Being a homeowner has perks. You have privacy. You have freedom to do what you want with decor and style. As a homeowner you can decide to have a party that goes until 5am (if you're not too loud for your neighbors). It's great. But owning your home also means you have to take care of your home.

This is an article submitted by a guest author. Not all views expressed are those of AmeriFirst Home Mortgage or its employees.  You’re selling your home, arranging inspections and final preparations, when you see the things that make you sweat in horror: wings scattered on the ground, tiny holes near your home’s foundation or mud tubes crawling up the wall of your crawl space or basement.   Shoot, you think, I have termites.  If you see these signs you might have a problem, but don’t worry - it isn’t the end of the world! We’ll explain.

This is an article submitted by a guest author. Not all views expressed are those of AmeriFirst Home Mortgage or its employees.  Now that spring has finally arrived, you and your family might be thinking about deep cleaning your home. Spring cleaning is a great way to get rid of clutter and prepare your property for the warmest months of the year, but these projects are not always eco-friendly. With a little research and some extra planning, you can make sure that your spring cleaning isn’t going to be bad for the environment.

This is an article submitted by a guest author. Not all views expressed are those of AmeriFirst Home Mortgage or its employees.  You focus on numerous aspects while buying a property, but many people tend to overlook pest inspection. Apart from checking the physical condition and structural integrity of the property, it is extremely important to inspect the place for any kind of pests and vermin. In fact, make sure that pest inspection is included in the purchase contract. If the inspection does not meet the required standards, you can refuse the purchase of the property. Buying a house calls for a huge investment and you must take all the necessary precautions before putting your hard earned money in it. 

This is an article submitted by a guest author. Not all views expressed are those of AmeriFirst Home Mortgage or its employees.  Smart homes are not a thing of the future. They are here today. Most modern homes incorporate some sort of smart home technology. They are convenience and safety features, and they can save energy too. Electronic door locks that can be controlled with an app provide enhanced security as you can allow access or lock your doors even if you are not home. Here are the top four smart home technical issues and how you can fix them.

This is an article submitted by a guest author. Not all views expressed are those of AmeriFirst Home Mortgage or its employees.  When the summer months draw near, we start to sweat the prospect of skyrocketing energy costs. This can be especially true of new, first time homeowners. It seems like the only options are to pay out the wazoo or suffer through the sweltering heat. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are a few ways you can keep your home cool this summer without having to go broke in the process. 

Ready for Summer? Don't Miss These Four Top Tips for Getting Your Home Ready for the Season! Before the summer season gets truly hot, it's time to get your home ready for the summer. Don't miss our top for pro tips for sprucing up your home now! It's easier than you think -- and when you do it yourself, you'll save money and feel empowered because you're taking care of your home the right way.