Blog

05
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Buying in 2018? Get Your Down Payment Ready Now by Tapping These Helpful Sources

Are you in the market for a new house or condo in 2018? With the new year just around the corner, now is the time to get all of your financial details in order. As you may know, buying a home is a significant financial transaction. But it all starts with your down payment, which is the lump sum that you invest in order to purchase the home. In today's blog post we will share a few sources of funds that you can tap into for help saving up your down payment. Peer Into Your Financial Future A helpful first…
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04
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 4, 2017

Last week's economic releases included readings on new and pending home sales, Case-Shiller index readings for September, and construction spending. Weekly readings on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released. Home Price Growth Driven by Shortage of Homes for Sale Case-Shiller Home Price Indices reported 6.20 percent growth in home prices year-over-year in September as compared to August's reading of 6.00 percent year-over-year growth for August. September's reading was the highest for national home price growth since 2014. According to the 20-City Home Price Index, Seattle, Washington held on to first position with 12.90 percent home price growth…
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01
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Win the Bidding War With Our 5 Minute Guide to Making an Offer the Seller Won’t Refuse

Ask any experienced homeowner and you'll learn that buying in a 'hot' real estate market can be challenging. A high supply of buyers competing for a low stock of available homes is a combination that can lead to bidding wars, price inflation, and other headaches. The good news: with some careful preparation and the right mindset, a bidding war is one that you can win. Read on to learn how you can beat out other bidders by making an irresistible offer. Start With Strong Representation Answer this question honestly: are you an experienced negotiator? Unless you have made a career…
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30
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

Make 2018 the Year You Escape the ‘Rental Trap’ by Buying Your Own Home

Are you growing tired of paying rent each month and not building your net worth? Being stuck in the 'rental trap' isn't much fun, but if you are determined, you can break out. Let's explore some of the steps that you can take to make 2018 the year that you become a homeowner. Rent Money Is Lost Money First – why homeownership? As you may already understand, money spent on rent is 'lost' money. Each month you pay your rent, but you do not build any equity, own any property or get any other benefits in return. When you own…
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29
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Values

Case-Shiller: Home Prices Grow at Fastest Rate Since June 2014

Home prices continued to rise in September according to Case-Shiller National and 20-City home price index reports. According to the National Home Price Index, national home prices rose 0.70 percent month for the three months ending in September. The National Index regained its pre-housing bubble peak and surpassed it by 5.90 percent as of September. The 20-City Home Price Index rose 0.50 percent from August's reading. Analysts forecast a growth rate of 0.40 percent month-to-month. The 20-City Home Price Index indicates a home price growth rate 0f 6.20 percent year-over-year. The 20-City Index remained 1.50 percent below its peak in…
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28
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

Graduating With Student Loan Debt and Worried About Your Mortgage Prospects? You’re Not Alone

Did you recently graduate from college or university? If so, you may still be dealing with a financial hangover in the form of student loan debt. The vast majority of today's students have to borrow to invest in their education, which can affect financial plans once school is finished. In today's post, we will explore buying a home with a mortgage when still dealing with outstanding student loan debt. Your Situation Is Common, But Unique To You First, try to keep in mind that you are not alone. Many former students are moving on with life, working hard to build…
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