Blog

20
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

One-stop Shopping: The Quick and Easy Guide to Buying a Home the First Time You See It

Most people peruse the real estate market for a while before they bite down and decide to invest in a home. However, whether you're in a rush or you think you've found the ideal place, it's possible you may be ready to put in an offer on the first visit. If you're trying to determine how you can get the home you're looking for the first time around, here are a few things to be aware of when going in. Are There Any Maintenance Issues? If you're planning on putting in an offer right away, it's imperative to take a…
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19
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 19, 2017

Last week's economic reports included readings on inflation, core inflation, and the Federal Reserve's FOMC statement. The NAHB Housing Market Index, housing starts and building permits issued were also released, along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Inflation fell by -0.10 percent in May, which was lower than the no-change reading expected by analysts based on April's reading of +0.20 percent. The core inflation reading for May, which excludes volatile food and energy sectors, grew by 0.10 percent. Analysts had estimated a gain of 0.20 percent based on April's reading of 0.10 percent growth. Builder Confidence…
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16
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Housing Market

NAHB Housing Market Index Slips Two Points in June

The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index for June fell by two points to 67 after a revision of May's reading. Components of the Housing Market Index were lower for June with builder confidence in current market conditions two points lower at 73; June's reading for builder confidence in market conditions for the next six months also fell two points to 76. Builder confidence in buyer traffic fell two points to 49. According to the Index, any reading over 50 indicates that more builders are confident than those who are not. Labor and Lot Shortages Continue to Stifle…
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15
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, ,

Seller’s Remorse: How to Move on From Your Old Home Once You’ve Sold It

There's often so much enthusiasm that goes along with buying a home that the idea of leaving the old one behind is left in the dust. But, while you may love both your old home and your new home, it can be difficult to leave what's old behind. If you're struggling with adjusting to your new dwelling place, here are some tips for how to make it feel like it's where you belong. Purchase A New Piece In all likelihood, you'll be moving a lot of your old furniture into your new home, which means it will have all of…
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14
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

Dealing With a Tight Housing Market? 3 Tips to Ensure You Get the Mortgage You Need

In many cities around the country, real estate prices are on the rise and potential buyers are working hard to find a home they can feel good about. However, finding the right home in a tight market can be even more of a challenge when it comes to striking the right balance. If you're hedging around the market in the hopes of finding the perfect home, here are some things you should do to ensure you don't miss out on a good opportunity. Keep An Open Mind When wading into the real estate market, it can be very easy to…
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13
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

3 Home Renovation Lessons That You Won’t Want to Learn the Hard (or Expensive!) Way

Most people make a number of home upgrades when the time comes to put their home on the market, whether they're minor fix-ups or significant improvements that come with a high cost. However, it's important to determine what will improve the value of your home and what renovations you can forget before you move forward with any updates. If you're wondering how to plan for your renovations, here are three things to ponder before getting started. Make (And Stick!) To A Budget If there's a certain offer price you're looking for in your home, it's important to go into home…
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