Living Quarters

The crisp air rolling into Southeastern Wisconsin is a favorite part of fall-but it also signals higher heating costs. Homeowners brace for energy bills that climb quickly once furnaces kick in. The good news? A few smart steps and local resources can make a big difference. Simple steps you might not be using: Local programs worth checking out: Budget billing through WE Energies or Alliant Energy smooths seasonal spikes into consistent monthly payments. Focus on Energy offers rebates on everything

Are you getting ready to buy a home? Here are four keys to being prepared to make your first offer. 1. Know what you can afford and how much cash you will need. Knowing what you qualify for before looking at any homes will save you the disappointment that can come from falling in love with a home that’s out of reach. 2. Know where you want to be. Learn about the neighborhood before you make an offer to buy.

Bank Five Nine recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices made by Veterans and active service members to this country and our communities. To show our appreciation, we offer benefit programs to help this very special segment of the population with all their home buying needs. VA Loans + Incentive A VA loan helps Veterans, service members and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. The benefits of using a VA home loan include no down payment (Lenders may require down payments for some

The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing colors, and the pumpkin drinks are flowing. It can only mean one thing- the fall season is upon us. Along with drinking hot cider or pumpkin-flavored drinks, many like changing out the décor in their home for the new season. Changing out your décor to highlight a season doesn’t always mean you need to break the bank to make your house look festive. Here are a few budget friendly ideas to get

Interest rates play a fundamental role in the world of mortgages. They determine the cost of borrowing and significantly influence the affordability of homeownership. In this blog we will explain how interest rates work, factors influencing them, and how they affect monthly payments and the overall cost of a mortgage. Of course, for more information, our team of Bank Five Nine Mortgage Lenders are always here to help answer any questions you may have. Understanding Interest Rates At its core,

Things to Avoid During the Mortgage Loan Process

Routine home maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and also help you budget for any future repairs or upgrades! Below you’ll find our Spring Home checklist for homeowners to keep your home in good shape. Spring is also a great time to get organized. Check out our blog on Budget Friendly Ways to Organize Your Home.

Whether you’re purchasing or refinancing your first home or your hundredth, Bank Five Nine is with you each step of the way to help navigate the process for you.  Keep reading to hear our frequently asked mortgage questions answered.  Your Mortgage Questions Answered What is APR? APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate.  To make it easier for consumers to compare mortgage loan interest rates, the federal government developed a standard format called an “Annual Percentage Rate” or APR to provide

If you are buying a home, it may be the largest purchase you make during your lifetime. You want everything to run smoothly from finding the right house, to having your mortgage approved. You may discover that there is a lot of mortgage terminology to learn when it comes to homes. To understand the main aspects of the mortgage process, take some time to familiarize yourself with some of the mortgage terminology home buyers encounter: Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) A

In general, all home inspectors should examine and evaluate the following during the home inspection:•    Exterior: siding, doors, windows, and trim•    Structure of the Home: walls, basement, crawlspaces and framing structure•    Heating and Cooling Systems: systems and ductwork•    Plumbing: plumbing pipes and plumbing fixtures•    Electrical: panels, outlets, switches, and visible wiring•    Attic, Insulation and Ventilation: accessible attic spaces, insulation, and ventilation sources•    Roof: coverings, visible flashings, chimneys, and gutter systems •    Doors, Windows and Interior: this includes doors, operation of windows,