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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.