--- title: The Porch Blog by Ruoff Mortgage (3) description: Exploring homeownership - from mortgage finance to home DIY, from gardening to budgeting tips and more! (3) --- [![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 [![Young Couple Visiting a Potential New Home Property with Professional Real Estate Agent. Female Realtor Showing the Area to Future Homeowners. Focus on For Sale Sign](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_555642438.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-dpa-programs-do-i-qualify-for) [Mortgage 101](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/mortgage-101) ## [What DPA Programs do I Qualify For?](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-dpa-programs-do-i-qualify-for) Understanding Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs can open a world of opportunities for potential homebuyers. These programs are... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-dpa-programs-do-i-qualify-for) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_360943439%20(1).jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-the-school-season) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle), [House to Home](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/house-to-home) ## [How to Prepare Your Home for The School Season](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-the-school-season) As the seasons gradually change from the hot summer to autumn, the tone may be changing in your household. School season comes with this... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-the-school-season) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_170554793.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/when-to-get-a-home-equity-loan) [Finances](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/finances), [Loan Products](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/loan-products) ## [When To Get a Home Equity Loan](https://blog.ruoff.com/when-to-get-a-home-equity-loan) Tapping into your home’s equity can be a savvy financial move, but timing is everything. A home equity loan allows you to borrow against... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/when-to-get-a-home-equity-loan) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_243914354.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/simplifying-the-30-home-remodeling-rule) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle), [House to Home](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/house-to-home) ## [Simplifying the 30% Home Remodeling Rule:](https://blog.ruoff.com/simplifying-the-30-home-remodeling-rule) The seasons have changed from rainy to dry, and thus, remodeling season is upon us. Considering this, it’s particularly pertinent to know... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/simplifying-the-30-home-remodeling-rule) [![A skyline shot of a city in Michigan ](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_231263956.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/shining-a-light-downriver-a-look-into-the-downriver-branch) [Branch Spotlight](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/branch-spotlight) ## [Shining a Light Downriver: A Look Into the Downriver Branch](https://blog.ruoff.com/shining-a-light-downriver-a-look-into-the-downriver-branch) Since the summer of 2025 the quaint but growing suburb of Detroit dubbed as the Downriver area has been served by three driven Ruoff... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/shining-a-light-downriver-a-look-into-the-downriver-branch) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_370958507.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-keep-your-lawn-vibrant-and-bright-this-summer) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle), [House to Home](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/house-to-home) ## [How To Keep Your Lawn Vibrant and Bright this Summer](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-keep-your-lawn-vibrant-and-bright-this-summer) A task that has harped on the chords of 15 year olds around suburban America, mowing, and your lawn, plays an important role in your home’s... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-keep-your-lawn-vibrant-and-bright-this-summer) [![A woman on her computer taking notes. ](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1541424507.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-does-a-mortgage-calculator-help-with) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [What Does a Mortgage Calculator Help With?](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-does-a-mortgage-calculator-help-with) Understanding the Benefits of a Mortgage Calculator [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-does-a-mortgage-calculator-help-with) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1928801417.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/patio-vs.-deck-which-is-for-you) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle), [House to Home](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/house-to-home) ## [Patio vs. Deck: Which is For You?](https://blog.ruoff.com/patio-vs.-deck-which-is-for-you) To elevate or not to elevate?: This question has been ingrained in the minds of home improvers around the nation for years. The National... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/patio-vs.-deck-which-is-for-you) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_300539192-1.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/should-i-refinance-my-mortgage) [Mortgage 101](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/mortgage-101), [Refinancing](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/refinancing) ## [Should I Refinance My Mortgage?](https://blog.ruoff.com/should-i-refinance-my-mortgage) Deciding to refinance your mortgage can feel like a big decision, but it’s one that many homeowners face at some point. So, how do you know... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/should-i-refinance-my-mortgage) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_101971848.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/why-a-lake-house-could-be-for-you) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle), [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [Why a Lake House Could be For You:](https://blog.ruoff.com/why-a-lake-house-could-be-for-you) Lakes, and lake culture for that matter, are an integral part of the midwest experience. Boating, fishing, swimming, barbecues, fireworks,... 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