Keeping It REAL - by Bettsy Tyler

Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. And if you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll be planning your furniture placement and decor before the ink dries on your offer letter. But before you run to the nearest home goods store, take a deep breath. First, you’ll need to delay any major purchases before you close on your new home. A large outlay or additional line of credit could lower your credit score and, thus, impact your mortgage terms.1 Second, moving and closing costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to be strategic with your remaining budget. But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to save on home essentials, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to share with you. PRIORITIZE WHAT YOU REALLY NEED BEFORE YOU START SHOPPING According to Home Advisor, the national average cost to furnish a new house is $16,000, but it can easily soar higher.2 That’s why we recommend starting with a thorough assessment of what you already have and what you actuall

If the thought of investing your money into brick and mortar—or perhaps some stylishly-painted siding—excites you, join the club. Investing in real estate has long been one of Americans' favorite ways to grow their wealth. In fact, over 70% of single-family rental properties are currently owned by individual investors rather than corporations, according to Census data. 1 Moreover, a decade's worth of Bankrate surveys has found that Americans often prefer real estate for long-term wealth building over other investments. According to Bankrate's latest survey, for example, Americans have historically embraced real estate, in part, because of the strong return on investment it can offer—especially to investors willing to stick with a property over time. 2 It’s also a popular way to hedge against inflation since both rental income and property values tend to rise in tandem with overall prices. 3 Now, as higher interest rates continue to push priced-out homebuyers to the