Last week’s economic reports included readings on job openings, retail sales and consumer sentiment in addition to weekly reports on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac’s survey of mortgage rates. Job Openings Hold Steady in November; Quits and Hires Increase According to the Labor Department, job openings held steady with a reading of 5.50 million […]
Archives: January 2017
Beat the Winter Blues with Colorful Home Décor
The winter holidays and New Year’s have come and gone, and so have all the decorations. With no twinkling lights or festive ornaments brightening up its main living areas, your home can start to look a little bare. Not to worry! Here are a few winter home decorating ideas that can cheer you up and […]
Understanding the Reverse Mortgage and How to Use It to Pay Off a Regular Mortgage
There are a variety of mortgage products out there that serve the needs of different homeowners, but for the uninitiated it can be hard to know what will work best for them. If you happen to be close to retirement and are looking at options that will be more financially beneficial for you, here are […]
Buying Real Estate vs. Buying Stocks: Here’s Why a Home Should Be Your Priority
Once you’re done with debt and you’ve started to save, it’s commonly the case that you’ll start hearing about the risks and rewards of investing in stocks or real estate. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for many people to know what type of investment is going to work better for them down the road. If […]
The Pros and Cons of ‘Mortgage Before Marriage’ for Young Couples
There was a time when a higher percentage of people were married before they committed to buying a home together, but it’s a lot more common to co-habit and invest in a home together. If you’re considering the commitment of a mortgage without being married, here are some things to be aware of before you […]
Considering a Spring Home Sale? Learn How to Appraise Your Selling Chances Like a Pro
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 9, 2017
2017 started with good news; fixed mortgage rates were lower, but the national unemployment rate ticked upward and labor reports showed fewer openings for public and private sector jobs. Construction spending was higher in November. Mortgage Rates Lower; Construction Spending Higher Freddie Mac reported lower average rates for fixed rate mortgages as the average rate […]
4 Things You Absolutely Should Not Do After You Apply for a Mortgage
If you have a good credit history and are prepared to invest in a home, you may be feeling pretty confident about the mortgage process. However, it’s important to be aware that there are things that can have a negative impact on your application. Whether you’ve just submitted your documents or are getting close to […]
Making the Grade: How to Research Local Schools Before Buying Your Next Home
There are so many things involved in moving into a new home in a different neighborhood that it can be easy to forget about the proximity of many nearby amenities. However, if you have children, the local schools available can make-or-break the decision on whether or not to invest in a house. If you’re wondering […]
Let’s Talk Closets: How to Organize Your Closet Spaces Without Breaking the Bank
There is a particular pleasure in a well-organized closet; not to mention the space and energy-saver that it becomes! And the best part is that you don’t need to spend tons of money to get a dapper closet space. A lot of the work is just thinking outside the (clothing) box. Plan The Closet First […]