Annual physical exams.  Annual performance reviews. Annual closet clean-out.  Lots of us perform "routine maintenance" on an annual basis just to review what's changed over the past year and to make sure we're up-to-date.  Or we want to make sure we have everything we need and evaluate what we need to do differently going forward.  But have you ever thought about doing an annual checkup on your mortgage? 

Spring is in the air (well, today anyway) and your cabin fever is at an all-time high.  Maybe you're beginning to think about home improvement projects, or simplifying and downsizing, or maybe you're out of room and ready to move into a bigger space.  If making these dreams a reality means a loan is in your future, there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure your credit is in good shape before you apply.