I’ve been planning on refinancing for over a year now (as evidenced by this post 11 months ago, where I told you all that I’d be calling my bank ASAP.) The whole process was intimidating to me, so I figured it might be helpful to create a mortgage guide for refinancing should you decide to wrangle a lower rate**.

Step 1: Do nothing for 10 months

Step 2: Finally fill out an application online

Step 2a: Pick a rate

I narrowed my options down to two: a 30-year mortgage rate of 4.125% or a 20-year rate of 3.88%. Sure, those rates don’t seem so far off, but you’re really cutting 10 years of interest off your mortgage by signing up for a 20-year loan. So, that’s what I went with.

Refinancing cost me $3,739.36 in closing costs. And now my monthly mortgage payment is $10 more than it was before I refinanced. That’s right. I paid thousands up front so that I could pay more money every month. It works out, though. Really, I swear:

(While the closing costs were hefty – $3,739.36 – they included my next mortgage payment, so I don’t have another payment until July 1^st.)

Step 3: Find, Fill out & Fax Forms

My mortgage representative was extremely helpful and responsive to all my questions. Most of our conversations took place through email, which made everything pretty convenient for me. It took about 3 weeks of filling out and faxing documents back-and-forth before everything was finalized.

Here’s a general idea of what you’ll need to get started:

• Last 2 years W2s
• Last 30 days of your most recent paystubs
• Credit Inquiry Disclosure
• Rate Lock Agreement
• Condo Questionnaire
• 6-D Certificate (proof that I pay my condo fees)
• Appraisal

Once most of the paperwork was submitted, my bank contacted an appraiser (Bob), who gave me a call to schedule a site visit. I’ve never been involved in an appraisal before, so I didn’t know how in-depth the process would be. Bob assured me that it would take him a total of 15 minutes to peruse the place. I asked him if doing the dishes beforehand would enhance the appraisal price at all. Bob said no. I did them anyway (just in case).

Bob’s visit took a total of ten minutes. He walked around, asked a few questions and took a picture of my kitchen (good thing those dishes were done!). He explained that most of his work goes on behind the scenes, studying recent sales and foreclosures, researching the current market and surveying the area for shops and restaurants.

Step 3: Cry

Bob appraised my condo for $32,000 LESS than I paid for it four years ago. That hurt. Either I overpaid for the place in 2008, or the market has crashed considerably in that short time. Or maybe it was a combination of the two.

While I wasn’t happy with the final number, it didn’t really have any effect on my refinancing. Just remember: If you’re planning on refinancing be prepared to cry a little.

Step 4: Read the fine print

Part of my monthly mortage payment goes towards private mortgage insurance. PMI is extra insurance that lenders require from homebuyers whose loans are more than 80% of their new home’s value. So, if your down payment is less than 20% of your new mortgage, chances are you’ll be paying PMI.

My PMI is $184.78 a month. That’s a not-so-pretty penny to pay every month for insurance. It’s true that once I pay 20% of my loan off I won’t have to pay PMI anymore. But there’s a bit of a catch: I need to contact my bank in writing requesting that the PMI be dropped. If I don’t contact my bank, then they’ll automatically discontinue this fee when I owe just 78% of the loan. That 2% difference could mean you’re paying hundreds of unnecessary dollars, so keep track of your balance.

If I pay my mortgage on schedule, I’m set to drop my PMI by December 1, 2017. However, there are several things I plan on doing to speed things along:

1. Pay your mortgage twice a month. This will help you budget your bills (since you most likely get paid every two weeks anyway), and you’ll be able to pay your mortgage off 6-8 years early.
2. Pay extra every month. As long as I don’t have too many rogue shopping sprees, I’ll most likely be paying $100 extra for my mortgage every month. The extra money will go directly towards paying down my principal, so every year I’ll inch $1,000 closer to reaching 80% of my loan.

Step 5: Don’t be afraid to ask Questions

Once my re-financing got the green light from the underwriter, my bank’s attorney contacted me to schedule the signing.  I was able to schedule the meeting during my lunch break since I was told it would only take 30 minutes to sign everything.

Be prepared to ask questions at the signing. I’m not going to lie; it was very intimidating to sit across from such a hefty stack of papers full of fine print and big numbers. You will be signing a ton of paperwork. Make sure you know exactly what you’re signing, and if you don’t, then ask. (That’s how I found out about my PMI!)

Once everything was signed/sealed/delivered, I still had a chance to change my mind. The paperwork isn’t filed for three business days, so if you  have second thoughts it’s not too late.

So, if you’re interested in refinancing (or you’re buying a home for the first time), contact your bank and ask questions. Now is a great time to buy, since mortgage rates have tumbled even lower now that I’ve refinanced.

Are you planning on refinancing? What’s holding you up?

**Just a note – I’m far from an expert. Just a girl with two cats and a condo. This is just my personal experience with re-financing. So, don’t just take my word for it. Contact your bank and ask questions.

You don’t have to have your wedding on Earth Day to make Mother Nature welcome at your celebration. While weddings aren’t typically known for their environmentally friendly aspects, that doesn’t mean you can’t green up your walk down the aisle.

Here are a few tips on how to add a bit more green to your white day.

Green Wedding Tip #1: It’s all about timing

Pick flowers and food that are in season in your region. This way you can buy local and not worry about the financial or environmental impact of imported arrangements. If you haven’t picked a date yet – and can’t imagine your wedding without a whole bunch of begonias – find out when they’re available in your area and schedule accordingly.

Green Wedding Tip #2: Flowers don’t cut it

Instead of putting cut flowers in vases for centerpieces use potted plants.

You can even save money by growing the flowers from seeds. Added bonus: If your guests forget to take them home, you’re all set with a starter set of flowers for your yard. If pots don’t go with your decor, use bamboo, which is one of the fastest growing plants in the world.

Green Wedding Tip #3: Location, Location, Location

If at all possible, try to keep locations local to cut down on emissions. This means nixing that bachelorette party in Cabo. If you must travel, opt for public transportation. A train destination can be a fun adventure!

For your actual wedding, pick a location that has natural beauty, like a nearby beach or arboretum. This way you won’t have to spend an exorbitant amount on decorations.

Green Wedding Tip #4: Say yes to a used dress

You don’t have to dress your bridesmaids in sea foam in order to be fashionably green.

Minimize your wedding footprint in other ways:

Opt for a vintage dress

Pick a bridesmaid dress that they can really wear again (Not that sequin number that you claim can be worn again. ‘Cause it can’t … there are sequins.)

If you must buy brand new, donate your dress to charity afterwards so someone else can enjoy it

Wear a pair of pumps that you already have in your closet. No one’s going to see your feet, anyway

If you’re not so sentimental, rent your dress

Green Wedding Tip #5: Size matters

Instead of a massive bash, host a small, intimate affair with your closest friends and family.

Green Wedding Tip #6: Just ask

Being green can be as simple as asking your venders if they have any environmentally friendly options. Make it a priority when picking venders. And if your venue doesn’t recycle, ask if you can do it yourself.

Want to know your wedding carbon footprint? Check out this carbon calculator.

Is Mother Nature invited to your wedding?

While Mother Nature sets her sights on spring, it’s time to start thinking about coming out of hibernation and spicing up your living space.

Sure, you could spend your tax returns on a complete revamp, or you could make some tiny tweaks that transform a room.

Spring Cleaning: Pick A Pillow Fight

You probably can’t afford to buy a new couch every year. But, you can invest in some pop using pillows. A few bright pillows can completely change the look of your living room. Or if you have a thimble thumb, keep your old pillows and sew your own covers.

Make a big impact with fabric. Get a new bed spread, shower curtain or towels. These items don’t cost a lot, but they cover a good amount of space. Eventually, you can use the fabric as an inspiration to completely redo a room.

Spring Cleaning: Embrace the Wall Flower

Spring is a great time of year to liven up your space with flowers. But the responsibility of filling a big vase every week is intimidating. So, get these wall vases that will look great with a few fresh flowers or long-living greenery.

Spring Cleaning: Cleaning Turned Classy

A big blue bottle of Dawn just doesn’t say chic to me. Instead, opt for a glass oil dispenser. Fill the bottle up with the blue stuff and hide the evidence under your sink. You can also save money by buying your dishwashing soap in bulk. Frugal and fashionable. (Yes, your kitchen can be fashionable.)

Spring Cleaning: Cut the Clutter

You don’t necessarily need to buy things to change your space. Simply, clearing off that cluttered fridge front will make your kitchen look more sleek and streamlined. If you like looking at a photo of Fido every morning, organize your photos with magnetic pictures frames.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve got an assortment of baubles and trinkets littered all around your home. Earrings on the bathroom counter, a ring by the kitchen sink and a smorgasbord of jewelry scattered around your bedroom. Organize your pretty clutter in pretty containers. Simply collect an assortment of teacups for an offbeat jewelry box.

What simple ways do you spice up your space?

Save the Dates (STD) are like tattoos, minus the pain and potential for infection (hopefully).

You can walk into a tattoo shop without an appointment, pick out a cookie cutter tramp stamp (or tribal symbol) and get a sloppy tatt in no time. Or, you can do your research; figure out what key elements in your life (or wedding) are important to you and find an artist whose work you love.

STDs serve as the first sneak peak at your wedding theme. And if you want to make a good first impression, a standard STD just won’t do. It’s got to be unique, memorable and preferably magnetic.

When to send save the dates

But before we get to the eye candy, we’ve got to figure out when you’re going to send these bad boys. Who knows when to send save the dates? It’s definitely debatable. Some experts say you should send them out 3-6 months in advance, while others recommend 6-8 months. Whatever you decide to do, just remember: There is such a thing as showing up too early to the party. You want to give your guests enough time to plan their lives around your special day, but you don’t want to send them out so early that your guests forget all about it.

Don’t be a square

When looking for potential STDs, take inspiration from your actual event. If you’re getting married in Napa Valley, use a wine label for a card. If you’re big day is a destination, create your own luggage tag.

A circular reminder will stick out — especially if it can double as a coaster.

Get in the game

Make your STD interactive with a scratch-off card or puzzle.

Include a penny for luck (just make sure to budget for the added expense!).

Sweet Messages

Custom save-the-date cookies are great in theory, but beware that you run the risk of having your date digested.

DIY that you can buy

While searching the web for flashy STDs, I came across this Etsy postcard that reminded me of my all time favorite book, “The Giving Tree.” Sometimes the best design is the simplest.

Perfect Picture

Sure, you could send the traditional smooch-faced shot. Or, you could spice things up with an active photo of the two of you biking, hiking or camping. It can be staged if you’d prefer people to think you ride your bike in full makeup and a skirt.

Skipping Snail Mail

Whether you want to be green or save some green, virtual STDs are also an option. Some might find it tacky, but email might be more convenient for your guests. If you couldn’t care less what kind of cardstock you use, maybe email is more your style. You’ll save some trees and a serious amount of change.

For more save the date inspiration, check out this HMH post on unique save the date cards.

Where did you find your favorite save the date? How early did you send them out?

You don’t have to be lucky or Irish to enjoy a bevvie (or two) on St. Patty’s Day. In fact, the real St. Patrick wasn’t even Irish.

That being said, St. Patrick’s Day is a fun excuse to dress up like a leprechaun and drink 13 million pints of Guinness.

Yes, that's me. No, my mom is not a fan of the tattoo.

Or, you know, host a beer tasting party.

Since this year’s St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday, it’s a perfect opportunity to invite a few friends over and partake in a few pints. And if you’re too busy to host a party this weekend, throw a beer tasting party next month to celebrate the end of tax season … or Earth Day. There’s always a reason to pop open a pint.

Here are a few tips on how to host a seamless beer tasting party. (Because it’s not just as simple as sitting around and drinking beer. Oh no.)

Beer Tasting Party Tips: Establish a theme

If you’re going to host a beer tasting, set some limitations. There’s a lot of (crummy) beer out there, and you don’t want Pabst showing up at your Porter party. Set up a theme. Ask your friends to bring Irish beer for St. Patty’s Day or organic brews for Earth Day.

Beer Tasting Party Tips: Size matters

Ask each guest to bring a 22 oz. longneck bottle to ensure that only higher quality beers show up. (They don’t usually bottle The Big Three in these bigger bottles.)

Beer Tasting Party Tips: Pre-gaming

Set out sampling stations with small cups for sipping so your guests don’t end up sloshed on samples. I’d suggest seeding the selection with several of your own choices to guarantee a nice mix of beers. And supply water at every station to cleanse the palate between beers.

While you’d normally want to offer delectable refreshments at your party, food at this event should be mild in flavor so as not to compete with the tasting.

Beer Tasting Party Tips: Brush up on your beer jargon

If your friends aren’t all beer snobs, it might be a bit intimidating for them to describe the beer as anything other than good or bad. So, display a list of terms to use, such as:

malt flavors: grainy, rich, deep, roasty, coffeeish, caramelly, toffee-like, molasses-like, smoky, sweet, burnt cream, scalded milk, oatmeal, rustic.

hop flavor and bitterness: Piney, citrusy, grapefruity, earthy, musty, spicy, sharp, bright, fresh, herbal, lemony, floral, minty, pungent, grassy.

fermentation flavors deriving from yeast: Fresh-baked bread, clovelike, yeasty, fruity, clean, earthy, musty.

conditioning (carbonation): Soft, effervescent, spritzy, sparkling, zippy, bubbly, gentle, low carbonation, highly carbonated.

body: Rich, full, light, slick, creamy, oily, heavy, velvety, sweet, dry.

You can check out more descriptions here. Also, make sure to print a beer scoring sheet for each of your guests so they can jot down their thoughts.

Beer Tasting Party Tips: Games

If your friends are real connoisseurs, mix things up by covering the bottles’ labels and having them guess what they’re drinking. Or get your guests to vote on their favorite sample. Winners get to take any extra beer home.

This weekend is a great opportunity to host your first beer tasting party, since stores will be stocked up on Irish selections. If you’ve got the time, check out this post on how to host a beer swap with home brew and craft beers.

What are your plans this weekend? Which pint of gold will you be sipping on Saturday?

Personally, I’m a fan of Holy Grail Ale. But I’d never say no to a Grey Lady.

It’s all about the glitz, and the glamour, and making sure your cable bill has been paid.

Sure, you could watch the Oscars in your PJs eating popcorn like you do every year… or you could host your own award-winning event.

Host the Academy Awards: Setting the Stage

Marc Friedland, who designed the winning envelope for the Oscars, suggests making a game out of the show to create an interactive event. Before your guests arrive, print out his custom-made Oscar bingo cards and ballots here.

Friedland also suggests setting a theme. Pair your pajamas with black ties or have your guests dress up as their favorite nominees.

Host the Academy Awards: The Edibles

Hosting a red carpet event doesn’t have to be hard. Just steal inspiration from the experts. Instead of a formal dinner, the Governors Ball after the show will mimic a cocktail party this year with tiny bites and tall tables for moving and mingling. So, create a menu of easily edible apps, that your guests can enjoy while watching the show.

Celebrities will be chowing down on pork belly dumplings, smoked salmon on flatbread, Kobesliders and lobster tacos.

Get your Oscar buzz on with the show’s official drink recipe, created by Moet & Chandon. Simply combine sour mix, Hum botanical spirits and Champagne, and garnish with rose petal. You can also add cranberry juice and sparkling wine if you’d like.

I heart Valentine’s Day. But it’s not because I love to get lost in my lover’s eyes and reminisce about our magical life together … I just really like chocolate. Whether I’m flying solo, or synched to a suitor, chocolate has always stuck by my side (quite literally).

But, I could be persuaded to love February 14th for another reason: say, if someone showed up with something shiny. It is, after all, a popular day for proposals: 4 million Americans expect to propose/be proposed to over Valentine’s Day.

Shiny Stats

If you’re one of those 4 million, it might be interesting to see how much the average consumer spends on engagement rings.  According to a recent survey, 48% of single consumers feel that an engagement ring should cost between $1,000 and $5,000. Roughly 22% think $1,000 to $1,999 is appropriate, and 21% think a ring should cost less than $500. (Honey, you better not be one of those 21%ers!) And a fancy 5% feel that shelling out $10,000+ for a ring is perfectly acceptable. That sounds about right.

If you’re not interested in dropping 10 large on something so small, here are a few ways to slim down your bill without skimping on sentiment:

Get more bling for your buck

• Ditch the diamond. Non-diamond stones are much more affordable. Thanks, Kate, for making this a trendy option.
• Ring your ring. A ring of stones circling a smaller center stone will cost less without losing that big-rock feeling.

• Consider the cut. Emeralds have a larger surface area so the top looks bigger than it really is.

• Slim down a hair. A 1.9 carat diamond could cost $5,000 less than a 2 carat ring, and you probably won’t be able to tell the difference.
• Set out for a high setting. A high setting will make your diamond appear bigger.

For more tips on cutting the cost of those carats, check out the full article.

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Are you expecting something shiny?

Football is not a female-figure-friendly pastime. It’s a sport centered around couches and beer, which don’t exactly scream “skinny” to me. (More like it burps “beer belly”) So, whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party this weekend, or just kicking back with your own quarterback, here are a few figure-flattering dishes that’ll kick off your weekend right!

Skinny Beer-garitas

Beer is a mandatory requirement for Super Bowl viewing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give it a girly spin.

Pico de Gallo Guac

Avocado is a healthy fat … right?

Pizza Hummus

Garbanzo beans are a great source of protein. So, don’t feel bad about finishing the bowl.

Black Bean Chili Dip

Black beans are high in fiber and protein. Just be careful about overdoing it with the musical fruit!

Chipotle Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes are a good source of mag­nesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. And it doesn’t hurt that they’re delicious!

Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu

Overlooking the fact that this dish is fried, tofu is low in fat and calories, and high in protein and iron.

Even though I’m not a huge fan of football, I’m tempted to throw a Super Bowl party just to indulge in these skinny treats!

What’s your favorite Super Bowl food?

I hate awards shows. They just don’t hold my attention. But I tune in every year to catch the pre-show on the red carpet.

The only problem is that red carpet fills my head with sequins and shimmers without any gown-worthy event on my horizon. An elegant affair for me usually involves donning earrings and my “good” jeans. But now that I’m planning my wedding (granted, I’m not technically engaged … yet) I can incorporate these starlets’ styles into my wedding day look.

Here are a few red carpet trends that work well for weddings as well:

Red Carpet Trend: Mermaid/ Fit ‘n Flare

Fit ‘n Flare dresses are nothing new, but it’s good to know they’re still in style. There was a sea of Mermaid dresses at the Golden Globes this year.

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen

Elle Macpherson in Zac Posen

Red Carpet Trend: Pale Pink

Who says you have to wear white on your wedding day? I’m pale. Like, really pale. So, white just washes me out. I love these sophisticated, pale pink dresses that rocked the red carpet.

Piper Perabo in Theory

Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture

Jessica Alba in Gucci

Red Carpet Trend: Old Hollywood glamour

Neatly coiffed hair, impeccable makeup and sultry silhouettes emulated stars from another age, like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.

Julie Bowen in Reem Acra

Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham

Angelina Jolie  in Atelier Versace

Where do you find your wedding inspiration?

It’s January: Time to pack up your tacky tinsel, finish off that peppermint fudge and set your sights on the year ahead. If one of your resolutions this year is to take steps towards owning a home, real estate experts have some good news for you.

A PERFECT PRICE STORM

Mortgage rates have greeted the New Year with an all-time low of 3.94% and low rates are expected to continue at least through the mid-year, according to Freddie Mac’s chief economist, Frank Nothaft. CNNMoney reports that median home prices are expected to fall another 3.6% by the end of June. It’s a perfect storm of low home prices and low mortgage rates.

National averages are all well and good, but what does this mean for your area? CNN Money’s home price tracker provides local forecasts. Simply select your city and state for a forecast through 2013.

HOUSING MARKET FORECAST

Trulia chief economist Jed Kolko also foresees a good year for home buyers. Here are just a few of his housing predictions for 2012:

1. We should see a gradual economic recovery in the housing market this year. The key word is “gradual,” so you still have time to snag a deal.
2. Delinquencies will go down, but foreclosures will go up. Fewer borrowers will fall behind on their payments, thanks to the strengthening economy and refinancing, but we’ll see a new wave of foreclosures that’s long overdue. So, consider taking a gander at some foreclosed homes.
3. Rents will rise. With fewer people buying homes, the rental market is only going to get tighter, especially in New York, DC and San Francisco. This is great motivation to ditch the rental and buy a home.

Check out the rest of Kolko’s predictions here.

Are you looking to buy a new home this year? What’s holding you back?