buy home

What No One Tells You to Do Before You Buy Your First Home

Buying your first home should be exciting—finally choosing paint colors, imagining your furniture in each room, and planting roots. But let’s be honest—it can also feel like stepping into a maze you didn’t even know existed. Between mortgage paperwork, inspections, and unexpected costs, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing something… because most first-time buyers are.

The truth is, many people buy a home thinking they’ve covered all their bases—only to discover a list of “wish-I-knew-before” moments that cost them time, money, and peace of mind. And here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be that way.

Read More

Down Payment vs. Closing Costs: What Homebuyers Need to Know

Why buying a home is more than just “having some money saved.”

So you’ve decided to buy a house—congrats! 🏡
You’ve been saving like crazy, skipping lattes, selling random stuff on Facebook Marketplace, and maybe even putting off that beach trip. But now someone hits you with:
“You’ll need a down payment and closing costs.”
Wait… what now?

Don’t worry—at Johns Creek Mortgage, we’re all about breaking things down into normal-human language.

Read More

travelers homeowners insurance

Is Travelers the Best Choice for Your Home Insurance? Let’s Break It Down

Let’s be real: picking the right homeowners insurance can feel overwhelming. You’re not just buying a piece of paper—you’re buying peace of mind. Whether it’s protecting your family home, a summer retreat, or a high-value property, the fear of overpaying or missing out on the right coverage keeps a lot of folks up at night. Maybe you’ve wondered if Travelers homeowners insurance is the right choice but felt stuck, unsure if you’re getting the best deal or if it even covers what you truly need.

Read More

high value home insurance

What Makes a Home “High-Value” for Insurance?

Owning a luxury home is a source of pride, but it also comes with unique challenges. Standard homeowners insurance simply doesn’t provide the level of protection needed for high-value homes, leaving many homeowners underinsured. If you’ve ever wondered whether your home qualifies as high-value or why specialized insurance is crucial, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face the frustration of policies that don’t fully cover their property’s true worth.

Read More

Repairs and insurance

Do I Have to Use Insurance Money for Repairs?

You’ve filed a claim, gone through the assessment process, and finally, your insurance company has issued a check for the damages. But now you might be wondering—do you really have to use that money for its intended purpose, the repairs? Or is it okay to pocket the cash and use it for something else? As with most things in insurance, the answer depends. Let’s break it down.

Read More

home theft prevention

Home Theft Prevention Tips

No home is immune to the risk of theft. Whether you’re looking to protect your home while you are on an extended vacation or simply away at work for the day, it’s important to take precautions to help deter criminals from targeting your property. Be sure to utilize these home theft prevention tips to keep your property secure and help mitigate the likelihood of burglary while you are away.

Read More

Understanding the 80% Rule for Home Insurance

When it comes to your home, making sure you’re adequately insured is of the utmost importance. Despite this, many homeowners are unaware of the “80% rule” for home insurance and, as a result, find themselves underinsured when trying to replace their personal property after a loss. Understanding the 80% rule—and following it—can help you protect yourself and your home.

Read More

preparing your home for vacation

Preparing Your Home for Vacation

Vacations should be stress-free and easy-going. However, enjoying trips to the fullest is a bit difficult if you constantly worry about your property back home. It’s quite understandable if you’re worried about the security of your home and don’t want to face any issues when you get back. Fortunately, there are some easy-to-follow steps to prepare your home for vacation.

We understand that planning vacations are hectic enough on their own. Therefore, we’ve compiled some tips to keep your home safe while you’re on vacation.

Read More