Joe Sells The Poconos

With record-high home prices in neighborhoods all over the country, some homebuyers have become frustrated as they watch their buying power erode month by month. The good news is that by reorienting yourself and shifting your focus, you may still be able to find a home you’ll love at a price you can manage. Check out these strategies for making homeownership more affordable, even in today’s hot real estate market.

Get the best possible financing deal

This year has turned out to be an interesting time for the housing market. From an increase in housing prices to a decrease in days on the market, the market has been tricky to predict, leaving many to question their path into homeownership.

Apple picking. Pumpkin picking. Leaf peeping. You’ve heard it all before. Fall is full of amazing sights, smells, and sounds, but very rarely do you come across an activity that you haven’t already checked off your must-do list five years in a row.

Well, here’s a list of things you’ve probably (hopefully) never thought of to make the most of fall. And, if you have, congratulations on being original!

Play pick-up football.

Technology is a wonderful thing—it allows us to work more efficiently, helps us stay in touch with friends and family, and entertains us. But it also has the capacity to do exactly the opposite—distract us from our work, distance us from our loved ones and prevent us from practicing truly enriching hobbies. Research has also shown that tech addiction can lead to anxiety and depression. If you’re looking to take a “tech break” from your smartphone, here are five tips to try:

If your DIY ambitions have reached epic proportion and you’re ready to take on painting your home’s exterior solo, weigh the decision carefully before proceeding. You’ll need to decide if you have the time and patience to do a detailed and thorough job. If you’re ready, willing and able, here’s how HGTV recommends going about it:

If, like many Americans, you find your money runs out before the month does, it may be because you don’t keep track of your spending. Budgeting helps, financial advisors assure us, but budget or no budget, there are ways to rein in your spending that may be less painful than you think:

If you want to buy a house but you have student loans, you may be trying to figure out if you should save money for a down payment or focus on eliminating your existing debt before you take on a mortgage. The answer will depend on your individual circumstances.