21
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

What is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a type of service contract that provides coverage for repairs or replacements of major systems and appliances in a home. It typically covers items such as heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, plumbing, water heaters, and kitchen appliances. Home warranties are purchased by homeowners to protect against unexpected expenses for repairs or replacements that may occur due to normal wear and tear. When a covered item breaks down, the homeowner can contact the home warranty company, which will send a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the issue. If the item cannot be repaired, the home…
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20
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Tips, ,

Critical Tips To Consider When Hiring A Home Contractor

Hiring a home contractor can be a daunting task, as the success of your home renovation or construction project depends largely on the competence of the contractor you choose. Here are some critical tips to consider when hiring a home contractor: Research: Do thorough research on potential contractors before hiring them. Check their credentials, licenses, certifications, and experience. Also, look for reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea of their work quality. Get multiple quotes: Request quotes from multiple contractors and compare them. This will give you an idea of the average cost of the project and…
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19
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Why You Should Consider a Home Energy Audit

In today's environmentally conscious world, finding ways to save on energy costs has become increasingly important. One effective method to achieve both goals is by conducting a home energy audit. A home energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of your home's energy efficiency and helps identify areas where energy is being wasted. Identify Energy Inefficiencies: A home energy audit provides a detailed analysis of your home's energy consumption patterns. Certified auditors use specialized tools and techniques to evaluate various aspects of your property, including insulation, HVAC systems, appliances, lighting, and more. Save on Energy Costs: Identifying energy inefficiencies through a…
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18
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage, ,

Understanding Assumable Mortgage Loans

Mortgage loans are an essential aspect of financing the purchase of a property. Among the various types of mortgages available, one option that may be advantageous for both buyers and sellers is an assumable mortgage loan. An assumable mortgage loan is a type of home loan agreement that allows a homebuyer to assume the existing mortgage of the seller when purchasing a property. In other words, the buyer takes over the seller's mortgage terms and conditions, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and remaining balance. Benefits of an Assumable Mortgage Loan: Favorable Terms: Assumable mortgages often carry lower interest rates…
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17
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 17, 2023

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on month-to-month and year-over-year inflation and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. Month-to-Month Inflation Rises as Year-Over-Year Inflation Slows The Consumer Price Index for June rose 0.20 percent in June as compared to May’s reading of 0.10 percent growth and expectations of 0.30 percent month-to-month growth. The core CPI reading, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, fell to 0.20 percent growth in June as compared to May’s month-to-month reading of 0.40 percent growth. The year-over-year reading for the Consumer Price Index in June slowed to 3.00…
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14
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Financing Tips, ,

Insufficient Property Appraisal: What to Do When the Appraisal Falls Short

When buying or selling a property, one crucial step in the process is obtaining an appraisal to determine its value. Appraisals provide an objective assessment of a property's worth, influencing important decisions such as mortgage approvals, negotiations, and even insurance premiums. However, there are instances when the appraisal falls short, causing challenges and uncertainties for both buyers and sellers. In this blog post, we will explore what to do when faced with an insufficient property appraisal and provide some practical steps to navigate this situation. Understand the Appraisal Process: Appraisals are typically conducted by licensed professionals who evaluate various factors,…
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