31
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 31, 2014

Last week's economic news includes several reports about housing markets. The S&P Case-Shiller 10 and 20 city housing market indices, the FHFA House Price Index, New Home Sales and Pending Home sales reports suggest that the national housing market continues to grow, but at lower rates. Regional readings varied and suggested that winter weather was a negative influence on affected markets. In a press conference held on March 19 Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said that severe winter weather had interfered with the Fed's ability to get a clear reading on economic developments. The Case-Shiller 10 and 20-City Home Price…
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04
Apr
By Jim Hasek
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Mortgage Guidelines

Simplified Home Loan Modification Program Recently Announced

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently announced a new, streamlined home loan modification program to help Ardmore home owners who are behind in their payments or own a home with a mortgage that is under water. The purpose of the recently announced program continues to focus on helping troubled borrowers avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes. Simplified Modification Criteria Creates More Opportunity For Home Owners Beginning this summer, on July 1st to be exact, the new Streamlined Modification Initiative will be available to home owners that meet certain criteria. Interestingly, this new program will require home loan servicers…
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02
Apr
By Jim Hasek
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Housing Analysis

Home Prices Accelerate In 2013 WIth Double Digit Growth

Last week, the S&P/Case-Shiller Index showed home prices gaining 8.1 percent during the 12-month period ending January 2013, marking the largest year-over-year increases since the summer of 2006. The Case-Shiller Index measures changes in home prices by tracking same-home sales throughout 20 housing markets nationwide; and the change in sales price from sale-to-sale. Detached, single-family residences are used in the Case-Shiller Index methodology and data is for closed purchase transactions only. All 20 Case Shiller Index Markets Show Growth Between December 2012 and January 2013, home values rose in all 20 Case-Shiller Index markets, with previously-hard hit areas such as…
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29
Mar
By Jim Hasek
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Real Estate Tips

3 Common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes Can Cost Thousands

Buying real estate for the first time is a very exciting step in life. It is likely to be one of the biggest financial commitments that you make, so it's very important to navigate the purchasing process wisely. Many first-time home buyers make rookie mistakes that bring on negative consequences and a lot of frustration. Outlined below are common errors home buyers make, so you can learn from their missteps and avoid them yourself. 1. Buying More Than What You Can Truly Afford Just because the bank says that you qualify a certain amount for a mortgage doesn't mean that…
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28
Mar
By Jim Hasek
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Real Estate Tips

7 Quick And Inexpensive Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Have you ever heard the saying, "You never get a second chance for a first impression?" If you have a Ardmore home for sale, it is important to appreciate the significance a first impression has on your potential buyer. When buyers drive up to your property and take their first look at your home, they will instantly be forming ideas about your house and how it might fit for their family. When you are trying to entice a buyer to make an offer on your house, you must consider the curb appeal - how your house looks from the outside,…
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13
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Personal Finance, ,

When It Pays To Refinance Your Mortgage — Literally

To refinance a mortgage means to pay off your existing loan and replace it with a new one. There are many reasons why homeowners opt to refinance, from obtaining a lower interest rate, to shortening the term of the loan, to switching mortgage loan types, to tapping into home equity. Each has its considerations. Lower Your Mortgage Rate Among the best reasons to refinance is to get access to lower mortgage rates. There is no "rule of thumb" that says how far rates should drop for a refinance to be sensible. Compare your closing costs to your monthly savings, and…
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