09
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Looking for an Eco-friendly Upgrade? Try These Easy Ways to Save Water Around the Home

With the impact we have on our environment becoming a matter of greater concern, it's becoming more important for the average citizen to know they're doing their part. While there are many simple tricks for saving water that will make you feel better about your environmental footprint, here are a few easy upgrades that will make that saving a little more automatic. Consider a Cistern Device With outhouses a thing of the past, flushing the toilet has become one of the ways in which household water is being overused the most, but flushing less simply isn't a viable option. Instead…
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08
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Investment Properties, ,

Real Estate Investing: Why Buying a Condo in a Ski Resort Area Can Be a Great Investment

The decision to invest in real estate can be one rife with risk, but if you're ready to take this type of step into the investment market, you might be wondering where to begin. While upcoming neighborhoods and university areas may always be a place where investment is a viable idea, here are some reasons it can be a boon to consider a resort condo. A Reliable Influx of Visitors The great thing about having a condo close to a resort is that, no matter the weather, people will be getting away in the summer and the winter for some…
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07
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

The Pros and Cons of Paying Your Mortgage off Biweekly Versus Monthly

If you have a mortgage, you're probably looking for the best option to pay it off. Monthly mortgage payments are an easy-to-manage way to pay for your house - in fact, they're the most common form of mortgage payment  but now, many homeowners are discovering that biweekly payments offer them better results. So is a biweekly payment the better option for you? Which payment strategy best fits your individual circumstances? Here's what you need to know. Biweekly Payments: Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster and Save on Interest Biweekly payments are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. With a…
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06
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Worried About Mortgage Rates Going Up? 3 Steps to Prepare Yourself Financially

Mortgage rates have been at record lows for quite some time, making it easy for new homebuyers to finance their dream homes. But what comes down will eventually go back up, and with the world economy expected to rebound in 2016, we're about to start seeing more expensive mortgages. So what can you do to prepare yourself before mortgage rates start to rise? Here are three strategies that will keep you ahead of the game. Start Saving More Money Now If you have a variable rate mortgage, you've benefitted from great interest rates that this world won't see again for…
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05
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 05, 2015

Last week's economic reports included Pending Home Sales, Construction Spending and several reports on jobs and employment. The details:Pending Home Sales Down as Home Prices RisePending home sales dipped in August, which is consistent with the waning spring and summer peak sales period for homes. Pending home sales were down by -1.40 percent as compared to July's gain of 0.50 percent. Pending home sales indicate future closings and mortgage loan volume.Home prices rose in July according to the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index, which reported that home prices for the 20-City Home Price Index rose from June's reading of 4.90…
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02
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

DIY Home Upgrades: 5 Reasons Why Hardwood Flooring Should Be on Your Renovation List

Whether you're planning on selling your home soon or you want to do a few minor renovations for your own enjoyment, an ailing hardwood floor may be on your list of things to tackle. While this can be a more difficult renovation to complete than many other household items, here are five reasons you may want to move it to the top of the list. An Issue with Structure If there happens to be any glaring structural issues with your hardwood, a complete do-over will be a necessity if you want to sell your house in the future. While this…
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