Featured Posts
Forget About the Bank of Mom and Dad — Here’s How You Can Save Your Own Down Payment
Are you considering buying a home for the first time? For some, it can seem nearly impossible to come up with the funds for the down payment. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can save a little over time and not have to borrow from the "Bank of Mom and Dad". If you're looking to invest in a home in the short-term and are looking for solutions to save up, here are some tips on how to get to your down payment amount more quickly. Create A Budget Most people don't like the idea of a … [Read More...]
Buying a Home in a Fire Risk Area: Here’s What You Need to Know
Outside of the significant financial responsibility of delving into home ownership, there can also be a lot of other risks involved that you may not have thought about before investing in a home. You'll need to protect your home against theft or burglary. And homeowner's insurance to protect your home and belongings is almost a requirement. But there are other less common occurrences you may not have thought about. If you happen to be living in an area that's at high risk of fire, here are some … [Read More...]
Mortgage Tips: Answers to 4 Common Questions About Reverse Mortgages
There are many mortgage products on the market that work for all different kinds of homebuyers, but many people have not heard about reverse mortgages and how they can benefit their situation. If you're curious about this type of mortgage and want to know more, here are some questions that will get you on the road to understanding the ins-and-outs of this product. What's A Reverse Mortgage? The reverse mortgage was created in the wake of the 2008 recession and is commonly known as HECM, the … [Read More...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 24, 2017
Last week's economic news included releases from the National Association of Home Builders and releases from the Commerce Department on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. NAHB Housing Market Index Dips; Builder Sentiment Remains Strong Higher lumber costs were cited by the National Association of Home Builders as contributing to lower readings for the group's monthly Housing Market Index. July's reading was two … [Read More...]
Recently Lost Your Job? 3 Tips for Managing Your Mortgage When You’re Out of Work
The financial responsibility of a monthly mortgage payment can be stressful on its own, but you may be even more concerned about your home investment if you've recently lost your job. Fortunately, there are some things you can do and places you can turn if you're not yet certain where your next paycheck will come from. If you're struggling with newfound unemployment, here are some important steps to take. Shake The Piggy Bank Most people struggle to save and that means they don't necessarily … [Read More...]
$100 Well Spent: 5 Useful Home Upgrades That Cost Less Than $100
Whether you're trying to improve the look of your home or are getting ready to put it on the market, the idea of renovations might seem like a significant financial burden to take on. Fortunately, there are a variety of easy solutions for improving the look of your home without spending a lot of money. If you're wondering how you can spend $100 wisely, look no further than the following upgrading tips. A Funky Light Fixture It might seem like a cool light will cost an arm and a leg, but there … [Read More...]
NAHB: Builder Confidence in Market Conditions Dips in July
According to the National Association of Home Builders, July builder sentiment dipped to an index reading of 64 as compared to June's revised reading of 66, the original reading was 67. Analysts expected the reading for July to increase to 68. Builders cited increasing lumber prices as a concern affecting builders' outlook on housing market conditions for new single-family homes. Any reading over 50 for the NAHB Housing Market Index indicates that more builders than fewer are positive about … [Read More...]
Going Green(er): 3 Common Waste Items You Had No Idea You Can Recycle
It has never been more popular to live a "green" lifestyle and develop sustainable living practices that will help out the planet. While you may be used to recycling cardboard boxes and giving away your old hand-me-down clothes, there are probably a few household items you didn't even know you could recycle! If you're wondering what to do with some of your old, used items, here are a few things that may be ready for re-use. Re-constituting Your Lenses It's common to think your eyeglass … [Read More...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 17, 2017
Inflation Rate Stays Flat in June Inflation was flat in June, but achieved a 0.00 percent reading as compared to May's – 0.10 percent reading. Analysts expected a June reading of +0.10 percent reading month-to-month. The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve has established a benchmark reading of 2.00 percent inflation year-over-year as an indication of economic recovery. In recent months, the Fed has increased its target federal funds rate at each meeting of the FOMC. A … [Read More...]
Buyer Beware: Three Major Red Flags to Watch for When Visiting Open Houses
An open house is a good opportunity to get out and about to see what kind of home you're looking for and if it will work for you. Fortunately, they can also be a good opportunity to find out some things about the house you're looking at that might not be listed on the website and may be less than flattering. If you're wondering what red flags to watch out for, pay attention to the following things the next time you're at a showing. Strong Odors Many home sellers try to engage the senses in order … [Read More...]
Understanding Your FICO Score and Why Small Credit Mistakes Can Cause Huge Headaches
Many people all over the world are dealing with issues involving debt or poor credit history, but most aren't necessarily aware of what exactly makes up their credit score. Unfortunately, it might seem like it's the big stuff that counts when it comes to credit, but little things can have a significant impact on your financial health. If you're looking to improve your understanding and your finances, here's what you need to know about small mistakes and your FICO score. Making Late Payments The … [Read More...]
With Mortgage Rates This Low, Should You Dive In? 3 Reasons Why Now Might Be the Time
Whether you've just finished school or are about to start a family, investing in a home can be one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. But as you'll soon discover, there are a number of considerations you'll need to make. It can be difficult to know whether to get a short-term or long-term mortgage, or how long of an amortization period you'll need. Read on below for three questions that will help you to make your decision, as now is the best time to dive into the market. Do You … [Read More...]
Location, Location, Location: How to Ensure You’re Buying a Home in the Right Community
When investing in a home, one of the most important things is buying a place that you and your family can feel comfortable in. However, while a place you can envision yourself in is important, it's not worth neglecting the neighborhood you'll be moving into for the perfect home. If you're wondering what you should be looking for in the neighborhood you choose, here are a few things to consider before making an offer on a home. Is It Safe? It may be common to feel bowled over by a home and want … [Read More...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 10, 2017
Last week's economic reports suggested that demand for homes is rising despite a jump in mortgage rates and rising home prices fueled by low inventories of homes for sale. Demand for homes rose by 1.40 percent as interest rates jumped after the 10-year Treasury rate rose by 10 basis points. Construction spending was unchanged in May as compared to a -0.70 percent reading in April. Although builders express high confidence in housing market conditions, construction spending continued to lag … [Read More...]
Exploring Tesla’s New Solar Roof Tiles – Are They the Ultimate Home Upgrade?
Tesla may have become the famous brand it is for the creation of the electric car in 2008, but it has since burgeoned into a company that has diverse ambitions for how we utilize energy. Recently, Tesla has moved into the business of solar roof panels, which have become a hot commodity on the market with their green ethos and energy savings. If you're curious about solar power and want to know the details on this product, here are some things to consider before buying in. The Details On Tesla's … [Read More...]
Budgeting 101: How to Plan Your Budget Around Your Monthly Mortgage Payments
If you've decided to invest in a home, you might be wondering how to make all of the expenses work. From the groceries to your mode of transportation, all of those little things can quickly add up. Fortunately, it's easy enough to ensure you have the money each month by carefully calculating your expenses and ensuring there's a little wiggle room in case of leaner times. Here are the details on how to begin with your mortgage budgeting plan. Calculate Your Monthly Payment Whether you've just … [Read More...]
Family Matters: The Pros and Cons of Selling Your Home to a Family Member
It can be a stressful experience to put your home on the market and wait for offers in the hope that you've priced it right. However, for those who are considering selling to family members, the sale of a home can be fraught with just as much stress before and after sealing the deal. If you're wondering if it's a good idea to sell to a family member, here are some things to consider beforehand. Providing A Discount Whether you're selling to a sibling or a child, you may be considering offering … [Read More...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 3, 2017
Last week's economic news included Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, pending home sales and inflation. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were released along with a reading on consumer sentiment. Case-Shiller and pending home sales readings suggested that recent rapid growth in home prices and home sales may be easing. High demand for homes coupled with low inventories of homes for sale has created an artificially high rate of home price growth and competition among buyers … [Read More...]
A Quick Look at Reverse Mortgages: The Golden Ticket to Enjoying Your Golden Years
With a high volume of millennials set to enter the real estate market this year, it may seem like all the available options out there were created to snag new home buyers. However, there are products available on the market that cater to those who are in their golden years too. If you're older than 62 and are currently weighing the options with your mortgage, here are the basics on reverse mortgages and why they might positively benefit you. The Scoop On Reverse Mortgages It may seem like this … [Read More...]
