Blog

10
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 10, 2016

Other than a release on construction spending, last week's economic readings were dominated by labor and employment data including ADP Payrolls, Non-Farm Payrolls and National Unemployment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Construction Spending Drops in August Commerce Department readings on construction spending indicate that overall spending fell in August to -0.70 percent; this reading was lower than the expected positive reading of 0.10 percent. July's reading showed a drop of 0.30 percent in overall construction spending. The decrease in August spending was largely the result of pull backs on public construction spending, which…
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07
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Master the Autumn Home Buying Season With Our Guide to Finding Local Real Estate Bargains

Most people have a good idea of the neighborhood they want to purchase a new home in. The problem is finding a great deal in the area, especially if it's a neighborhood that's very popular. Thinking outside the box and avoiding the standard real estate listings can result in some bargain properties for sale that most people are completely unaware of. Contemplate Investing In Foreclosed Homes When the housing market boomed, many people tried to take advantage by investing in a second home that they couldn't necessarily afford. This resulted in a huge market full of homes that were foreclosed…
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06
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage

S&P Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slows in July

Home prices dipped slightly in July according to the S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index. Year-over-year, home price growth dipped to 5.00 percent from June's reading of 5.10 percent. The Pacific Northwest led the nation in home price appreciation. Portland, Oregon had the highest year-over-year home price growth with a rate of 12.40 percent. Seattle, Washington posted year-over-year home price growth of 11.20 percent. Denver, Colorado was third with a year-over-year home price growth rate of 9.40 percent. Home prices in San Francisco, California slowed; year-over-year, home prices grew by 6.00 percent in contrast to home price growth topping the…
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05
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

3 Common Mistakes That First-time Mortgage Borrowers Make and How to Easily Avoid Them

Deciding to purchase a home will be one of the biggest investment decisions you'll make in your life, but it can be confusing for the first-time home buyer to know all the ins and outs of buying a home. If you're wondering what things first-time buyers often forget about before purchasing a home, here are three important things that you'll want to keep in mind. Ignoring Their Credit History If you have a high debt load or you haven't been making your minimum payments, it can be pretty frightening to consider looking at your credit report, but it's very important…
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04
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Understanding Appraisals and What to Do If Your Home Doesn’t Appraise for Its Purchase Price

It can be a bit of a surprise if your home turns out to be valued at less than the purchase price offered, but this is the type of thing that can occur in an appraisal situation. While this can change everything from your contract to the amount of your down payment if your home has been appraised at less than you envisioned, here are some options you may want to consider. Review The Appraisal Contingency Clause If an appraisal contingency clause is built into the terms of your contract, this means that the terms of your contract can be…
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03
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Tips,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 3, 2016

Last week's economic releases included reports on new and pending home sales, S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices and regularly scheduled weekly reporting on mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims. Readings on consumer sentiment and confidence were also released. New and Pending Home Sales Lower as Peak Sales Season Winds Down August readings for new and pending home sales were lower than for July; analysts said that slim supplies of available homes and rising home prices contributed to slower home sales. Peak home sales typically occur during spring and summer. Homebuyers with school-aged children prefer to be settled into a new…
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