Fort Lauderdale Blog

Q: Should I Always Get a Permit before Making Home Improvements?

A: To save both time and money, some people avoid getting building permits. But most cities require them. Besides ensuring safety during construction – housing inspectors sometimes stop by to check on the progress of projects at key points – they are also a source of revenue.

Fixed Mortgage Rates Edge Up

Freddie Mac recently released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing average fixed mortgage rates edging up following a week with little new economic and housing news.

Understanding APR and What It Means When Shopping for a Mortgage

By Keith Loria

If you’re in the process of shopping for a mortgage or considering refinancing, you’ve probably run across the term annual percentage rate (APR) more times than you can count. But what exactly is an annual percentage rate, and how can it help you when you’re looking to buy a home?

6 Signs Your Retirement Plan is in Trouble

After the 2008 economic meltdown, when the stock market fell 37 percent, veteran financial advisor Curt Whipple says he met with clients from outside financial institutions who’d lost 50 to 60 percent of their portfolio in a single year.

The 7 Best Things to Buy in March (an April)

By Barbara Pronin

March brings St. Paddy’s Day – a time for the wearing of the green. But it’s also a good month to save some green, consumer advocates say, as it’s a transitional month and every change of season brings bargains.