Life is busy. Kids, work, meals, appointments - the list goes on. And no matter where you live, you also have to spend time keeping your home safe and running smoothly. We've put together a Yearly Homeowner's Checklist, with tasks for each month, to help remind you of common home maintenance chores to make your life just a little bit easier. 

According to our AmeriFirst branch in Fort Wayne, Indiana home buyers can rest assured they'll pay some of the lowest closing costs in the country. Here's a look at the numbers. The average closing costs (which include things like a title fee and origination fee) for a $200,000 home run a little over $4,000. Last year that figure was a little over $3,700 - an 8% jump. But in Indiana, the average closing costs total about $3,400.

You should not go broke buying a home. In fact, the best home loan should not put you in the poor house. The best home loan should also help you afford more than a shack.  

It's your first home, and your first spring after a long winter. Are you ready for what it takes to end up with a lush, green lawn? One you walk around in with your bare feet, enjoying your very own home and yard for the first time? These 5 tips for for spring lawn care will help get you on the right track, on a level playing field with your neighbors.

Closing costs can include things like a mortgage loan down payment, appraisal fees, an origination fee and/or processing fees. These are the funds you as the home buyer will need at the closing table. Cash-to-close fees may also be paid at the time of closing, and would include things like homeowners insurance and property taxes, also called your escrow account.