Judy Sells The Shoals

For decades, gas stoves have been the preferred choice for both professional and amateur chefs alike and it’s easy to understand why. Gas stoves allow for quick control of the heat which allows for quick adjustments when cooking. But recently possible bans on gas stoves have dominated national news as unhealthy. Regardless of whether induction stovetops are healthier or not, there are great reasons to make the switch. What is an Induction Range? In simple terms, an induction electric range is powered by an electromagnetic field. This allows the range to have the same degree of temperature as a gas powered stove with a similar level of control. Making the Switch The first thing to realize is that you’ll pay more for an induction stove than a gas range. The increase in cost may be as much as double the price and the installation will require special wiring and circuitry. But this increase in upfront costs will start to pay off very quickly. First, homeowners can take advantage of a feder...

Having good credit is essential for a number of aspects of your life, ranging from the interest rate on a car loan or credit card to background checks for employment. Poor credit can be incredibly expensive, costing you thousands of dollars in higher interest rates over the course of a home loan. Fortunately, with proper care and attention paid to your finances, it is possible to maintain a good credit rating. Here are six factors that could damage your credit score: 1. Not paying your bills on time  - Bills not paid within 30 days can be reported to the credit bureaus. 2. Utilizing all of your available credit on credit cards  - It is important to not max out your credit cards without a plan to pay them off. 3. Not having a diverse mix of credit  - Having different types of credit, such as car loans and revolving credit, could help improve your score. 4. Applying for too much credit  - Multiple applications for credit cards in a short period of time can be a bad sig...

Homebuyers have had a rough time lately. First, the frenzied housing market stymied so many offers and caused frustration due to lack of inventory. Now that the pace and prices are starting to drop, interest rates have ticked up to alarming levels. While some buyers are postponing their purchase, those still in the market are starting to consider more creative financing, including an ARM (Adjustable-Rate Mortgage). What is an ARM? Unlike a 30-fixed mortgage, as the name suggests, the interest rate of an ARM can change over the course of the loan. The interest rate is based on an index, such as the one year T-Bill. Additionally, the timing of adjustment is fixed in the loan documents, so the borrower knows how to plan for changes. For example, a 5/1 ARM means that the initial interest rate is fixed for the first five years and then can adjust once a year for the remaining 25. Likewise, a 7/1 ARM has a fixed period of 7 years. There are also built-in protections to ensure that the adjust...

The most important aspect of listing your home for sales is the asking price. Unlike many other items we purchase, home prices are based on what a willing and able buyer would pay for the property. Sounds complicated, right? This is why real estate agents bring comps ( short for comparable properties) information with them to the discussion. Yet are you using the right comps to successfully sell your home? The idea is to gather information about comparable properties that have sold recently that are similar to your own. The goal is to compare apples to apples. In other words, the properties should be as close to the subject home as possible. This includes things like: ·  Location – how far is the property from yours. ·  Size – square footage is an important aspect of value. ·  Number of bedrooms/bathrooms – even if the square footage is close, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms can have a large effect on price. · Style, view, street, yard – even the exact same floorplan...

The question of moving for a new job is not uncommon. In the past few years, more and more companies are moving their entire operations out of high-tax states to those more business-friendly. Possible work-from-home options further complicate the decision to move with your company. So, should you move when your company does? Things to Consider Before You Move for Your Company ·  Career Growth –  One of the biggest reasons to stay with your job through a move is career growth and advancement. Speak with your manager or HR professional about what kind of career path is available before you decide. ·  Better Location –  Companies moving out-of-state often move to a more desirable location. If the new area appeals to you, then using a corporate relocation package can be a cost-effective way to move to a better location. ·  Personal Relationships –  Moving away from family and friends may be too high a price to pay to stay with your company. Aging parents or the...

Home Issues That Shouldn’t Be Deal-Breakers – and a Few That Are!   Finding the right home can sometimes feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Unless you’re buying brand-new construction, every home has some drawbacks, whether it’s style or real maintenance issues. If you’re looking for your next home, understanding the difference between minor issues and true deal-breakers can help you evaluate your options and make the best possible choice.  Manageable Annoyances    • Cosmetic – All aesthetic concerns can be fixed –for a cost. The key is to understand the difficulty and level of effort or money involved. A dying lawn can be addressed with new sod. Is the kitchen dated? A new backsplash is relatively inexpensive. With some fresh paint and new lighting fixtures, you can easily brighten a room and make a small space seem more expansive.   • Healthy Homes – Many homes have older carpet, drapes, and other elements that can irritate allergies. Ho...