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Your Credit Score Might Have Just Gone Up

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on August 16, 2018 - 10:22am

If you are thinking of buying a home, then one of the most important pieces of information to know is your credit score. A better score will allow you to qualify for a larger loan, as well as grant you access to better interest rates. The result is that a credit score increase could end up saving you thousands of dollars in interest payments over the course of your mortgage, regardless of if it is a new loan or an old one being refinanced! Thankfully, millions of American consumers have seen significant bumps in their score over the course of the last year as the major credit reporting agencies introduced new regulations in how they calculate credit scores. Keep reading to learn why you might want to double-check your score if you haven't done so in a while!

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What to Expect from a Smoker's Home

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on August 7, 2018 - 9:44am

Smoking has become less and less popular over the decades, with the CDC reporting that the proportion of U.S. adults who smoke dropped from 20.9% in 2005 to 15.5% in 2016. Still, that number means that around 38 million potential home sellers are active smokers. Those who do smoke might be interested in learning just how much it reduces the value of their home, while everyone else is likely interested in knowing how to eliminate the smell of cigarettes from their new abode. Realtor.com recently wrote about this topic, offering some useful advice on how to deal with a smoker's home.

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Buying a Home? Beware These Compromises

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on July 21, 2018 - 9:15am

Without a doubt, compromise is an important part of the home-buying process. In fact, you are almost guaranteed to come up empty-handed unless you are willing to forego some of those items on your dream house checklist. Unfortunately, there is a fine line between making reasonable compromises and living with regret. No matter how frustrated you might become during the search for a new home, the following are some compromises that aren't worth making.

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Pride of the Hudson Murder Mystery Cruises

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on July 9, 2018 - 9:04am

Looking for something fun and different to do? Enjoy an amazing night of entertainment from Hudson River Adventures on their ship, the Pride of the Hudson! On select dates throughout the summer, Hudson River Adventures is offering special "Murder Mystery Cruises", during which passengers can take in the beauty of the Hudson while trying to unravel the mystery of this funny whodunit! As if a cruise/performance wasn't enough for a great evening, some of the events offer dinner as well! The next Murder Mystery Cruise departs on the evening of Friday, July 13, so grab your tickets soon!

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Home Prices Reached a New Record High in May

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on June 26, 2018 - 8:39am

Have home prices have seemed particularly high to you lately? Don't worry, you aren't imagining things. In fact, existing-home prices surged to a new record high in May, hitting a median of $264,800! As always, the culprit for these rising prices is a severe lack of inventory. If you were thinking of selling, this summer is the time to do it!

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The Rhinebeck Crafts Festival Runs June 23-24

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on June 18, 2018 - 8:29am

The fifth annual Rhinebeck Crafts Festival is happening this weekend, June 23 and 24, at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds! Come explore goods from over 200 amazing, independent artists and craftspeople at this celebration of all things handmade! Beyond just perusing the incredible assortment of arts and crafts, attendees will also be able to enjoy delicious food, beverage tastings from local distilleries and wineries, interactive craft demonstrations, and fun family activities. There is truly something for everyone at this massive gathering of makers, so be sure to check it out starting this Saturday!

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