Fort Lauderdale Blog

Why You Should Get a Dog

Why You Should Get a Dog

(Family Features)--Few things compare to the feelings of love and companionship that come with owning a dog. Many owners even call their dogs "fur babies" or say they're a "pet parent." While having a pet comes with responsibilities and commitment, the physical and emotional benefits can make bringing a pet into the family a worthwhile experience.

Consider these benefits of having a pet and why it's one of the most satisfying feelings in the world.

Safety How-to: Severe Storms and Flash FloodsFloods

Safety How-to: Severe Storms and Flash Floods

Because severe weather and natural disasters can occur at any time with devastating effects, The National Safety Council (NSC) encourages Americans to develop emergency plans and kits in the event of unpredictable and severe weather

How New Homeowners Can Save Money

How New Homeowners Can Save Money

Crossing the threshold to your first home is one of the most exciting moments in a young person’s life... until that first mortgage payment is due. Then the heating bill. And the electric. And the taxes. Let’s face it. Home ownership can be pricey, especially when you’re a newbie.

For those still adjusting to the new financial responsibilities that come with home ownership, there are lots of easy ways to save money by cutting back on some of the expenditures you didn’t think twice about as a renter. Try some of the following ideas, and start building a cushion for home maintenance, new furniture, or adding on a deck.

Home Improvements with High ROI

Home Improvements with High ROI

(Family Features)--If the ultimate goal of your home improvement project is aesthetic, the greatest benefit may come from your personal enjoyment of the new space. However, if you're looking to add true value to your home, it's important to consider which projects are likely to bring the greatest return on your investment.

Red Cross: Get Ready for Hurricane Season Now

Red Cross: Get Ready for Hurricane Season Now

The Atlantic hurricane season started on June 1, and forecasters are reporting we could once again see above-normal storm activity between now and when hurricane season ends in November. 

Whether you or someone you love lives in a hurricane prone area or not, the following ten preparation tips from the Red Cross are great steps to take in advance of any storm:

Be Smart About Your Smart Home When Selling

Be Smart About Your Smart Home When Selling

While smart home technology makes our lives simpler and more efficient, when it comes time to sell your home, things can get tricky if you don’t take the proper steps to protect yourself.

According to The Mortgage Reports (www.themortgagereports.com), begin by making a thorough list of all the devices in your home. Be sure to think this through carefully as you’ve probably come to take much of this technology for granted as it’s become woven into your daily life.

Take the Right Steps to Get the Right Appraisal

Take the Right Steps to Get the Right Appraisal

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, getting an accurate appraisal is crucial. In today’s market, lots of factors can contribute to an appraisal coming in too low, including a lack of recent comparable home sales in the area and using appraisers from out of town. 

After a Rising Streak, Mortgage Rates Slow

After a Rising Streak, Mortgage Rates Slow

By RISMedia Staff

After an April run-up, mortgage rates have slowed, with the average 30-year, fixed rate at 4.55 percent this week, down from 4.58 percent the prior week, according to Freddie Mac's recently released Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®). The average 15-year, fixed rate, however, was at 4.03 percent, up from 4.02 percent the prior week—but the average five-year, Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable rate was 3.69 percent, a tumble from 3.74 percent the prior week.

The Homeowner's Secret Weapon: Vinegar

The Homeowner's Secret Weapon: Vinegar

You’ve probably heard that vinegar can be used for a myriad of household purposes, but you probably never would’ve imagined some of the problems it can solve around the house. Check out some of these creative uses for vinegar from home improvement maven, Martha Stewart:

5 Tips to Deal with Stock Market Volatility

5 Tips to Deal with Stock Market Volatility

 
A volatile stock market can be stressful for anyone who has invested a chunk of change.  Here, Aadil Zaman and Syed Nishat of the Wall Street Alliance Group, offer their top 5 tips for successfully navigating through market volatility:

Be mentally prepared for market declines. Market corrections are an essential part of a healthy market. At any point in time, an investor should be prepared for a 10 percent to 20 percent pullback. If the recent two-days fall made some investors feel restless and stressed, then it may be time to reassess their risk exposure to make it more conservative.