Blog

21
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Recently Lost Your Job? 3 Tips for Managing Your Mortgage When You’re Out of Work

The financial responsibility of a monthly mortgage payment can be stressful on its own, but you may be even more concerned about your home investment if you've recently lost your job. Fortunately, there are some things you can do and places you can turn if you're not yet certain where your next paycheck will come from. If you're struggling with newfound unemployment, here are some important steps to take. Shake The Piggy Bank Most people struggle to save and that means they don't necessarily want to dip into savings when it comes to financial difficulties. Unfortunately, if a job does…
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20
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

$100 Well Spent: 5 Useful Home Upgrades That Cost Less Than $100

Whether you're trying to improve the look of your home or are getting ready to put it on the market, the idea of renovations might seem like a significant financial burden to take on. Fortunately, there are a variety of easy solutions for improving the look of your home without spending a lot of money. If you're wondering how you can spend $100 wisely, look no further than the following upgrading tips. A Funky Light Fixture It might seem like a cool light will cost an arm and a leg, but there are plenty of options available on the market…
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19
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Values

NAHB: Builder Confidence in Market Conditions Dips in July

According to the National Association of Home Builders, July builder sentiment dipped to an index reading of 64 as compared to June's revised reading of 66, the original reading was 67. Analysts expected the reading for July to increase to 68. Builders cited increasing lumber prices as a concern affecting builders' outlook on housing market conditions for new single-family homes. Any reading over 50 for the NAHB Housing Market Index indicates that more builders than fewer are positive about housing market conditions, but July's reading was the lowest in eight months. NAHB said that home builder confidence in market condition…
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18
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home,

Going Green(er): 3 Common Waste Items You Had No Idea You Can Recycle

It has never been more popular to live a "green" lifestyle and develop sustainable living practices that will help out the planet. While you may be used to recycling cardboard boxes and giving away your old hand-me-down clothes, there are probably a few household items you didn't even know you could recycle! If you're wondering what to do with some of your old, used items, here are a few things that may be ready for re-use. Re-constituting Your Lenses It's common to think your eyeglass prescription only works for you, but an easy way to re-use old eyeglasses is to…
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17
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 17, 2017

Inflation Rate Stays Flat in June Inflation was flat in June, but achieved a 0.00 percent reading as compared to May's – 0.10 percent reading. Analysts expected a June reading of +0.10 percent reading month-to-month. The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve has established a benchmark reading of 2.00 percent inflation year-over-year as an indication of economic recovery. In recent months, the Fed has increased its target federal funds rate at each meeting of the FOMC. A slowdown in inflation and other economic indicators may cause the Fed to halt rate increases until conditions improve. Fed Chair Testifies…
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14
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Buyer Beware: Three Major Red Flags to Watch for When Visiting Open Houses

An open house is a good opportunity to get out and about to see what kind of home you're looking for and if it will work for you. Fortunately, they can also be a good opportunity to find out some things about the house you're looking at that might not be listed on the website and may be less than flattering. If you're wondering what red flags to watch out for, pay attention to the following things the next time you're at a showing. Strong Odors Many home sellers try to engage the senses in order to entice buyers by…
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