Josh Blair
Branch Manager
| NMLS #241845
Branch NMLS #2522749
(732) 904-7856
joshb@cmghomeloans.com
POST TAGS
Mortgage News Mortgage Insurance Refinance Market Updates First-Time Home Buyer Conventional Loan FHA Loan Purchase Home Design Selling Budget Financial Planning Loan Process Credit New Construction Home Maintenance Renovation Homeowners Insurance Investment Property VA Loan Down Payment Assistance Taxes All in One Loan Debt Management USDA Loan HELOC Loan Programs Builder7 Popular Home Trends This Summer
Blog posted On July 18, 2024
The summer heatwave is rising, and so are these hot home décor trends! Whether it’s the Scandinavian and Japanese “Japandi-style” minimalist sensibilities, the “dark academia” reading rooms, or the growing popularity of dopamine design, there’s something for everyone in these home trends. Let’s walk through the seven trends taking the home design world by storm.
READ MORE5 Ways to Decorate Your Front Porch for Fall
Blog posted On September 21, 2022
With Fall right around the corner, this is the time that people start pulling out the Fall decorations. For many, this is the time to spruce up the front porch with pumpkins, straw bales, and more fun Fall decor.
READ MORE5 Ways to Decorate Your New Home on a Budget
Blog posted On July 20, 2022
Moving into a new home is an exciting process, but sometimes decorating it can be an extremely daunting and expensive task. This can be especially true if this is your first home, or if you are moving into a bigger place and you need to buy additional furniture to fill the home.
Below are five things you can do to help decorate your new home on a budget.
READ MOREDIY Projects That Can Boost Your Home’s Value
Blog posted On June 15, 2022
Are you thinking about putting your house on the market? Certain updates can help you maximize profits from the sale of your home. It may be overwhelming to think about the cost of renovations, but there are several medium-to-low-cost updates that can quickly boost your home’s value.
READ MORE6 Ways to Create the Perfect Outdoor Space
Blog posted On May 11, 2022
It’s that time of year again! Temperatures are starting to rise, which means people are beginning to spend more time outside. Is your outdoor space ready to start hosting your family and friends? Here are some tips on creating the perfect outdoor space that will prepare you for your upcoming outdoor gatherings.
READ MOREThe Cost of Aging in Place
Blog posted On December 01, 2021
When you approach retirement, you’ll be faced with the decision of whether to stay in your home or move. Many retirees choose to downsize or move from a single-family home to a townhouse or condo. Others choose to renovate their current home to accommodate expected life changes. If you’re considering whether you’re going to stay in your home or move when you retire, make sure to account for all the expected costs.
READ MORE9 Quick Ways to Decorate Your Home for Thanksgiving
Blog posted On November 24, 2021
You’ve called the family. Your kitchen is cleaned and ready to go. You have the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and all your favorite baking ingredients. Everything’s ready for you to host Thanksgiving at your house. But what about the decorations? The table centerpiece? The placemats? In case you need some last-minute help with festive décor, here are nine quick DIY projects that can help spice up your home’s Thanksgiving vibe.
READ MOREWhat to Know About Insurance and Wildfires
Blog posted On September 08, 2021
Over the past several years, the severity and size of wildfires across the U.S. have increased at an alarming rate. In 2020, nearly 40,000 forest fires destroyed 4 million acres of land. In California alone, almost 500,000 homes are located in wildfire zones – as are millions of other homes across the country. But many homeowners are unaware of their risk – leaving them vulnerable for hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.
READ MORE6 Decorating Tips for Homes with Pets
Blog posted On July 14, 2021
Having the company of furry friends can add significant joy and health benefits to our lives. Many studies have shown that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression, high blood pressure, and stress. However, owning a pet can also wreak havoc on your home. It might be harder for you to incorporate your pet’s belongings into a new home’s design, but with these six quick tips, you’ll have a model pet palace in no time.
READ MOREHome Renovations with the Highest and Lowest Returns
Blog posted On May 20, 2021
Home renovations can be costly endeavors, depending on the scope of your project. Some homeowners might renovate simply because they need more space. Others might have the goal of boosting their home’s value. If the purpose of your home renovation is to increase your home’s value, it’s important to weigh out its cost. Certain renovations might not have the same resale value that you imagined. To help you plan for your home renovation, here are the current home upgrades with the highest and lowest return on investment (ROI).
READ MOREA Home Buyer’s Guide to a Pet-Friendly Purchase
Blog posted On April 07, 2021
When buying a home, it’s important to consider the needs of all family members involved. For many families, this includes the needs of a furry friend. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 50% of American households have at least one pet, and nearly 90% of those households said their pets’ needs are very important factors when buying a home. If you’re one of those 90%, consider these four questions to find the perfect place for both or both you and your pet.
READ MORE6 Quick Tips to Help Sell Your House Fast
Blog posted On March 25, 2021
Staging your home for sale is always important – even in a busy market. With the help of good staging, you could garner more buyer interest, close on your home faster, and potentially increase your profit. To get started with a solid home staging, follow these six easy tips from REALTORS® across the country.
READ MORE10 Easy Ways to Go Green at Home
Blog posted On March 17, 2021
There’s one day a year that everyone loves to go green. Some think it saves them from a pinch of the skin, while other hope it can lead them to a pot of gold. But with a few simple changes, you can go green every day of the year – right in the comfort of your home – and save a lot more than a pinch.
READ MORE6 Factors that Affect a Home’s Price
Blog posted On March 02, 2021
Home price appreciation has surged over the past year – up 10.1% year-over-year, according to the recent Case-Shiller home price index report. This is the first time that home prices have seen a double-digit gain since 2014, as more buyers have been flooding the housing market and fewer homes have been available for sale. Whether you’re a proactive homeowner getting your house ready to sell, or a savvy home buyer looking to make a smart investment, knowing which factors affect a home’s price could help you maximize your returns in the future.
READ MORE7 Simple Ways to Spruce Up Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Blog posted On February 03, 2021
Nothing says “welcome home” like a freshly trimmed front yard and a newly painted front door. Though we all know we can’t judge a book by its cover, when it comes to your home, the front cover matters. According to a study by the Journal of Real Estate Finance, your home’s curb appeal can contribute up to 7% of the overall price. For a $300,000 house, that’s equivalent to $21,000. So, if you’re preparing to sell your home, be sure to touch up its curb appeal with these seven simple strategies.
READ MOREAll Hands on Deck: 6 DIY Projects for You and Your Family Before Winter
Blog posted On October 15, 2020
As we roll into the eighth month of the global pandemic, you may be wondering, how many more games of Monopoly can I play? From bike rides to hikes, movie nights to game nights — you’ve done everything in your power to keep the family entertained.
READ MORE7 Inexpensive Ways to Add Value to Your Home
Blog posted On November 07, 2019
When you’re staging a home for sale the details matter. A couple of inexpensive changes can make a big difference to potential buyers who are touring your home. Your Realtor or real estate agent is the expert when it comes to staging your home, but here are some ways you can up the perceived value of your home before you list.
READ MORE