--- title: The Porch Blog by Ruoff Mortgage | Lauren Caggiano description: "Lauren Caggiano is a Fort Wayne-based copywriter and editor with a nerdy passion for AP Style. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, thrift shopping, fitness and travel. Learn more on her website: www.lovewriteon.com." --- [![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 [![diy-emergency-kit](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/diy-emergency-kit.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/diy-home-emergency-kit) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle) ## [DIY Home Emergency Kit](https://blog.ruoff.com/diy-home-emergency-kit) Sometimes the unthinkable or unpredictable happens at home. In those cases, it’s especially important to be prepared so you can protect... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/diy-home-emergency-kit) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/home-reno-blog.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-do-you-get-a-refinance-loan-to-renovate-a-house) [Refinancing](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/refinancing) ## [How Do You Get a Refinance Loan to Renovate a House?](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-do-you-get-a-refinance-loan-to-renovate-a-house) Maybe you’ve lived in your home for some time and you’d like to upgrade some elements. Or maybe you recently moved in and want to make some... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-do-you-get-a-refinance-loan-to-renovate-a-house) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/lightbulbs.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/making-your-older-home-more-eco-friendly) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle) ## [Making Your Older Home More Eco-Friendly](https://blog.ruoff.com/making-your-older-home-more-eco-friendly) If you’re like many homeowners, you’re looking for ways to increase your property’s eco-friendliness and decrease utility costs. Unfortun [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/making-your-older-home-more-eco-friendly) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/cash%20offer.png)](https://blog.ruoff.com/7-ways-to-compete-with-a-cash-offer) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [7 Ways to Compete with a Cash Offer](https://blog.ruoff.com/7-ways-to-compete-with-a-cash-offer) You’ve likely heard the phrase “cash is king” and that certainly applies to the real estate market. Almost a third of all home purchases... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/7-ways-to-compete-with-a-cash-offer) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/8-Ways-to-Win-the-Bid-on-a-House.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/8-best-ways-to-win-a-bid) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [8 Ways to Win the Bid on a House](https://blog.ruoff.com/8-best-ways-to-win-a-bid) You’ve found the home of your dreams and are about to make an offer — but there’s only one problem. Other people have their sights set on... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/8-best-ways-to-win-a-bid) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/How-to-Choose-the-Best-Builder.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-choose-the-best-builder) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [9 Questions for Choosing the Best Home Builder](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-choose-the-best-builder) There are many reasons people decide to build a home instead of buying an existing one. If you fall in this camp, you’ve probably been... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-choose-the-best-builder) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/How-to-Keep-Your-Credit-in-the-Good-Range.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-keep-your-credit-in-the-good-range) [Finances](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/finances) ## [How to Keep Your Credit in the “Good” Range](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-keep-your-credit-in-the-good-range) Credit makes the world go round. Good credit can unlock so many opportunities, while mediocre or poor credit can be a barrier to entry. [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-keep-your-credit-in-the-good-range) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/Is-an-FHA-Loan-Right-for-You.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/is-an-fha-loan-right-for-you) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [Is an FHA Loan Right for You?](https://blog.ruoff.com/is-an-fha-loan-right-for-you) Homebuying is sure exciting, but it also comes with its share of education. Is it the right time to buy? What do all the terms mean and... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/is-an-fha-loan-right-for-you) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/Can-I-Refinance-My-Mortgage-with-No-Closing-Costs.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/can-i-refinance-my-mortgage-with-no-closing-costs) [Refinancing](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/refinancing) ## [Can I Refinance My Mortgage with No Closing Costs?](https://blog.ruoff.com/can-i-refinance-my-mortgage-with-no-closing-costs) When you consider applying for a mortgage, closing costs are among the fees that enter into the equation. However, you might be less... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/can-i-refinance-my-mortgage-with-no-closing-costs) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/What-is-Considered-a-Good-Credit-Score.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-is-considered-a-good-credit-score-for-a-mortgage) [Mortgage 101](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/mortgage-101) ## [What is Considered a Good Credit Score for a Mortgage?](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-is-considered-a-good-credit-score-for-a-mortgage) A three-digit number can make a big difference in your financial future. Yes, your credit score can determine whether buying a house is... 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