The first day I got my driver’s license I went to the Dairy Queen in Wilmette and scraped up the side of my Toyota Corolla against the dumpster in the parking lot. I remember shouting out the window, “Who puts a stupid dumpster in a parking lot?!” (*side note answer: every restaurant in existence). Then on the drive back with a burger in one hand and a Mister Misty in the other I lost control and hit the guardrail on the highway overpass – it was a helluva first day! When I got home I told my parents it was a hit & run (*only half a lie since I was the ‘hitter’) and they gave me the c ..read more

I’ve been writing this mortgage blog for 15 years. I pour my heart and soul into keeping you informed of interest rates, market updates, and anything that can have an impact on your financial life. I take great pride in this blog and the knowledge that I bestow upon you, my readers – and yet every time I publish this blog I never get questions about where I think rates will go, or housing trends. Every week it’s the same tired & predictable replies from you guys: When are you going to give us some snail quotes? How about a snail joke. When are you going to talk about snails?  ..read more

Milk Quote of the Day: “In Hollywood, a marriage is a success if it outlasts milk.” – Rita Rudner Today in Economic History: It was on this date in 1974 when President Nixon agreed to pay back taxes of $432,000 after word leaked that he had been dodging the full income tax on his $200,000 salary. And with that, Mortgage Fans, this is the official two-minute warning to file your taxes by the 15th. Possible Game Show Answer: George Washington had only one tooth remaining in his mouth when he was sworn in as president in 1789. (*Washington, unlike most Americans, probably didn’t ta ..read more

As the flowers bloom and the days get longer, the real estate market is buzzing with activity. The spring season is renowned for being one of the best times to sell a home, and as a homeowner, you want to make the most of this opportune moment. One key factor that can significantly impact the success of your home sale is curb appeal. We’re here to guide you through the essential steps to boost curb appeal and make your property stand out in the competitive spring real estate market. 1. Embrace the Power of Spring Landscaping: Spring is all about renewal and growth, and your landscaping sh ..read more

Becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone, and understanding the components of your mortgage payment is crucial for a smooth financial journey. As your trusted mortgage partner, we’re here to break down the essentials, providing you with the knowledge to navigate the world of homeownership confidently. 1. Principal At the heart of your mortgage payment is the principal, the original loan amount you borrowed to purchase your home. Paying down the principal builds equity—the ownership stake you have in your property. 2. Interest Interest is the fee you pay to the lender for borrowi ..read more

Angry Quote of the Day: “When angry, count to four; when very angry, swear.” – Mark Twain Today in Economic History: It was on this day in 1863 when Sir Henry Royce was born. Royce was an engineer who in 1904 unveiled his first luxury automobile. His first line of cars caught the eye of dealer C.S. Rolls who ended up buying the first line of Royce cars; and after two years they merged into Rolls-Royce Ltd. What’s the most expensive car in the world, you ask? The Pagani Huayra Codalunga which is valued at $7-million dollars, and worth $6,986,000 more than my first car the To ..read more

Tomorrow Quote of the Day: “Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.” – Dale Carnegie This Week in Economic History: It was on March 23rd, 1836 when the U.S. Mint, in keeping up with the latest technology, began using a steam-powered press to make coins. Okay, I know what you’re thinking, What a boring fact! Geez, give me a break – not every historic economic week is epic. Let me make it up to you with these 12 fun facts about coins Possible Game Show Answer: The average cumulus cloud weighs roughly 1.1 million pounds. Wuss’up This Week: The Fe ..read more

Happy Quote of the Day: “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln Today in Economic History: It was on this date back in 1812 when on the eve of war with Britain, President James Madison – in efforts to raise some capital for the war – convinced Congress to approve the very first war bond, for some $11-million dollars. Possible Game Show Answer: Blood makes up about 8% of your total body weight. (*this just in: Lucky Charms make up close to 50% of mine.) Wuss’up This Week: Before we look at this week, let’s reminisce back to last week w ..read more

Refinance is a common term you hear in the real estate world, but it’s one we haven’t talked much about lately. Welcome to A and N Mortgage, where we understand that financial well-being is a journey, not a destination. Today, we delve into a topic that could potentially reshape your financial landscape – mortgage refinancing. If you’ve been contemplating whether it’s the right move for you, we’re here to guide you through the process and illuminate the numerous benefits it can bring. Refinancing a mortgage essentially involves replacing your existing home loan with a new one. This new loan co ..read more

Owning a home is a significant investment, and ensuring its safety and security should be a top priority for every homeowner. At A and N, we understand the importance of safeguarding your home, not only to protect your property but also to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. In this blog, we’ll explore various ways to safeguard your home and create a secure living environment. Invest in a Robust Home Security System: One of the most effective ways to safeguard your home is by installing a reliable home security system. Modern systems offer features like surveillance cameras, mot ..read more