Blog

22
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, ,

How to Sell Your Home Quickly in a Buyer’s Market

Everyone wants a place to call home, but that doesn't guarantee that homeowners will have an easy time selling their properties. Making sales depend on more than just curb appeal or the popularity of open houses. Complicated factors like the economy, interest rates and regional regulations all drive the real estate market. It can make an incredible impact on the speed and ease of real estate transactions. But not knowing the state of the market can be more than just a hassle. When real estate favors buyers, not adjusting the sales strategy can be a seriously costly mistake. Worse than…
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21
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

Need to Discuss – 3 Tips When Shopping for a New Home Loan

Finding a new home loan can seem challenging, but if you take the proper steps before you start applying for loans, you'll have no difficulty finding a mortgage that works for you and a lender that would love to have you as a borrower. Shopping for a mortgage isn't like shopping for a couch, and there's a lot that goes into the process. So how can you shop for your new home loan in a way that saves you time and gets you the best loan for your needs? Here's what you need to know. Research Loan Types A lot…
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20
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

On a Variable Mortgage? 3 Signs Your Mortgage Payment Is About To Increase

For many homebuyers who are new to the market, it can be very comforting to be on a fixed rate mortgage where fluctuating interest rates cannot have an impact on your monthly payments. While a variable rate mortgage can sometimes lead to significant savings at the end of the day, there are a few ways you can tell if your monthly payment is on the upswing. An Increase In Your Home's Value A marked increase in a home's value is ideal for most homeowners who consider their home an important investment. However, the downside of an increase in the price…
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19
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates,

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Slips in June

Home builder confidence fell slightly in June to a reading of 59 according to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index. Analysts had expected no change to June's reading of 60. June components of the HMI were also lower. Builder confidence in current market conditions dropped by one point to 63; builder confidence in market conditions over the next six months fell three points to a reading of 66. The reading for foot traffic in new single-family developments dropped one point to 55. Readings over 50 indicate that more builders than fewer are confident about housing market conditions.…
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18
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 18, 2016

Last week's economic news included reports on inflation, retail sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims. Mortgage rates were mixed with average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rising by one basis point to 3.42 percent. The average rate for a 15-year mortgage dropped by two basis points to 2.72 percent, and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose six basis points to 2.76 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for 30-year fixed rate mortgages and 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 15 year fixed rate mortgages. Freddie Mac said…
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15
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, ,

Budget-Friendly DIY Projects That Instantly Boost Curb Appeal

We're told not to judge a book by its cover, but there's no such rule in the housing market. Curb appeal is the external attractiveness of a home, and if you're in the market for a house that first impression has a lot to do with your final decision. Alternatively, if you're looking to sell, it's an easy area to boost the attractiveness of your home. Essentially, ensure your home is accessible and inviting to make it appeal to potential buyers. It's like making new friends, and how you're much more likely to approach someone who is smiling. Help your…
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