Mortgage Interest Rates Just Went Up… Should I Wait to Buy?

Posted by:

Mortgage interest rates, as reported by Freddie Mac, have increased over the last several weeks. Along with Freddie MacFannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors are all calling for mortgage rates to continue to rise over the next four quarters.

This has caused some purchasers to lament the fact they may no longer be able to get a rate less than 4%. However, we must realize that current rates are still at historic lows.

Here is a chart showing ...

Continue Reading →
0

Thinking of Selling? Don’t Overlook an Outdated Kitchen, Buyers Won’t

Posted by:

If you are planning on listing your home for sale, make sure that you don’t overlook the condition of your kitchen. A recent article on realtor.com listed “7 Signs Your Kitchen Is Way Overdue for a Renovation,” in which they warned:

“Dated kitchens—just like bathrooms—are a major barrier for resale. Buyers want modern amenities and styling, and most aren’t interested in renovating post-purchase.”

Kitchen remodels can be pricey, with many complete remodels costing $20,000 or more. But not every ...

Continue Reading →
0

Why Are Mortgage Interest Rates Increasing?

Posted by:

According to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage interest rate jumped up to 3.94% last week. Interest rates had been hovering around 3.5% since June, and many are wondering why there has been such a significant increase so quickly.

Why did rates go up?

Whenever there is a presidential election, there is uncertainty in the markets as to who will win. One way that this is noticeable is through the ...

Continue Reading →
0

Winter Is Coming… 5 Reasons to Sell Now!

Posted by:

People across the country are beginning to think about what their life will look like next year. It happens every fall; we ponder whether we should relocate to a different part of the country to find better year-round weather, or perhaps move across the state for better job opportunities. Homeowners in this situation must consider whether they should sell their house now or wait.

If you are one of these potential sellers, here are five important reasons to sell now instead ...

Continue Reading →
0

From Empty Nest to Full House… Multigenerational Families Are Back!

Posted by:

Multigenerational homes are coming back in a big way! In the 1950s, about 21%, or 32.2 million Americans shared a roof with their grown children or parents. According to a recent Pew Research Center report, the number of multigenerational homes dropped to as low as 12% in 1980 but has shot back up to 19%, roughly 60.6 million people, as recently as 2014.

Multigenerational households typically occur when adult children (over the age of 25) either choose to, ...

Continue Reading →
0

You Can Never Have TMI about PMI

Posted by:

When it comes to buying a home, whether it is your first time or your fifth, it is always important to know all the facts. With the large number of mortgage programs available that allow buyers to purchase a home with a down payment below 20%, you can never have Too Much Information (TMI) about Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?

Freddie Mac defines PMI as:

“An insurance policy that protects the lender if you are ...

Continue Reading →
0

A Lack of Listings Remains ‘Huge’ Challenge in the Market

Posted by:

The housing crisis is finally in the rearview mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up, home sales are up, and distressed sales (foreclosures & short sales) are at their lowest mark in over 8 years. This has been, and will continue to be, a great year for real estate.

However, there is one thing that may cause the industry to tap the brakes: a lack of housing inventory. According to ...

Continue Reading →
0

Appliance Lifespan

Posted by:

shutterstock_248901118

If you are considering purchasing a home, it is smart to find out the age of the different appliances and systems that come with the property. Replacing appliances is expensive, so it is a good idea to have an appliance replacement plan when you move into a new home. The first step is to make a list of the appliances ...

Continue Reading →
0

Buying to Renovate

Posted by:

renovation

Buying to Renovate? Keep these tips in mind!

Because many areas are experiencing severe inventory shortages some buyers decide to buy something that isn’t quite perfect now, but they plan to make it perfect through renovation. If you are in that category, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • REALITY CHECK –If you remain living in your home while you are ...
Continue Reading →
0
Page 35 of 36 «...1020303233343536