Need A Home Loan? Why It Pays To Shop Around

When it comes to finding a mortgage, not shopping around could mean you're leaving a lot of extra money on the table. A shocking number of first-time buyers go with the first home loan offer that comes along. But that could be a big mistake.

Shop and Save
When you consider the potential savings gained by shopping for the best mortgage rate, it's shocking how many don't put in the effort to weigh their options. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau reports that nearly half of all mortgage borrowers don't shop around when looking for a home loan.

Buying a home is likely to be the biggest purchase you ever make, and you're going to be working at paying off your home loan for 15, 20, or 30 years. Depending on the details of your loan, the interest rate, fees, and many other factors could vary widely. Cons...

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5 Home Fire Safety Hazards You Might Overlook In Your Home

By now, most individuals are aware of the importance of safely burning candles, properly extinguishing cigarettes, and maintaining clean dryer vents. However, even with these precautions in place, there are several lesser-known fire safety hazards lurking within your home.

Below are five hidden fire risks that often go unnoticed by homeowners.

1. Kitchen Clutter
   
   The kitchen is a frequent starting point for home fires. It's crucial to keep clutter such as towels,...

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Achieving a rejuvenating night's sleep is crucial for both our physical health and mental wellbeing. Yet, with hectic schedules, ensuring quality rest can be challenging. Optimizing the hours you do have can significantly enhance your sleep quality. Discover these six simple yet effective bedroom changes that can help you sleep better by transforming your space into a haven of tranquility:

1. Regulate the Temperature:
   
   Maintain a comfortable sleeping environment by adjusting the room's temperature. Opt for breathable sheets and blankets or cozy down comforters and fluffy pillows to suit your preferences. Enhance air circulation with strategically placed fans for added comfort. And be sure your thermostat is set to a lower temperature than what is normal for the hours you're...

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6 Ways To Make Your Home Smell Fresh

When potential buyers step into your home, one of their initial impressions is the scent. Just as you might notice a peculiar odor upon returning from a trip, visitors perceive the aroma of your home. Over time, individuals become accustomed to these scents, a phenomenon known as nose-blindness. Hence, it's crucial to maintain a fresh-smelling environment when home staging for buyers.

While the ideal scenario is an odorless space, achieving this can be challenging amidst daily activities like cooking, childcare, and pet ownership. However, there are effective methods to neutralize odors without resorting to artificial air fresheners. Consider these 6 ways to make your home smell fresh:

1. Revitalize Your Garbage Disposal:
   Combat kitchen odors by treating your garbage disposal wi...

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This week's weather forecast for the Southwest Iowa area predicts extremely cold temperatures, with lows dropping below zero. Homeowners may be concerned about the risk of frozen pipes. Here are some tips to help prevent this potential disaster in your home.

Preventive Measures for Extreme Cold to Avoid Pipe Freezing:

1. Open cabinet doors leading to exposed pipes (e.g., sink access doors) to allow household air to warm them.
2. Keep attached garage doors closed to protect plumbing routed through this unheated space.
3. Turn on a faucet farthest from the water entry point to create a slow drip, preventing pipe freezing.
4. Maintain a thermostat setting above 65 degrees when leaving your home or business for an extended period.

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