14
Oct
By Adrian Willanger
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 14th, 2024

The CPI and PPI reports delivered their data, showing inflation figures slightly below expectations. However, the positive impact of these reports was tempered by hawkish comments from Federal Reserve members during recent meetings. Despite this, the overall outlook remains optimistic, as further rate cuts are anticipated. Lending partners have also responded positively, significantly lowering their lending rates over the past month. Consumer Credit Consumer credit increased by $8.9 billion in August, following a revised $26.6 billion surge in July, the Federal Reserve reported on Monday. This represents a 2.1% annual growth rate in August, a slowdown from the 6.3% rise…
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11
Oct
By Adrian Willanger
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Advice on Downsizing or Upgrading Your Home

Whether you're looking to downsize to a smaller space or upgrade to a larger home, both decisions come with their own set of considerations. Knowing the right timing, understanding the current market, and being well-prepared can make the transition smoother. Here are some insights to help you navigate either path with confidence: 1. Consider Timing and Market Conditions Timing is crucial when deciding to downsize or upgrade. In a seller’s market, you might get a higher price for your current home, but finding a new home could be more competitive. In contrast, a buyer’s market offers more options and potentially…
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10
Oct
By Adrian Willanger
Around The Home, ,

Select the Best Herbs for Your Organic Garden

Growing your herbs not only enhances your meals but also adds natural beauty to your garden. Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling backyard, cultivating herbs offers a rewarding and sustainable way to enrich your home. Let’s explore how to select the best herbs for your garden, provide them with optimal growing conditions, and even harvest and preserve your bounty. Plus, you’ll learn how to create flavorful herb-infused vinegars to enjoy all year long! Selecting the Best Herbs for Your Garden When choosing herbs for your garden, it's essential to consider your climate, soil type, and how much…
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09
Oct
By Adrian Willanger
Home Building Tips, ,

First-Time Homebuyer Checklist for Success When Embarking on the homebuying journey

Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming without a clear plan. With so many moving parts, from financial prep to evaluating potential homes, having a comprehensive checklist can help simplify the process. Here's everything you need to consider to make your home-buying journey smoother and more successful: 1. Get Your Finances in Order Check Your Credit Score: Lenders rely heavily on your credit score. Aim for a score of 620 or higher to qualify for a conventional loan, though some programs accept lower scores. Save for a Down Payment: Depending on the type…
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08
Oct
By Adrian Willanger
Around The Home, ,

5 Tips for Staging Homes to Sell Faster

When selling a home, staging can be the key to a faster sale. It helps buyers imagine living in the space and showcases the home’s best features. Here are five simple tips to stage your home and make it more appealing: 1. Declutter and Depersonalize To make your home inviting, remove excess items and personal belongings. Too much clutter can overwhelm potential buyers, and personal photos or unique decor can make it harder for them to picture the space as their own. Stick to simple, clean lines and open spaces to highlight the home’s best features. 2. Boost Curb Appeal…
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07
Oct
By Adrian Willanger
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 7th, 2024

Last week was a fairly light week, with the non-farm payroll data being the most significant release. The data showed that payrolls are growing at a faster rate than historical trends suggest, which could indicate that inflation is still above the Federal Reserve's target. In contrast, the upcoming week has a busy schedule, with many important economic releases lined up back to back. Non-Farm Payrolls Hourly pay for American workers rose a sharp 0.4% in September - above expectations - to put the increase over the past 12 months at 4.0%. That's up from 3.9% in the prior month. Wages…
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