Jim Hasek, Author at Adrian Willanger

27

Mar

Around The HomeAround The Home, Home Equity, Upgrades and Renovations

Spring DIY Projects: How to Build a Treehouse That the Kids Will Love

If you have children, no home is complete without a treehouse. Besides the fact that treehouses provide kids with hours of entertainment, they can also confer ancillary benefits that are hard to quantify. For starters, treehouses can improve property values by boosting curb appeal. When building any type of treehouse, keep the following tips in mind. Location, Location, Location Before you head off to Home Depot and get all the necessary supplies, you need to spend some serious time storyboarding the build process. Pick a tree with low, sprawling branches such as an oak or a maple. Furthermore, consider issues…

26

Mar

By Jim Hasek

Home Mortgage TipsHome Mortgage Tips, Mortgage Payments, Mortgages

3 Reasons Why Your Mortgage Lender Might Ask for Your Tax Returns – And Why You Should Provide Them

After you have completed the initial loan application and have signed the preliminary loan disclosures, your mortgage loan application will generally receive a preliminary prequalification. This prequalification will be based in large part on your ability to provide documentation to support your statements on your loan application, including your stated income and assets. Typically, a lender will include a request for least the last two to three years of your income tax returns with this documentation. There are several reasons why a lender may need to review your tax returns and why you should provide requested documentation as soon it…

25

Mar

By Jim Hasek

Market OutlookFannie Mae, FHFA, Freddie Mac

FHFA: Home Prices Rise 0.30 Percent in January

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) reported that home prices rose by a seasonally-adjusted rate of 0.30 percent in January, and were 5.10 percent higher as compared to home prices in January 2014. FHFA oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and its home price report is based on sales of homes financed by mortgages owned or backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Month- to- Month FHFA Home Prices Mixed Month to month home price data was mixed for January. Home prices ranged from -0.40 percent in the Middle and South Atlantic census divisions to +2.30 percent in the East…

24

Mar

By Jim Hasek

Home Mortgage TipsHome Mortgage Tips, Mortgages, Reverse Mortgages

Considering a Reverse Mortgage Loan? Here’s What You Need to Know

Many seniors are looking for a great way to improve their financial situation. Retirement or semi-retirement can be difficult due to the need to live on a fixed income. Some may have been unable to save enough in their working years, or their accounts may have been hit hard by stock market fluctuations. Still others are feeling the effects of inflation and the rising costs of medical care and general living expenses. If you are like many other seniors, you may not have a huge cash reserve available in your bank account, but you may have a sizable nest egg…

23

Mar

By Jim Hasek

Market OutlookFOMC, Market Outlook, NAHB

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 23, 2015

Last week's events included the National Association of Home Builder's Housing Market Index, which fell to its lowest reading since last summer. Other news included reports on housing starts and building permits, the FOMC meeting statement and Fed Chair Janet Yellen's press conference. Home Builder Confidence Falls, Building Permits Rise The NAHB Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell by two points for a reading of 53 in March. The expected reading was 57. Analysts said that this proves that lower mortgage rates and steady job growth aren't fueling housing markets as expected. NAHB chief economist David Crowe also cited supply…

20

Mar

By Jim Hasek

Around The HomeAround The Home, Home Maintenance, Upgrades and Renovations

Three Unique Upgrades That Will Drive Your Home’s Resale Price Through the Roof

If you are a homeowner, you should always be thinking about ways that you can boost the resale value of your home. Whether you are planning on putting the home on the market, or simply want to be prepared for the future, there are upgrades that can make your property more desirable. Give your home the attention it deserves and you'll be prepared for whatever may come down the line. Go Solar With A Home Solar Installation There's no doubt that solar power is big in today's housing market. It's an excellent resource that will save you money on your…