Cressy & Everett Real Estate Blog
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11
7 Tips When You're Moving with a Dog
Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day
Some people are shy to admit that their pets are really members of the household. The one day you can trumpet your pet partiality is February 20, National Love Your Pet Day. Shed your shyness like so much pet fur on the ol' couch and make your pet's move from an old home to new digs an enjoyable experience.
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Alone Time
Before movers arrive, round up Fido and find him a secluded spot. This might be the garage, or a guest bedroom with most of the furniture already moved out. Keep the pet away from the commotion and out of people's way.
At the other end of the move, set up a secluded spot in the new home for Spot to acclimate and load it up with familiar toys. Avoid washing pet bedding the week before the move, so some memory of a comforting corner stays with your pet.
4
Mastering The 5C's of Credit When You're Buying a Home
Deciding you're ready to buy your first home is both exhilarating and intimidating. It takes time and effort to scrimp and save up enough for a down payment, then comes the exciting search for your dream home. Once our real estate agents help you find the perfect property, you'll have to get down to the nitty gritty – qualifying for a loan.
Before a lender is willing to approve your loan application, you must prove that they can depend on you to pay back what you borrow. The "5 C's" of credit are the factors used to determine your creditworthiness. Let's take a look at each one in detail.
- Character
Character is the lender's determination of your general trustworthiness. Since it's not likely that the lender knows you personally, this is generally determined by reviewing your credit report and credit score. They'll look for red flags like a history of failing to make payments on time, loan defaults, or a general lack of credit history.
The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to receive approval and a favorable rate. You can prepare for this review by checking your credit reports before applying for your loan. This will give you time to correct any errors or take steps to improve your score if needed.
28
Read This Before You Apply for a Mortgage
Our real estate agents often hear from our new clients that the process of getting a mortgage is intimidating. That's understandable!
Having an experienced real estate agent on your side does a lot to make applying for a home mortgage manageable.
Even so, it's important to know a few things about the process. Once you learn more, you'll see exactly what you need to do to make things easier.
That can be just what it takes to make your worries evaporate. The truth is, most people learn getting a mortgage is quite a bit easier than they imagined. It just takes some preparation.
These four steps will make it easier:
21
Where to Find the Best Burgers in Berrien County
Who doesn't love a good burger? After all, this iconic American comfort food is delicious, versatile, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Whether you're looking for juicy all-beef patties, a savory veggie burger, or a health-conscious turkey burger, there are plenty of restaurants in Berrien County to feed your needs.
With so many great places to choose from, it's hard to know where to start. To make things easy, our Cressy & Everett real estate agents have created a round-up of their favorite local burger joints. Each brings something special to the table, so you'll want to visit them all. Which one will you try first?
- Buck Burgers & Brew: 412 State St, St Joseph
Fresh, local ingredients and a selection of Michigan craft beers are the cornerstones of the Buck Burgers & Brew experience. This industrial-chic restaurant, located in a remodeled historic building in downtown St. Joseph, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Buck Burgers and Brew goes beyond the basics with menu options like the Peanut Butter & Bacon Jam Burger, Mac Attack Burger Basket, and the Harvest Turkey Burger made with Michigan apples, homemade raspberry jam, and brie cheese.
Whether you choose to sit at the bar, in the loft seating, or at one of the two patios with gorgeous views of the Lake Michigan sunset, you're sure to enjoy great service and a friendly atmosphere.
14
Nappanee: 5 Spots for Brunch in Our City
Too late for breakfast, too early for lunch? No problem! Just settle in for a delightful brunch at one of the many great dining spots in Nappanee. Whether you're looking for a traditional brunch, fantastic baked goods, or the classic diner experience, you're sure to find a great meal locally.
Many of Nappanee's diners, bakeries, coffee houses, and popular breakfast spots offer the opportunity to sit down for brunch throughout the week. Our real estate agents have the delicious details on five great restaurants to enjoy brunch in Nappanee.
Start Your Day in Style at One of the 5 Best Restaurants for Brunch in Nappanee
- Main Street Roasters – 105 N Main St., Nappanee
Nappanee's favorite coffee house, Main Street Roasters, is also a great place to sit down for brunch every day of the week, with a delicious selection of food and drink available. Enjoy one of the many breakfast favorites on the menu, mix in a light lunch, try the homemade soup of the day, or sample a fresh, crisp salad. Of course, the menu at Main Street Roasters is also loaded with unique coffee and tea offerings that you won't find anywhere else.
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