Trending: Halloween Costume Ideas

Posted on Thursday, October 17 2019

Google Trends has released their list of the season’s most searched Halloween costumes.  The lists include ideas for couples, pets and groups. Read on for this year’s trending costumes!

  1. Top Couples Costumes. According to searches on Google, the top couple’s costumes for the year seem to come mostly from cartoons. Lilo and Stich, Cosmo and Wanda, Jasmine and Aladdin, and Woody and Jessie are all popular choices. Some old standbys are making a comeback as well with Adam and Eve and Cheech and Chong making the list.
  2. Top Pet Costumes. Dressing our pets in silly outfits is a Halloween tradition. Some of the trending ideas for this year include Chucky, Ewoks, dinosaurs and Pennywise the clown. Just remember to watch your pet while they are in costume to make sure the outfit does not prevent them from staying safe.
  3. Trending Group Costumes. Going out with a group affords you the opportunity to get really creative. Some of the top ideas this year include popular movies and games. The cast of The Descendants makes the list along with the video game Fortnite. Many groups may also look to TV and draw inspiration from Stranger Things or Game of Thrones.
  4. The Year’s Biggest Climbers. Looking at the Google data from last year, some costumes have made an incredible leap in popularity. Searches for “White Claw costume” are up 1450% and “fat Thor” is up a whopping 4600% thanks to Avengers: Endgame.

The experts at Cambria® Mortgage™ are always available to provide guidance and answer questions about home ownership. For more information, visit CambriaMortgage.com or call 952-942-0110.

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2020 in Review: Words of the Year

2020… The year of so much and so little. How is it possible that March lasted for 6 months and October, November and December were over in two weeks? If you are anything like us, the year has become a little bit of a blur; we decided to look back on how the world portrayed each month of the year using a single word. Read below for Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year and a highlight from each month of 2020.

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In a year full of uncertainty, one thing is for sure… It was easier than ever to lose sight and hope of what’s next. Many who planned on buying a home this last year decided to postpone that dream. But interest rates are stellar and it’s time to act. If you’re like us, and ready to put the doom and gloom of 2020 behind you, you’ll enjoy this article.

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Ways to Make Sure You Are Getting the Most Out of Your Remodel

In 2020 many of us spent more time than ever in our homes and that led many to discover things about our surroundings that we no longer love or just do not work for our new reality. With an average of 3 out of 5 (61%) Americans tackling at least one home improvement project since March 1, 2020 there are a lot of changes happening within our households. If you fall into the percentage making updates, read on for tips to get the most out of your remodel.

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Bored Indoors? These Games Will Liven Things Up!

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MN-Made Gift Guide: Shop Local This Holiday Season

The holidays are fast approaching and it looks like the COVID-19 pandemic wants in on the celebration. Unfortunately, we’ve watched this virus continue to take its toll on local businesses throughout the state. If you’re looking to make a difference this holiday season, you’re in luck; we’ve put together a Minnesota-Made Gift Guide to help you find local businesses to support online or in person. Keep in mind, these are just a few of our favorite gift ideas… If you have something else in mind but still want to support local, a quick Google search can take you a long way. Here’s some gifts we found priced from $25 - $100:

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Posted on Friday, November 6 2020
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Easy Dessert Worth Getting Stuffed For

Whether you’re choosing to gather in-person with family or not this Thanksgiving, dessert is a must. When it comes to the delicious goodness we look forward to so much—we don’t know about you, but—we want simple. We sourced seven easy pie desserts that you’ll definitely be saving room for (or loosening your belt for) this holiday...

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Posted on Tuesday, October 27 2020
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Homebuying Tricks & Treats: Creepin’ it Real

Dying to jump into the market but finding home buying horror stories and misconceptions are haunting you? With Halloween right around the corner, we’re addressing some common ghost stories and laying out what’s a true treat vs. a false trick. Let’s get to the thrills and chills, shall we?

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Posted on Thursday, October 22 2020
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WFSH: Work From SECOND Home Life?

The weather is growing cold and many snowbirds are starting to make preparations to head south… Sound appealing but not quite at the snowbird stage of life yet? Can you still get in on the warm weather action? With the current changes to many people’s working environments you may be able to live the snowbird life while still maintaining your working routine. Read on for the benefits of owning a second home.

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Posted on Thursday, October 22 2020
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15 Fun Things to Do This Fall

Sure, a lot about our daily lives has changed in 2020, but the earth hasn’t stopped turning meaning we are coming full speed into fall. If you are looking for fun activities that are COVID-19 safety approved, we have a list for you. Before you head out to a new location, however, make sure to check out the procedures for guests as a lot of places will have mask or reservation requirements. Take a look below to find some ideas to get you having fun this fall.

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Posted on Friday, October 9 2020
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How The Election May Affect the Housing Industry

There are a handful of factors that impact mortgage rates. Most of them, ones you’d never think to consider. For example, the weather impacts rates; when natural disasters take place like a hurricane or earthquake, rates tend to decrease. More expected, generally speaking, when the employment situation and economy improve you can expect rates to increase. But what happens when there is a presidential election?

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Posted on Monday, September 28 2020
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At-Home Office Must-Haves

In March and April chances are we were winging this whole working from home thing… After all it was only temporary, or so we thought. But, it’s nearly October and many of us are still living this same song and dance. If you find yourself setting up shop to work from your kitchen table, check out a handful of things we think you definitely cannot live without during this extended period of working from home.

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Posted on Thursday, September 24 2020
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Mortgage Payment Breakdown: Where Does Your Payment Actually Go?

Chances are you know exactly how much you make your check out for every month when you pay your mortgage, but do you know what you are actually paying for? As a company, we talk a lot about interest rates and closing costs when investigating a refinance or purchase, however, once all the paperwork is signed it’s easy to lose track of the exact terms of our mortgage. Let’s take a deep dive into exactly what your mortgage payment is allocated toward. Read on for a full mortgage payment breakdown.

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Posted on Thursday, September 24 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Halloween in the Time of COVID

In the latest of 2020 gut-punches, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has now recommended no door-to-door trick-or-treating due to the novel Coronavirus. This recommendation comes out in an attempt to keep everyone safe in a year struck by a global pandemic, but it doesn’t have to mean there will be no spooky fun on Halloween. We scoured the internet for Halloween activities that meet the guidelines while giving you and your family a chance to gather some treats...and maybe a few tricks!

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Posted on Tuesday, September 8 2020
Written by Allison Manson

Get a Fresh Feel with a Budget That’s No Big Deal

Chances are, you’ve been looking at the same indoor scene more than usual as of late; it’s understandable if you’ve grown tired of it. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could get a refresh with minimal work and a small budget? You’re in luck... We’ve put together some ideas for giving your home a big update with little effort and minimal money.

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Posted on Monday, August 24 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Yesterday and Today: What Low Interest Rates Actually Mean

One of the phrases companies love to use right now is “historically low rates” (guilty!), but what does that actually mean? Is it just lip service getting people intrigued or is there more to it than that? We took a look back at the last 30 years of data to show you what exactly goes into the phrase we all love so much.

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Posted on Monday, August 10 2020
Written by Allison Manson

Is 2020 Still Your Housing Year?

We don’t think anyone would disagree with stating this year has been unexpected, difficult and confusing for most everyone... but especially for prospective homebuyers. Those who planned on 2020 being the year they jumped headfirst toward their dream of homeownership may now find themselves doubting that idea altogether. Fear surrounding another housing crash like that of the last recession still lurks, however all signs are still pointing toward a positive housing climate.

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Posted on Wednesday, July 15 2020
Written by Allison Manson

10x Our Team Blew Us Away

At Cambria Mortgage our team’s primary goal is to make it easy for clients to finance or refinance a home. It’s important to us that our clients feel at home before they even find one; here are 10 instances where we were especially blown away by post-closing feedback.

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Posted on Wednesday, July 15 2020
Written by Allison Manson

Convert to Calm | Create a Home Oasis

The environment in which we live can make a big difference for our emotional state. We’ve put together a few ways you can easily create a calming area that promotes a healthy mindset. Read on for tips on creating your own home oasis.

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Posted on Thursday, July 9 2020
Written by Allison Manson

But First, Get Pre-Approved

If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, I’m sure you already have many things on your to-do list. Maybe you have been looking into reevaluating your budget and saving for a downpayment; you’ve probably started to get an idea of what your credit looks like; heck, you may have even begun to dream up your future home online. The list goes on… But what is the #1 thing you should do right now?

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Posted on Thursday, June 18 2020
Written by Allison Manson

Celebrate Homeownership Month with Cambria Mortgage

June is here, and you know what that means… It’s officially summer and school is out; the longest day of the year comes and goes; wedding season is typically in full swing. But what else? National Homeownership Month. We celebrate a key American value and the cornerstone of our economy every single day of June.

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Posted on Friday, June 12 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Back to Basics: How to Create (and Stick to) a Budget

For many, the recent global health crisis has thrown us a financial curveball. With any budget, and especially with the amount of uncertainty at large, it’s important to periodically examine your finances to make sure you are optimizing your assets and preparing for the future. If you do not currently have a budget, this is a great place to start. Read on for tips to create, and live by, a budget.

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Posted on Wednesday, May 27 2020
Written by Allison Manson

Stay at Home Stay-cations

It’s no secret that many people are getting the itch to travel now more than ever. We’re feeling restricted and cooped up. Let’s face it, we’re in need of a vacation that just can’t happen in our current circumstances. So, we improvise. In this article, we’re laying out our favorite ways to get a little R&R with a mini “staycation”.

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Posted on Thursday, May 21 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Preparing to Purchase: 5 Things to Do to Get Ready to Purchase Your New Home

Buying a new home is an exciting prospect. The spring and summer housing market is heating up and rates are low ‒ you are ready to take the leap…right?! If you are feeling compelled to ‒ or maybe just pondering the idea of ‒ making the move into a new home purchase, make sure you don’t hit any potential bumps along way by following our tips below.

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Posted on Thursday, May 21 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Spruce Up Your Outdoor Living Space

No matter if your outdoor space is a city balcony or a sprawling acreage in the country, having a space you love is key to enjoying the short summer months. Read on for tips to add some charm and charisma to your outdoor space.

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Posted on Thursday, May 14 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Creating Opportunities Using Tools We Already Have

Oftentimes, opportunities don’t create themselves. It’s up to us to set goals and make a plan to achieve those goals… There will be many instances where we must regroup and rethink our plan along the way too, especially now. While a lot of what is happening right now is being handled on a day-to-day basis, having a plan is still possible and we have the power to create opportunities for ourselves. Whether you’re looking to branch out and build a business, find a new job or just curate new friendships… read on for suggestions on how to avoid feeling derailed and unsure of what to do next and instead build that door to opportunity.

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Posted on Tuesday, May 12 2020
Written by Allison Manson

Your Future Home: Up Close & Personal…at a Distance

If you find yourself taking the online home search to a whole new level during this Stay at Home order, you’re not alone. The housing market is booming and–just like you–consumers are still buying homes. While new guidelines are being implemented and the way we buy homes is changing, the need to be fully informed is not. For your benefit, we have compiled a list of tips for diving into your next potential neighborhood from a distance.

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Posted on Thursday, May 7 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Quarantine Baking: It’s a Thing

If you are currently sheltering in place, or have made the transition to working from home, you may have picked up some new hobbies to keep you busy. It seems that many people have turned to baking during this time judging by the amount of recipes floating around the web! If “Quarantine Baking” has become one of your new hobbies, check out the recipes we sourced for you below. Make sure you take some great photos and tag us on Facebook if you make any of them!

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Posted on Tuesday, May 5 2020
Written by Allison Manson

Celebrate Mom From Afar

This year Mother’s Day celebrations may look a little different. Despite being in quarantine, there are still ways to make the one who gave you life, cared for you and shaped you into who you are as a person (no pressure) feel loved and appreciated. Check out some unique ideas that show mom you care while still maintaining social distancing measures and keeping everyone safe and healthy.

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Posted on Thursday, April 30 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Hop, Skip and Plant Your Way to Spring Curb Appeal

Throughout most of the country spring has officially sprung, even in the frozen tundra of the upper midwest (finally). Along with the spring sunshine comes new growth and blooming gardens that brighten up our homes and lives. To make sure your curb appeal is on point, check out these spring tips below.

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Posted on Tuesday, April 28 2020
Written by Allison Manson

Tips for Getting a Mortgage Virtually

To many, the mortgage process may seem daunting to begin with… add a pandemic to the mix and it’s a recipe for disaster right? Wrong. While things around the office definitely look a lot different while we are in the midst of social distancing, things aren’t all that different when it comes to the mortgage process. Being we live in a world of advancement and technology, we were ready for a situation like this and haven’t missed a beat. Here are a few of our most helpful tips to make the virtual mortgage process a breeze.

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Posted on Thursday, April 23 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Good News from the Housing Market (Why This is NOT 2008)

The most popular phrase during this pandemic seems to be, “during these uncertain times…” Some may even use this phrase when referring to the housing market. While a comparison to 2008’s housing crisis is certainly reasonable, the current housing market shows positive signs that keep us optimistic and show this is not a do-over of 2008. Read on for factors in the current housing market that show things are looking up.

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Posted on Thursday, April 23 2020
Written by Allison Manson

Simple Ways to Recharge

It feels like day 572 of quarantine and chances are—at least once during this uncharted time—you’ve felt mentally depleted. Whether that is a product of the news coverage, juggling work with having the kids home 24/7, missing loved ones or just wanting to leave the house without fear of sickness… we understand. We’ve put together a list of five simple ways you can recharge your batteries and get back to feeling 100% again.

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Posted on Thursday, April 16 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Ideas to Support Local Businesses and Keep Your Community Strong

Pandemic or not, choosing to shop small makes a difference; but during times like these the difference is even greater. For many locally-owned businesses, consumers choosing to shop small may be the difference between continuing to serve our communities post-pandemic or closing its doors for good. Local businesses are essential for our economy; they provide goods and services along with employment opportunities and a sense of community. These small businesses have been there for us, now it is our turn to be there for them.

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Posted on Tuesday, April 14 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

3 Things You Can Take Control of Today

While the world is indeed still spinning around, sometimes it seems as if it is spinning out of control. The feelings of uncertainty and anxiety you may be experiencing during this time are valid. But it’s our hope that we can help you feel a better sense of security and control. Here is a list of three main things you can always take control of.

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Posted on Thursday, April 9 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

5 Tips for Transitioning to Homeschooling During School Closures

In a time of school closures and social distancing, a lot of parents are being thrust into the life of homeschooling their children. Even if your child’s teacher has put together a comprehensive distance learning packet for you to draw from, the proposition of being your child’s teacher can still seem daunting. Here are some tips we put together to help you get through this time stronger, and hopefully smarter, than ever.

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Posted on Monday, April 6 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Finding Joy in Times of Uncertainty

When everything is going smoothly, it’s easy to be grateful. Ironically, it seems in times of stress–when we need a positive outlook most–we forget how great the life we are living really is. If the current state of our world has been weighing you down, here are some ways you can find the joy you’ve been missing again.

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Posted on Wednesday, April 1 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Secrets for #WFH Success

Many companies are encouraging employees to practice social distancing on a whole new level by avoiding coming into the office altogether and instead, working from home. For many of us, working remotely is a new practice. Some may be jumping for joy—we see you millennials—while others may be feeling a little out of sorts. No matter your attitude on the situation, we’ve put together a list of our best tips for staying productive while working from home.

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Posted on Wednesday, February 26 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Why Refi? What it Means to Refinance and Why You Should Look into it

Interest rates, interest rates, interest rates. That seems to be the only thing in the headlines regarding mortgages these days. The TV, radio and internet ads are all telling you NOW IS THE TIME TO REFINANCE! But why? What does it mean to refinance and what do you have to gain? Read on for the many reasons to refinance to see if it really is time for you to take a closer look.

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Posted on Wednesday, February 26 2020
Written by Britt Peltola

Catch More Zzzzz’s Without Counting Sheep

Everyone loves a good night’s sleep, but for some it is as elusive as the perfect selfie. With small changes you could see an improvement on your nightly slumber. Read on for how to improve your sleep habits and wake-up feeling rested and refreshed.

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Posted on Thursday, December 20 2018
Written by Britt Peltola

A Look Ahead to 2019

A review of 2018 and a look ahead to 2019 may look a little frightening from a financial perspective, however,…

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Posted on Friday, September 28 2018
Written by Cambria Development

Seasonal Migration; Not Just for The Birds

As the weather takes a turn for the worse, the thought of getting away to a warmer climate becomes more appealing. The term “snowbird” is often used to describe those who migrate from colder climates to sunny locations for extended periods each year. Becoming a snowbird and owning a home in another state can provide more than just a respite from the cold. Read on for more about the benefits of being a snowbird.

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Posted on Thursday, September 20 2018
Written by Cambria Development

Fall Décor Trends

When the seasons start to change it is fun to be able to update our surroundings with new and exciting décor. Read on for Etsy’s six fall home décor trends:

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Posted on Friday, August 3 2018
Written by Cambria Development

Learn to Love Your Space Again for Free

Making changes to your decor can get expensive, but leaving things the same can make you long for an update. Before you throw in the (old) towel, read on for tricks to redecorate your space for free.

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Posted on Friday, August 3 2018
Written by Cambria Development

Paths to Becoming a First-Time Homebuyer

Owning a home has traditionally been part of the “American Dream”, but in today’s financial climate some Americans doubt they can afford the dream. The good news is that there are many programs available today to assist first-time homebuyers in obtaining a mortgage. Here are more details about the programs and options available.

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Posted on Thursday, May 3 2018
Written by Cambria Development

Planning The Perfect Picnic

The time for long days spent in the sun and nights by the fire has arrived. Take full advantage of your time outdoors by planning a picnic for your next outing. Here are some tips to help you plan.

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Posted on Tuesday, April 3 2018
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Why A Preapproval Is Key to Your Home Buying Success

Home values are rising. Inventory is low. If you are looking to purchase a home right now, these factors can heavily influence your search. Having a preapproval for your mortgage used to be a nice thing to have; today it is essential and here’s why.

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Posted on Saturday, March 3 2018
Written by Cambria Development

Liven Up Your Space with an Indoor Garden

While the calendar may say it is spring outside, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. If you are getting tired of the winter blahs it may be time to spruce up your space with an indoor garden. Read on for tips to green up your digs.

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Posted on Friday, November 3 2017
Written by Cambria Development

Tips to Get Ready for Entertaining

As the holiday season approaches, there are many opportunities to entertain friends and family. Getting prepared for all of these events doesn’t have to take all of your time and energy. Here are some quick tips to ensure you can enjoy your gatherings.

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Posted on Tuesday, October 3 2017
Written by Cambria Development

Should I Buy an Investment Property?

Owning and investing in real estate has the ability to provide many short- and long-term financial benefits. In fact, we often hear about some of the world’s wealthiest people being involved in real estate investing. Before deciding to purchase your first investment property, make sure it is right for you by doing your research and being prepared. Read the tips below for getting started with investment properties.

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Posted on Sunday, September 3 2017
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Organize Your Closet Like a Pro: 10 Tips to Elevate Your Style Storage

Not surprisingly, celebrities often enlist the help of professional closet organizers to help keep their massive wardrobes in check. In fact, Kim Kardashian got her start as a closet organizer for many celebrities in the early 2000s. Below are tips from professionals that you can use in your own closet to keep things in order.

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Posted on Thursday, August 3 2017
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10 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

When making the decision to sell your home or purchase a new one, it is important that you are comfortable working with the real estate agent you choose. The sale and purchase of a home are large transactions and you want to be sure that you are finding the right fit, not just the easiest or first person you meet.

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Posted on Thursday, August 3 2017
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Buying Vs. Renting: Why Now Is a Great Time to Become a Homeowner

The choice between buying a home and renting is among the biggest financial decisions many people will make. Homeownership has long been touted as the American Dream, but you may wonder if you are ready to make that dream a reality. Read on to learn why now is a great time to make the jump from renting into homeownership.

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Posted on Monday, July 3 2017
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Ready for a Retreat? Tips for Purchasing a Second Home

When summer finally hits and you start to dream of getting away on the weekends, it might be time to start looking at purchasing a second home. There are many reasons to purchase a second home and only some of them are financial, however, those reasons should not be overlooked.

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Posted on Monday, July 3 2017
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Designing Your Home to Sell

When looking to get the most out of your home sale, the topic of staging may have come up. By highlighting your home’s strengths and downplaying its weaknesses, you can help yourself attract the most potential buyers.  Here are some tips to help you stage your home like the pros: 

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Posted on Saturday, June 3 2017
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How to Host the Perfect Summer BBQ

Summer in the Midwest means time outside. On these beautiful summer days there is nothing better than a BBQ to bring friends and family together. Here are some tips on how to host the perfect summer BBQ.

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Posted on Saturday, June 3 2017
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Building Your Dream Home

Many people dream of being able to design and build their dream homes to their exact specifications. Building a new home can be a dream come true, but it can also have its challenges. Read on for more information about building your dream home and construction loans.

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Posted on Saturday, December 3 2016
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Smart Ideas for Staying Warm: 5 Ways to Reduce Your Winter Energy Bill

If you’ve ever received a letter from your local energy company comparing your energy usage to your neighbors, you’ve probably wondered what you could be doing differently to save money. Here are five tips to help you reduce your energy costs while staying warm this winter.

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Posted on Saturday, December 3 2016
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2017 Mortgage Forecast

As 2016 draws to a close, we’re grateful for the strong housing market, which has enabled us to help hundreds of individuals and families invest in real estate, purchase new homes and vacation homes, and reduce their interest rates. As we look ahead to 2017, we anticipate the local housing market will remain strong.

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Posted on Monday, October 3 2016
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Color Your World: How to Pick the Perfect Paint

With the holidays just around the corner, October is a perfect time to give your rooms a fresh coat of paint in a fabulous new color. But, unless you’re a design professional, it can be challenging to pick the perfect palette with confidence. Here are some tips for getting it right the first time.

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Posted on Wednesday, August 3 2016
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Countdown to a New Home

Thinking of buying a new home? The experts at Cambria® Mortgage™ can help you streamline the process, make the right decisions, and enjoy a smooth, stress-free experience.

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Posted on Sunday, July 3 2016
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5 Common Mortgage Myths: Get the Truth from Cambria Mortgage

The idea of getting a home mortgage loan can be daunting, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. The good news is that many long-held beliefs about mortgages are no longer true. Here, the experts at Cambria Mortgage explain some of the most common misconceptions.

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Posted on Sunday, April 3 2016
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Staging Your Home: 5 Tips for Success

With robust buyer demand and a limited supply of homes for sale, homes in this area of the country are generally selling faster than last year, with prices close to—and often greater than—their asking prices. To maximize this opportunity, consider staging your home.

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Posted on Thursday, March 3 2016
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Vacation Homes: How to Buy a Piece of Paradise

Do you find yourself returning to the same pristine lake every summer, wishing you owned your own piece of paradise? If so, it might be time to listen to your heart and consider buying a cabin or other vacation home. We asked Matt Helling, Vice President of Sales and Operations at Cambria Mortgage, for his advice and insights.

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Posted on Wednesday, February 3 2016
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5 Classic Home Styles and How to Spot Them

There’s just something special about a traditional home. Crafted of timeless brick, stucco, masonry, and wood, these charming houses are filled with warmth and character. If you’re in the market for a classic home, here’s how to spot five beloved home styles.

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Posted on Sunday, January 3 2016
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5 Tips to Enhance Your Home’s Security

According to the FBI, a home burglary occurs somewhere in the United States every 15 seconds, with the majority of residential break-ins happening in daylight while homeowners are away from their houses or condos. When it comes to home security, billionaire investor Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., has some sage advice.

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Posted on Thursday, December 3 2015
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Blue Skies for Homeowners: What to Expect in 2016

If your list of New Year’s resolutions includes refinancing your existing mortgage or buying a new home, now’s a great time to get started. “We’re very optimistic about the economic outlook for 2016,” says Matt Helling, Vice President of Sales and Operations at Cambria Mortgage. "With historically low mortgage interest rates, attractive programs, and a loosening of credit guidelines, 2016 looks to be a strong year for homeowners."

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Posted on Tuesday, November 3 2015
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Ready. Set. Entertain! Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

As much as we look forward to the holidays, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can often feel like an endless round of decorating, cooking, and entertaining. To reduce stress and prevent holiday burnout, use these tips to make this season easy, enjoyable, and memorable.

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Posted on Friday, July 3 2015
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Remodeling ROI: How to get the biggest bang for your renovation buck

If you’ve been thinking about remodeling your home, you’ve probably realized that it’s both an emotional and financial decision. For example, if you love to cook, a new kitchen with a chef-grade stove may bring you countless hours of joy and entertainment. But if you might be selling your home within the next few years, you also want to know the kitchen will pay for itself when the “For Sale” sign goes up in your front yard. Here are some tips to help you get the biggest bang for your renovation buck.

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Posted on Friday, July 3 2015
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Get the Low-Down on Down Payments

A happy family that chose a home loan that best suits their needs and budget. Whether you’re considering building a brand-new home, rehabbing a mid-century treasure, or buying a historic downtown loft, you’ve probably realized there are two key things to consider—what you can afford as a monthly mortgage payment, and what you can afford to “put down” on your home as a down payment.

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Posted on Wednesday, June 3 2015
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It’s Home Tour Season!

As home design enthusiasts know, summer is an exceptionally exciting time, because it’s when home tours are in full swing. Starting in June with the Artisan Home Tour and the Luxury Home Tour, home tour season offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the endlessly inspiring world of architecture, construction, and design.

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Posted on Friday, April 3 2015
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5 Easy Ways to Create Beauty and Value

Spring is a great time to amp up your home’s curb appeal. Set aside a sunny Saturday and use these five easy, cost-effective ideas to jump-start your efforts. P.S. Once the neighbors see the fruits of your labors, don’t be surprised if they start spiffing up their own homes!

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Posted on Monday, March 2 2015
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There’s No Place Like Home

At the end of The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy clicks her heels three times, chanting, “There’s no place like home,” she’s not thinking of a rental apartment. While we appreciate rentals, especially in the form of beachfront summer cottages, Tuscan villas, and Tribeca lofts, we have a special affinity for the word home. No matter where we grew up, home has a feeling of permanence, and a sense of comfort and peace in our busy world.

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