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You know how tough it is to qualify for a mortgage.

Proof you've got a long-term job with ample income. A credit score to the moon. Your life's savings as a down payment. More cash stashed away. A debt-to-income ratio to die for. For some, tax returns for the last two years.

You've been there, done that. For weeks now. Maybe a month or more.

You've fought the good fight, you've run the gauntlet of mortgage qualifications and you have your signature-tired hands on that coveted home loan approval.

Now, all you have to do is not blow it.

For goodness sake, don't make any surprise financial moves that could cost you your home loan.

Your mortgage approval is primarily based on documenting your income and assets, your equity stake or down payment, your credit and the cash you'll have left over after the deal is done.

Once you have a mortgage approv...

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Home values are important regardless of when you plan to sell your home. When you make changes to the home, you need to be aware of what will get you the most "bang for your buck" so to speak. With that in mind, here are ten tips to help increase your home's value.

1. The first being landscape. Landscaping is extremely important to present it to other people. It doesn't have to be extravagant, but maintaining is crucial. Look at some of our other videos for tips there.
2. Fix minor repairs; don't give the next owner a laundry list to do.
3. For a refresh and updated look, paint the walls. Simply and easy!
4. If you plan on making major enhancements to the home, consider updating kitchen
5. Or consider updating a bathroom as those usually have the most bang for your money.

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Buying a home is like searching for a mate. You'll go on many first dates and in the end, the one that has most, but maybe not all of the characteristics that you want will win your heart.

However, first-time buyers and sometimes even serial homebuyers are disappointed by how long the process takes. Yet they may not understand how their expectations, beliefs, and lack of action may be causing the delay in finding the right home.

Here are five pitfalls that buyers can fall into that cause them to let the right home slip by.

Seeing a home "as-is". I don't mean that buyers should not view homes on the market that are listed for sale "as-is"; rather I mean not being able to see beyond the "as-is" home. In other words, some buyers walk into a home and are immediately turned off by something as simple as the color of paint which...

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Many homeowners struggle with the decision of purchasing a  home warranty plan. You're probably already paying a mortgage, and likely utilities too. So it's understandable if adding another monthly payment is unappealing. But investing in the safety of your home with a home warranty could make a huge difference in your family's financial security and peace of mind.

Consider your appliances

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In today's market, with home prices rising and a lack of inventory, some homeowners may consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons why this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

Here are the top five reasons:

1. Exposure to Prospective Buyers

Recent studies have shown that 95% of buyers search online for a home. That is in comparison to only 17% looking at print newspaper ads. Most real estate agents have an internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you?

2. Results Come from the Internet

Where did buyers find the home they actually purch...

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