Charlie Weiblen's (archwood) Blog

Until the economy crashed this last year, we have forgotten what it means to save and why we do it.  In previous years, we've referred to our investments in the stock market as our giant piggy bank, selling a few shares when you need a few extra bucks.  With the plummeting stocks and our home val...

A long-overdue guidance plan for short sales  and other loan modification alternatives was developed yesterday by the US Treasury. This is in effort to stem  the rising tide of home foreclosures. The Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program provides financial incentivesand simplifies the ...

Society's awareness of better health isn't just in changing your diet and lifestyle, but now is also in the way you live in your home.  Health-conscious methods are expanding into the home-building industry, particularly in the custom homes.  Healthier home improvements can be broken into four ca...

1. Less is more!  Nearly 25% of food prepared for Thanksgiving is wasted.  Just because it’s tradition to have the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls, green bean casserole, ham, cranberry sauce and don’t forget those pies, doesn’t mean you’re required to have a jam-packed menu.  If there i...

It is without a doubt that before you even begin the search for your dream home, you should have a down-payment secured and a pre-approval letter, but there are several other factors you want to consider when you begin the hunt. Pinpoint certain neighborhoods that you like and what price range yo...

Due to a revamped Good Faith Estimate (GFE) that is to begin in January of the new year, mortgage shopping will become that much easier.  Good Faith Estimates disclose information about mortgage transactions that lenders must provide within three days of receiving an application.  The new GFE pro...

It is typical for home transactions to slow down during the holidays, since people are usually busy with season festivities and their budget seems to be a bit more strapped this time of year. This year, home sales might continue to cruise right through November, December and January without any c...

Anyone who has ever purchased a home understands how relieving it is when you finally find the home of your dreams.  It's not uncommon for prospective buyers to search for months without feeling that warm cozy ‘home' feeling when they walk into a property. But don't let your excitement of finding...

This year, it's pertinent to get a jumpstart on preparing your taxes.  With such a shift in tax credits and the current state of the economy, give yourself or your accountant to get everything in line.  Things to consider this year, moreso than years in the past are:First-Time Home-Buyer Tax Cred...

George Mantor, of Real Estate Information Systems Media, helps us understand the principles behind homeowner association fees.  When evaluating the HOA monthly fee, it is important to consider three things: how was the number arrived at, what does it cover, can anything be done for less? 1. How i...