--- title: The Porch Blog by Ruoff Mortgage | Kelli Blystone description: Exploring homeownership - from mortgage finance to home DIY, from gardening to budgeting tips and more! --- [![ThePorch\_Color](https://blog.ruoff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ThePorch_Color.png?width=2001&height=753&name=ThePorch_Color.png "ThePorch_Color")](http://www.ruoff.com) # The Porch The Keys to Homeownership ![Background with awesome gradient](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/8534459/photos/Homepage-1-1.png) Latest Articles [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_134405789.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/the-complete-guide-to-fixed-rate-mortgages-what-every-homebuyer-should-know) ## [The Complete Guide to Fixed-Rate Mortgages: What Every Homebuyer Should Know](https://blog.ruoff.com/the-complete-guide-to-fixed-rate-mortgages-what-every-homebuyer-should-know) When it comes to financing your home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right mortgage. For many... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/the-complete-guide-to-fixed-rate-mortgages-what-every-homebuyer-should-know) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_899223232.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/down-payment-assistance-what-it-is-and-how-to-know-if-you-qualify) ## [Down Payment Assistance: What it is and How to Know if You Qualify](https://blog.ruoff.com/down-payment-assistance-what-it-is-and-how-to-know-if-you-qualify) Buying a home is exciting—but coming up with a down payment can feel like a major hurdle. The good news? You might not have to do it alone. [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/down-payment-assistance-what-it-is-and-how-to-know-if-you-qualify) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_401499720.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/selling-your-home-upgrades-that-will-maximize-your-profit) ## [Selling Your Home? Upgrades That Will Maximize Your Profit](https://blog.ruoff.com/selling-your-home-upgrades-that-will-maximize-your-profit) If you’re thinking about selling your home, you want to get the best possible return on your investment. While the housing market plays a... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/selling-your-home-upgrades-that-will-maximize-your-profit) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_989243035.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/is-cashing-in-the-equity-from-my-home-worth-it) ## [Is Cashing in the Equity from My Home Worth It?](https://blog.ruoff.com/is-cashing-in-the-equity-from-my-home-worth-it) If you’ve been paying down your mortgage and your home’s value has increased over time, you may be sitting on a significant amount of... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/is-cashing-in-the-equity-from-my-home-worth-it) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_684793544.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/is-my-home-at-risk-for-flooding) ## [Is My Home at Risk for Flooding?](https://blog.ruoff.com/is-my-home-at-risk-for-flooding) Spring is here, and while that means warmer weather and blooming flowers, it also brings the risk of flooding—especially from melting snow... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/is-my-home-at-risk-for-flooding) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_432562253.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-is-private-mortgage-insurance) ## [What is Private Mortgage Insurance?](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-is-private-mortgage-insurance) For many homebuyers, saving up for a downpayment is one of the biggest hurdles standing between them and a new home. Historically, 20% has... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-is-private-mortgage-insurance) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_296099096.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/home-inspection-101) ## [Home Inspection 101](https://blog.ruoff.com/home-inspection-101) Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and the home inspection is a critical step in the process. A home inspection is a... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/home-inspection-101) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_801930463.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/the-power-of-the-down-payment) ## [The Power of the Down Payment](https://blog.ruoff.com/the-power-of-the-down-payment) Embarking on the journey to homeownership is an exciting milestone. However, the financial landscape can seem daunting—especially when... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/the-power-of-the-down-payment) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_964973262.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/the-smart-sellers-guide-budgeting-for-home-sale-expenses) ## [The Smart Seller's Guide: Budgeting for Home Sale Expenses](https://blog.ruoff.com/the-smart-sellers-guide-budgeting-for-home-sale-expenses) As you prepare to list your property, understanding the most common expenses when selling a house—optional costs and standard home seller... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/the-smart-sellers-guide-budgeting-for-home-sale-expenses) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_938221899.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-cozy-up-your-home-this-winter) ## [How to Cozy Up Your Home This Winter](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-cozy-up-your-home-this-winter) For those of us in colder climates, winter brings shorter days, colder temperatures, and, for many, a case of the winter blues. With the... 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