Home increased in October according to Case-Shiller’s 20City Home Price Index. Home prices rose from September’s annualized reading of 5.40 percent to 5.60 percent. Factors contributing to rising home prices include stronger economic conditions and outlook along with short inventories of available homes coupled with high demand. On average, October home prices rose 5.10 percent […]
Tag Archives: Home Buying Tips
Helping a Disabled Relative or Friend Buy a New Home? Here’s What to Look For
The search for a new home is difficult enough for the average person, but if you’re helping a friend or relative who has a disability, there are even more things to be aware of. If you’re not sure quite how to tackle the housing market, here are a few things to look out for so […]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 26, 2016
Last week’s economic news included readings on consumer spending, core inflation new home sales and regularly scheduled readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Consumer Spending Dips in November Commerce Department reports on consumer spending in November indicated that consumer spending was lower in November with 0.20 percent growth as compared to October’s reading […]
3 Simple Tips for Boosting Your FICO Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage
There are a variety of factors that are involved in getting your mortgage approved, but few things will have more of an impact than your FICO score and the credit history that goes along with it. Instead of leaving your score up to chance when submitting your application, here are a few ways that you […]
Goodbye, Curtains: Try These Fun and Fashionable Ways to Dress up Your Windows
Windows are not just functional openings that let light and air into our homes; they are also integral design elements that significantly contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of a space. The way you dress up your windows, as well as the windows themselves, can transform their basic functionality into a canvas for creativity and […]
Self-Employed? Here’s What You’ll Need to Get a Mortgage Approval
There’s a lot of flexibility and personal freedom associated with self-employment that can be a great benefit to your lifestyle and your pocketbook. However, because of the somewhat unpredictable nature of self-employment, it can make acquiring a mortgage a little more difficult. If you’ve recently become self-employed or have been in the game for a […]
After the Sale: The Next Steps and What You’ll Need to Do Before You Move Out
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 19, 2016
Housing news was boosted by the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, which posted its highest readings since July of 2002. In other news, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee voted to raise the federal funds rate and Fed Chair Janet Yellen gave a press conference. Mortgage rates rose and weekly jobless […]
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 […]
5 Major Red Flags to Watch for When You’re Touring an Open House
An open house is one of the best opportunities a potential homeowner will have to take stock of a home and determine if it will work for them. However, it can also be a good opportunity to discover some glaring red flags that might make it a less worthwhile investment. If you’re currently perusing the […]