Johanna Witten Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS #34771

04/19/2026

projects come with their own language, and understanding the basics can make a big difference.
From HVAC to PEX and PSI, knowing these common terms helps you feel more confident tackling home projects.

Confused by DIY acronyms? Learn common home terms like HVAC, PVC, PEX, AC, and DC to better understand your home projects.

04/17/2026

Natural materials are making a strong comeback in home design.
Darker woods and stone finishes are adding warmth, texture, and a more grounded, connected feel to today’s living spaces.

Discover natural elements in home decor featuring wood and stone. Learn how these materials add lasting value to today’s interiors.

04/16/2026

Thinking about building a home? Size matters more than you might think.
Homes that fall in the middle of the neighborhood often have broader appeal and stronger resale potential over time.

When you are thinking about building a new house you may face a dilemma: Should I build the biggest home in the subdivision? Or, what about the smallest? Once you’ve decided how much space you need and can afford, if the house you are considering would be the smallest or the largest in a neighborh...

04/15/2026

Adding wellness features at home is becoming more common, from gyms to saunas and recovery spaces.
These upgrades can enhance daily living and may even boost resale appeal, depending on your market and setup.

Are home wellness features worth it? Explore costs, benefits, and resale value of saunas, home gyms, and cold plunges to see if they pay off.

04/14/2026

Applying for a mortgage doesn’t look like it used to.
With digital applications, faster decisions, and real-time updates, today’s process is built to be smoother, quicker, and easier to navigate.

Discover how the mortgage application has evolved with online tools, faster approval, and better security, making financing easier than ever.

04/10/2026

Big-ticket appliances don’t last forever, and knowing what to expect can save you from surprises down the road 🏡

From HVAC systems to kitchen appliances, understanding typical lifespans can help you plan ahead and feel more confident in your home.

Gone are the days when big-ticket home appliances lasted for decades. With some exceptions, the life span for most appliances is ten years or less. All the more reason to do your homework as a prospective buyer and check the age and condition of the appliances in any home you’re seriously consider...

04/09/2026

Hanging heavier pictures and mirrors isn’t as simple as grabbing a nail and hoping for the best 🏡

Using the right anchors and placement can help you avoid damage and keep everything securely in place as you settle into your home.

Hanging small pictures doesn’t require a lot of skill or heavy duty hangers. But anything weighing in at more than 10 pounds, and especially more than 25 pounds, requires hefty fasteners and much more caution. When hanging something heavy, it’s always preferable to locate a wall stud behind the ...

04/07/2026

Mortgage protection insurance can sound like a must-have, but it’s not always necessary for every homeowner 🏡

Knowing how it works and when it makes sense can help you make more informed decisions as you settle into your home.

What is mortgage protection insurance? What does MPI cover? Should you buy it? Here’s what you need to know.

04/06/2026

More homes are sitting on the market longer right now, which is shifting more negotiating power to buyers 🏡

That can mean more choices, more time to decide, and in some cases, better terms when you’re ready to make an offer: https://bit.ly/3NOZDuh

04/03/2026

Even a well-decorated room can still feel like it’s missing something. Adding texture through fabrics, materials, and finishes can make a space feel warmer, more inviting, and pulled together without a full redesign.

Texture is the finishing touch that adds life to home decor. Here’s why texture is essential to good design and how to add it to any room.

04/01/2026

Longer days and warmer weather make this the perfect time to tackle those outdoor projects. A little maintenance now can help keep everything running smoothly and looking its best for the months ahead.

Longer days and warmer temperatures mean it’s time to get outside and accomplish those outdoor chores. Here’s a to-do list to get you motivated.

03/31/2026

Not all property updates are treated the same at tax time. Some costs may be written off right away, while others are spread out over time depending on the type of work.

Owners of residential investment property often spend money on repairs or renovations. Here’s what you need to know about how the IRS treats these expenses.