Getting the Best Mortgage Rates in the New Economy

© 2011, Brandon Cornett. All rights reserved.

All home buyers want the lowest mortgage rate possible when applying for a home loan, because it directly translates to a smaller payment each month. And who doesn’t want to shrink their monthly expenses?

But how does one obtain a low rate on a mortgage loan and, for that matter, why is it important in the first place? These are the subjects we will discuss in this tutorial for first-time home buyers.

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend?

Maybe you just purchased a new home or rented a new apartment, and you're looking for an excuse to take a break from unpacking...even if you're already established, if you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, look no further. Here's a smattering of some of the happenings around our local area in the next three days. Hopefully one or more of them will strike your fancy!  

The First Steps of the Home Buying Process

© 2011 Brandon Cornett. All rights reserved.

Establishing a budget. Checking your credit. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan. These are three of the most important steps during the first phase of the home buying process. Here’s how to navigate them.

For Sale by Owner- A Good Idea or Not

Many people who are ready to sell their homes think that For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is the way to go. After all, you get to cut out the real estate commission, so technically you can sell the home yourself cheaper and keep all the profits.

Many do not realize the headaches and costs of selling by owner. Certainly, you cut out the commission, but usually the realtor just adds this 5-6% to your asking price so that the buyer actually pays the commission.

Recycling Event in Kensington for Unused School Supplies!

SCRAP began in Portland, Oregon, in 1998. It was an organization founded by teachers who began storing and re-using their leftover classroom materials at the end of each school year rather than throwing them away. It quickly grew as the word spread; more and more teachers from around the area began bringing their classroom and art supplies.

National Report: MCPS #1 in Graduation Rate for a Third Straight Year

This just in from MCPS (just another reason to buy a house in Montgomery County if you're raising a family): 

"Montgomery County Public Schools, for the third year in a row, has the highest graduation rate among the nation’s largest school districts, according to a national report released today (June 7).