee), for example, are both adjective derivatives of the French noun bourgeoisie, which means “of middle-class status.” A bougie person may flaunt expensive tastes to elevate their social and financial status, while a boujee person is wealthy but unpretentious, according to hip-hop culture. If you own or aspire to buy […]

To buy a home in spring 2025, you should organize your finances, choose the right team members, and understand the market. Check your credit history and scores for free at Annualcreditreport.com. Look for any mistakes, liens or unpaid balances and get proof that you’ve resolved the issue. Determine sources to help you make a down payment, […]

Real estate agency is a legally binding relationship between real estate agents and their clients during the buying and selling process. Each state has its own rules regarding the licensing and duties of real estate professionals, as well as how they’re allowed to work with consumers. First, there are two levels of licensure—broker and agent. […]

There’s a certain allure to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Tucked away in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s a place where the unspoiled waters meet the rolling hills, and the beauty of nature is always within reach. For someone who values the finer things in life and the peace that comes with it, […]

If you really need to sell your home, you don’t have to wait until after the holidays. While there are fewer homebuyers, those actively searching are often committed to making a swift move due to reasons such as lease endings, job relocations, or military transfers. You can make your home stand out in several ways: […]

When you apply for a mortgage loan, you’ll receive a standardized form called a loan estimate within three working days. The purpose is to give you the opportunity to compare multiple offers from lenders and to negotiate terms where applicable. Once you choose a lender, this pre-approval allows you to shop for a home with […]

If you’re planning to buy a home in a community managed by a homeowners association (HOA), you’ll need to join, pay fees, and adhere to the association’s rules as a member. Your purchase contract should include a contingency that gives you the right to review the HOA’s financial records and its covenants, conditions, and restrictions […]