September 2024

With elevated levels of home equity across the U.S., mortgage lenders are making home equity lending more accessible to reach more borrowers. Nearly all of the companies analyzed that provide home equity lending have a digital application process, while about half incorporate a soft credit pull before they fully underwrite these loans, according to a report released Wednesday by intelligence firm...

The city council of Portland, Oregon, unanimously passed what it is calling the city’s first-ever housing production strategy, which is based on a proposal introduced this summer by Commissioner Carmen Rubio. Like many major metropolitan areas across the country, Portland is facing a housing shortage as well as an affordability crisis. The only viable solution to these problems, as other municipal...

Judge Andrea R. Wood, who is overseeing the two Batton homebuyer commission lawsuits and the Moehrl commission suit, has recused herself from the cases, according to a legal filing on Wednesday. In the filing, the Chicago-based U.S. district court judge said that it had recently come to her attention that the spouse of a person related to her within the third degree of relationship is a partner at a law...

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) on Wednesday published Mortgagee Letter (ML) 2024-18, which implements updates to debenture interest rates and reimbursements for Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program claims proposed in July. The ML goes into effect on Sept. 28. Debenture interest refers to the percentage of a return that an investor would receive for lending money through a debenture....

The art-loving, history-rich, and downright charming hamlet of Bedford Corners in Westchester County, New York, is a dream place to call home. But its million-dollar homes are often reserved for the wealthy. Just a stone’s throw from the more affordable town of Mount Kisco — with which it shares a post office and zip code — Bedford Corners offers a blend of historic, newly built, and fully...

Your home is more than just a place to live, it’s a canvas for self-expression. Every corner, every piece of furniture, and every decorative item tells a story about who you are and what you value. Expressing your personal style through your living space not only creates a more inviting atmosphere but also contributes to your overall well-being. That’s why today we’ll look at five easy ways to...

Learn how to keep cats out of your yard or garden with these kitty-safe methods. Kindra Clineff Stray cats can benefit gardens by keeping voles, mice, and other rodents away. But when wandering felines prey on songbirds, dig holes in garden beds, and leave you deposits in said holes, they quickly become a nuisance. Here's how to keep stray cats out of your yard with 7 effective methods that are...

Wondering if oregano is a perennial plant that can survive your winters? Here's what to know. Bob Stefko You purchased a pot or two of oregano from the nursery this spring and enjoyed them all summer. Now you're wondering, is oregano a perennial? Or will winter do this herb in, forcing you to buy fresh plants in spring? Here's what to know to get the most out of your oregano plants. What...

Find out how to attract butterflies with the right plants, water sources, and shelter. Blaine Moats It’s incredibly exciting to see butterflies with their colorful wings flitting around your garden. When you know how to attract butterflies, you can make these visits a regular occurrence. It just takes a little planning to create a garden that supports these insects at every stage of their life...

Gallery walls never go out of style, but there are a few tricks to keeping them of the moment. Cathy Glazer Thanks to their ability to add character, color, and depth to a space, gallery walls have been popular in design for centuries. Originally known as salon walls, their history dates back to 17th century France, when walls were filled floor to ceiling with large collections of art.Fast forward...