Caring for aging parents is a challenge many Americans are facing. Consider these factors to ensure your loved ones are well taken care of mentally, physically, legally and financially.

The 2024 presidential election is set to be a repeat of the Biden versus Trump contest of 2020. With both houses of Congress up for grabs, the stakes are high for either party, so it is understandable for the U.S. public to be nervous. Regardless of how the election plays out, political tensions will likely remain elevated throughout the next president's term, adding to an already contentious global political climate.

Haunted houses may be a fun Halloween pastime, but living in one is an entirely different thing. No, we're not referring to the paranormal or those terrifying scenes that conjure thoughts of your favorite scary movie. We're talking about a house that's got bigger problems.

We've spent the better part of a year nestled safely within our four walls, with few opportunities to network or strike up unexpected conversations with strangers at a coffee shop. But now that things have returned to a close semblance of “normal,” it's time to shake off the dust and make sure you're ready to put your best foot forward.

Achieving full home automation doesn't come cheap. A few smart speakers and a smart thermostat won't set you back much, but for a fully connected home with all the bells and whistles, you could be looking at upwards of $15,000 for a typical three-bedroom, two-bathroom home. When thinking about resale value, is smart tech a smart investment?

Is your home overdue for some upgrades? Are you finally ready to design your dream kitchen? You're not alone. Home remodeling activity is booming right now. Despite the economy shrinking 3.5% in 2020, home improvement spending grew by 3% last year — and it's projected to rise another 4.8% through Q1 2022.

Reviews from satisfied customers are one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. They provide feedback about your product or service that helps shape the future of your business and attract more customers. Let's explore best practices for collecting and managing your online reviews.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed nearly every facet of our lives. And as our daily routines morphed, so did what we need from our homes. Our houses became offices, classrooms, gyms, and entertainment centers. In fact, the housing market was a prime driver behind the country's economic recovery, with buyers looking for bigger homes on more land and consequently spending more money.

It's one of the hardest-working rooms in your house — and most of the time, it's not even a room unto its own! Your entryway should help you get organized as you're heading out the door and help you stay organized when you get home.

Between a hot housing market and an ocean of summer activities at our fingertips, we've got plenty of things vying for our attention this season. While you're busy balancing work and play, thinking about what to post on social media may be the last thing on your mind.

Summer is on its way, and while more sunshine and warmer days are wonderful, melting in to your sofa ... isn't. But how can you keep your home at a comfortable temperature without blasting the A/C? Here are a few tips to help you — and your house — beat the heat this summer.

If you typed your name into Google right now, do you know what would show up? If a new customer or prospective business partner did the same, you'd want to be confident that they're going to like what they find — or that they can find you at all. Your online presence is typically where you make your first impression, so it's essential that your information is consistent across platforms and aligned with your brand and business goals.

Let's not sugarcoat it. If you're buying a home this year, you'll probably face some serious competition. Homes are going under contract almost as soon as they're hitting the market, and with very little inventory to choose from, they're also selling well above list price.

PICTURE THIS: Your sales pipeline is full of hot prospects, referrals are pouring in, and you're on target to meet or exceed your goals for the quarter. It sounds like a dream come true, but what about the flip side? When business is thriving, you're likely also faced with an overflowing email inbox, a jam-packed calendar, long hours, and an overall higher demand on your time and energy.

While mortgage interest rates remain near historic lows, they've started creeping up this year. As the economy continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, experts are predicting that rates could continue to rise. So, what does this mean if you're planning to buy a home?

Homeownership is good for you. It helps you put down roots in a community, provides a sense of stability, is an excellent investment, and can even help you save on your taxes. Let's explore how owning a home can mean more cash in your pocket at tax time.

Northwest Bank is named a Top Mortgage Lender in 2020. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) recently announced its 2020 top mortgage lenders. The awards were given to the lending institutions and loan originators who assisted the most homebuyers through IFA programs in 2020.

Over the past century, the typical American home has been a picture of independence and self-reliance. An emphasis on the nuclear family in the post-war era led to homes that were designed for privacy and seclusion — as opposed to communal living with extended family — which largely represents the housing landscape today.

If you know exactly what your home should look like, where it should be, and every feature it must have, but you can't seem to find it anywhere, then it could be time to build your own. This quarter in Waypoints, we're sharing insights into new-home construction, from market trends to homebuilding ideas and considerations.

In the business jungle, we can take a note or two from the tiger's book. In today's competitive environment, companies that don't develop their own unique stripes are at risk of getting lost in the herd. Finding your competitive advantage — that unique something that only you can offer — will differentiate you from your rivals and provide a clear and compelling reason for customers to do business with you.