Last week’s economic news included reports on job openings, retail sales and weekly readings on average mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Job openings were lower in August after hitting an all-time high in July according to the federal government. Job openings fell to 5.44 million in August as compared to July’s reading of 5.83 […]
Archives: October 2016
5 Home Staging Mistakes That Frighten Buyers Away
Halloween is just around the corner. For many homeowners, that means carving pumpkins, hanging up Halloween decorations, and stocking up on fun-sized candy. But if you’re a homeowner who is thinking about selling this fall season, you might be preparing your home for buyers instead of trick-or-treaters. Home staging is a crucial part of home […]
Buying a Home This Autumn? 4 Unconventional Ways to Save up for Your Down Payment
Autumn is a popular time for new home buyers to start looking for their first house or condo. But with that down payment looming, everybody could use a bit of help saving up to make that bulk payment a little less intimidating. There are plenty of unconventional ways to save up that may seem small, […]
Winter Ready: Essential Home Maintenance Tasks Before the Chill Sets In
As the crisp air of winter begins to approach, it’s time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Ensuring your residence is winter-ready not only keeps you cozy but also safeguards against potential issues that chilly weather can bring. Here are the key home maintenance tasks to tackle before winter arrives: Heating System […]
Dealing with Mice: Peppermint Oil, Dryer Sheets and Other Crazy Tricks to Try
There are things that everyone shares: the need for food, the search for love, and the intrusion of mice into our homes. But don’t despair! There are several ways to deter and remove mice. Read on to learn about a few of the more well known, if a little out-there, methods. Peppermint Oil And Cotton […]
The 5 Secrets to Hosting an Open House That Leads to Multiple Offers
Open houses are a debatable topic with real estate agents. Some say they aren’t necessary in the age of the internet when options can be narrowed online. Others argue that closing yourself off will limit the number of possible buyers. What everybody agrees on is that hosting a successful open house is an art that […]
Buying a Solar-Powered Home? Watch Out for These Symptoms of Future Problems
Solar-powered homes are becoming more commonplace, and are an excellent step in the right ecological direction. That said, there are some aspects to consider if you’re thinking about investing in solar energy. Read on for some salient points about living by the sun. The Sun And The Economy As solar power has grown in popularity, […]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 10, 2016
Other than a release on construction spending, last week’s economic readings were dominated by labor and employment data including ADP Payrolls, Non-Farm Payrolls and National Unemployment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Construction Spending Drops in August Commerce Department readings on construction spending indicate that overall spending fell in […]
Planning to Get a Mortgage in 2017? 4 Reasons Why It’s Time to Start Paying Down Other Debts Now
Buying a home is an ideal investment for many people because not only is it a place that belongs to them, it can also be very beneficial financially. While you may be strongly considering buying a home for these reasons, it’s also important to be in good financial health so that your ideal home purchase […]
S&P Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slows in July
Home prices dipped slightly in July according to the S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index. Year-over-year, home price growth dipped to 5.00 percent from June’s reading of 5.10 percent. The Pacific Northwest led the nation in home price appreciation. Portland, Oregon had the highest year-over-year home price growth with a rate of 12.40 percent. Seattle, […]