Blog

16
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Values

NAHB: Builder Sentiment Surges in August

Home builder confidence in housing market conditions surged in August after sagging to an eight-month low in July. The National Association of Home Builders reported a July reading of 68 in August after analysts expected a one- point increase from July's Housing Market Index reading of 64. Any reading over 50 indicates that more builders consider housing market conditions positive than those who do not. Component readings of the Housing Market Index also improved in August. Builder confidence in current housing market condition rose four points to 74; Builder confidence in housing market conditions over the next six months rose…
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15
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

You Ask, We Answer: What Kind of Fees Are Involved When I Get a Reverse Mortgage?

If you are approaching your golden years and seeking a bit of financial flexibility, you might want to look at a reverse mortgage. This unique financial product is only open to individuals over 62 years of age. It allows you to convert some of your home's equity into cash which you can use as needed in your retirement. Of course, a reverse mortgage isn't without its costs. Let's explore the fees that you will encounter when you take out a reverse mortgage loan. Upfront And Pre-Closing Costs The first step in getting a reverse mortgage (also known as a Home…
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14
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 14, 2017

Job Openings, New Jobless Claims Rise Job openings rose in June to 6.20 million as compared to May's reading of 5.70 million job openings. Analysts said that increasing job vacancies show that employers are unable to find qualified workers. Business services, construction, health care and professional job sectors had the most job openings. Slow wage growth could be contributing to widespread job openings. Average wage growth has been running at approximately 2.50 percent, which is lower than the average of 3.50 to 4.00 percent typically seen during economic expansion. First-time jobless claims rose to 244,000 as compared to expectations of…
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11
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

The Quick and Easy Guide to Determining How Big of a Mortgage Your Family Can Afford

Are you shopping around for a new house or apartment? One of the key considerations you will need to make is figuring out how much you want to invest in your new home. Below you'll find our quick and easy guide to determining just how much "house" you can afford. Let's get started! Start By Making A Proper Budget The first thing you'll want to do is sit down and get a full budget put together. The easiest way to get the process started is to begin with two lists: income and expenses. For the income list, write down the…
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10
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Getting Tired of Renting? Here Are the Top 5 Reasons Why Young People Prefer Owning a Home

At some point in their lives, every renter thinks about home ownership and whether or not it's worth it. Let's explore the top 5 reasons why young individuals prefer the idea of owning a home over renting. It's All About Control It's unlikely to come as a surprise that having control over their living space is the number one reason that younger buyers prefer owning over renting. Living in a home owned by someone else limits your ability to customize your home. Want to expand a room or rip out the kitchen cabinets? Good luck with getting your landlord to…
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09
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

3 Reasons to Hit the Accelerator on Your Mortgage Payments – If You Can Afford It

Does the thought of repaying your mortgage for the next twenty-plus years leave you feeling a little down? Whether you've had your mortgage for weeks or years, accelerating your payments is an excellent option that can help get your mortgage fully paid off in a shorter time frame. Let's explore three great reasons to accelerate your payments so that your mortgage debt is paid down faster. You'll Be Debt-Free That Much Faster It may seem obvious, but it's worth stating that you'll be debt-free that much quicker if you accelerate your repayment schedule. Every extra payment you make against your…
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