Entries by Jennifer Graves

Three Ways to Secure a Mortgage Rate Below 6% This Fall

1. Explore adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) Adjustable-rate mortgages can offer immediate relief in today’s market. Unlike fixed-rate loans, ARMs begin with a lower introductory rate that adjusts later — often years down the road. Despite their reputation for volatility, many ARMs provide stable terms for a significant initial period. For instance, a 7/1 ARM, where the […]

Why Wood Remains the Gold Standard in Home Design

For years, ceilings were playfully called the “fifth wall,” a design opportunity often overlooked. Today, designers are shifting their gaze downward, treating the floor as the “sixth wall” — a canvas for style, warmth, and personality. At the center of this design shift? Wood flooring. Homeowners are once again gravitating toward wood, not only for […]

Mortgage Rates Dip to Lowest Level in Nearly a Year, Offering Hope to Buyers

After months of stubbornly high borrowing costs, would-be homebuyers and homeowners looking to refinance are finally getting some relief. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.58% for the week ending August 14—the lowest level since last October—according to Freddie Mac data released Thursday. This decline comes on the heels of new economic signals […]

Blending Function, Personality, and Sustainability

The kitchen remains the heart of the home, and for today’s homeowners, style and practicality must go hand in hand. From bold cabinetry colors to smarter, greener appliances, the modern kitchen continues to evolve as a reflection of personal taste, comfort, and conscious living. Countertops Beyond the Basics Granite and quartz, once the go-to countertop […]