Blog

23
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

6 Top Trending Green Features To Consider When Remodeling

Sustainable materials, energy savings and smart home technology are high on the list of buyer wants in a home. But there are some other architectural and design trends that will change the way Americans live this year and beyond. When planning a remodel, it pays to pay attention to green features, as well as to improved floor plans that will make a home more comfortable, more appealing and more functional.  Here's a list of what's hot right now: Natural and Sustainable Materials Eco-consciousness and concerns about individual health and wellness prompted a return to natural woods and stone, as well as organic forms…
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22
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

What Changes Occurred In FHA And FNMA Rules During 2018?

The FNMA HomeReady Program Those who are involved in the mortgage industry must keep updated on changes to FHA, and Fannie Mae (FNMA) loans. Since loan limits and other changes are often made annually, keeping up with these changes helps make sure consumers get the right information at the time of their application. Many of the changes for 2018 are modest, but still impact existing, and new homeowners. Changes To Loan Limit Amounts FHA loan limits change on an annual basis as per the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Using this, the FHA is required to base the…
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21
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

7 Excellent Ideas For Building An Eco-Friendly Home

In recent years, building an environmentally friendly home or updating an existing home to be more energy efficient has become much more mainstream. While building an entirely green residence isn't always fiscally possible, simple eco-friendly building techniques and upgrades will ultimately lower your water and electricity bills. These green home improvements will save you money in the long run, while also saving the planet. The following are some of the easiest ways to lower your carbon footprint when building or updating a home.  Build or Purchase a Smaller Home Smaller homes naturally have a lower impact on the environment. There is less square footage…
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20
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

The Four Best Questions To Ask Before Refinancing Your Mortgage

1) Do I have enough equity to get a mortgage? To get a conventional loan, you will usually need to have at least 20 percent equity. This means that your house will have to be worth at least $250,000 to get a $200,000 loan. If you have less equity, you could end up having to pay for private mortgage insurance, which can easily add $100 or more to your monthly payment. 2) How's my credit? Most lenders will look at your credit score as a part of determining whether or not to make you a loan. With conventional lenders, your…
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19
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 19th, 2018

Last week's economic news included readings From National Association of Home Builders, Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. NAHB Posts 3rd Consecutive Decline in Builder Confidence According to the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence in housing market conditions dropped by one point in March to an index reading of 70. Three sub-categories of builder sentiment used to calculate the overall reading were either unchanged or lower than February readings.  Confidence in current market conditions were unchanged at 72, Builder confidence in market…
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16
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Moving From An Apartment To A House? Here’s What You Need To Remember About Your Lease

The major problem that the vast majority of buyers will run into - especially when purchasing their first home - has to do with a lease agreement that is still active with their apartment complex at the time of the purchase. If you locate the perfect home in February but your lease isn't over until August, you can't be expected to wait around. But at the same time, the remainder of that lease agreement could represent thousands of dollars that you'll be paying to essentially "live" in two different places at the same time. Luckily, all hope is not lost.…
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