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Internet Service Providers (ISPs) save money and manage network traffic by “throttling” broadband connections, resulting in “slower loading times, buffering during streaming, and reduced download or upload speeds.” The average internet speed is 214 Mbps in the U.S. Most providers put data caps on the amount of gigabytes (GB) they provide, which favors denser populations. AT&T DSL caps at 1,500 […]

Your credit scores are numbers that creditors, landlords, employers, insurers, and others use as shorthand or an educated guess to determine your attitude toward borrowing and how you might repay a loan. Credit scores are calculated individually by the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, from the information found in your credit reports: Liens, child support obligations, […]

If your home has had few to no showings or offers, it’s likely overpriced to homebuyers. They’re willing to pay fair market value, but little more. You’ll be successful with a price reduction if you act on the following: Accept the current market. Ask your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network professional for an updated comparative market analysis with […]

When homebuyers pull up to the curb of a home for sale, one of the first things they look for is the front door. As the focal point of the entrance, the door should segue seamlessly to complement the interior. According to Marvin Replacement, buyers are looking for larger doors that admit more light into the […]

Wake up to the gentle lapping of water against the shoreline, the mist lifting slowly off the lake as the first rays of sunlight shimmer across the surface. Here at Smith Mountain Lake, luxury doesn’t shout, it’s relaxed and laid back. It’s found in the simplicity of a morning coffee enjoyed on a private dock, […]

Before you apply for a mortgage loan, check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. This site, by law, allows the three major credit reporting bureaus, Experian, Transunion, and Equifax, to provide a free look at your total credit history once a year. You’ll find the following: Bill payment history Loans Current debt Bankruptcy history Lawsuit records and liens Compare […]

Now’s the perfect time to show off your new home with your favorite vibrant colors, eclectic art, and daring sense of fashion. Maximalism is putting individuality and a sense of fun back into home design. It’s excessive, exuberant, eclectic, and highly personal. Start with your living room. Place the largest pieces you want to see in the […]

When interest rates rise, buying a home becomes more expensive, so you may need to tighten your budget. However, there are advantages. For instance, if you have a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payment remains unchanged—a strong hedge against inflation even as home prices and other costs climb. Additionally, higher rates help your savings and money […]

With improved law enforcement tools, residential burglaries are on the decline, but they still occur at homes that look like easy pickings. Burglars prefer to target homes that offer easy opportunity, low risk, and potential rewards. From the street, they can quickly gather information just by driving the neighborhood, “jogging by” at different times of the day, checking […]