December 2016

Now that the kiddos are home for the holiday break, it is time to keep them busy with some holiday projects. Build their anticipation for Christmas day with these fun projects ideas for crafters big or small. 

Make a Plate for Santa- Everyone knows Santa loves cookies! Ensure he’s in top mood when stuffing your stockings by crafting a customized plate to serve Santa’s favorite midnight snack.

Colorful Yarn and Button Trees- Great as a centerpieces, decoration on a mantel or even a gift, these yarn-covered trees will add a colorful pop to any room.

Make a Sweet Tray- Put a new spin on classic holiday candy with a starlight mint serving tray. To create it, lay peppermints side-by-side on a cookie sheet and place the pan in a warm oven

By: Laura Haverty (Zillow) 

Look out for these pitfalls before you take the leap into purchasing a home.

Everton Allen, now 28, graduated from college and was living with his parents while working as a graphic designer for the Miami Dolphins when he decided he wanted to start his own company and buy his own home.

“I’d saved for a down payment over several years,” he says. “But I was worried it wouldn’t be enough, and that not having a traditional salary would affect my ability to qualify.”

Such misgivings are common — prevalent, even.

Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research Group conducted a survey to gauge consumers’ understanding of mortgage qualification criteria. About 40 percent of consumers responded “don’t know” when asked