FitzGerald Financial Group
Just like getting into top physical shape, getting into homebuying shape takes time and determination. The best strategy to prepare: get organized and create a plan that will help you improve your financial fitness over time. It won’t happen overnight, but if your goal is to purchase a home in the new year, it’s never too early to get started. SHAPE UP YOUR CREDIT Just like stepping on a scale, checking your [...]
So, you’re ready to stop making your landlord rich and start building equity through homeownership. But are you ready for the responsibility that comes with owning a home? Despite what you’ve heard, buying isn’t just a financial decision. There are many factors, including your professional and personal situation that should impact your decision. We sat down with TowneBank Loan Officer Dex Auer for his advice on how to decide when it’s time [...]
Dana Dudley might be the fastest speaking loan officer you’ll ever meet. That’s because when she’s not helping her clients purchase or refinance their homes, she’s working as a benefit auctioneer for various non-profits and auction houses around the Frederick County, Maryland area. “My friend convinced me that I would be a great auctioneer because I talk so fast,” Dana said. “I decided to do it because I always enjoyed going to [...]
If you recently graduated from college, chances are you have some student debt. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to qualify for a mortgage, even while paying off your debt. Fitzgerald Financial Loan Officer Matt Sines says this scenario is actually very common. “Over the past few years, the mortgage industry has taken steps to address student loans including more flexible guidelines and even special programs geared toward first-time homebuyers that are [...]
With Independence Day around the corner, we’re reflecting on what it means to be American. There is so much to be thankful for as we celebrate our freedom on the 4th—such as the dream that America was founded on. The American Dream stands for democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality. It is the idea that every American should have the same opportunity for success, and upward mobility for themselves and their family. [...]
There’s more to achieving green grass than just giving it a bit of water every now and then. Why not make this the year that you have a plush, green lawn that all your neighbors will envy! A green lawn can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal and can make spending time in your yard much more enjoyable. Follow these instructions for a nice, green lawn: Seed your lawn with a [...]
With so many different forms of cyber crimes and criminals, it's hard to protect yourself online. Each time you log on, you're exposing yourself to identity theft, financial fraud, information privacy and forgery, and more. Each time we use the internet, we make choices that affect our cyber security. The first step to protecting yourself from cyber-attacks is realizing that it can happen to you. Keep these 10 cyber security tips in mind [...]
A Homeowner Association (HOA) is a private association created by a real estate developer to market, manage and sell homes and lots in planned developments. These can include, houses, townhouses, and condominiums. If you buy a house in the subdivision or condominium, you are generally obligated to become a member of the homeowner association and pay monthly or annual fees. The HOA manages the common areas and amenities and enforces the rules [...]
If your credit is down the drain, you might feel desperate to repair it. The marketplace is saturated with companies that promise to repair your credit. If you're looking for credit repair help, be aware that not all parties promising to repair your credit are legitimate. Make sure you recognize credit repair schemes before you become a victim. Be suspicious if a company: Insists that you pay upfront before services are provided to [...]
Ever wonder why we spring clean? Spring cleaning is a tradition rooted in thousands of years of history. Many civilizations would take advantage of the spring’s light and warmth, using this time to clean all the soot that piled up during the long, cold winter. Although the majority of us don’t heat our homes with fire, it's still commonplace to take advantage of the warm weather and give your home a deep [...]
Did you know going green can actually save you money? There are simple steps you can take to help you save, all while protecting the Earth.
If you have bad credit, you might feel like doors are constantly being closed on you. It could lead to difficulty being approved for an apartment, paying higher insurance premiums, being denied a job, or being denied for a loan. Credit scores reflect your payment patterns over time and almost all major lenders use them. Your credit indicates to people how trustworthy you are, and indicates to lenders how likely you are [...]
Your bathroom should be one of the most peaceful and relaxing rooms in your house. If you’re tired of your outdated bathroom, then give it a makeover! It’s not as complicated as you might think. Since its one of the smallest rooms in the house, you can make significant changes to the look and feel of your bathroom without taking on a big renovation project. Your bathroom can take on many different [...]
Most homeowners spend weeks, if not months, preparing their home to sell. From repainting walls, fixing leaky plumbing, to waxing floors, it can be a lot of hard work. Should staging your home be part of that process? Staging your home might not always make it sell for more money, but it will likely help it sell faster and for the home’s market value. Hiring a professional to stage your home could [...]
