Blog

20
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 20, 2017

Last week's economic readings included reports on inflation and core inflation, the National Association of Home Builders Association Housing Market Index and Federal Reserve FOMC statement and press conference by Fed Chair Janet Yellen. The Commerce Department released reports on housing starts and building permits issued. Home Builder Confidence, Housing Starts Rise The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index for March rose by six points to an index reading of 71. Builders said that subsequent readings may ease as builders continue to face shortages of lots and labor. The President said that he would work to reduce regulations…
Read More
17
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home,

Spring Fever: How to Detect If Allergy Hotspots Are Developing in Your Home

The spring season may be a time of cherry blossoms and longer days, but it's also common for allergies to ramp up. While you won't be able to stop the season, there are things you can do to limit the impact of allergies in your home. If you're wondering what has the greatest impact on your sinus health in the home, here are a few places you'll want to check out. Have You Looked Under The Bed? Many diligent housecleaners will do a sweep under the bed each time, but for those of us who want to avoid pulling everything…
Read More
16
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Building Tips

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Highest in 12 Years

According to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index for March, builder confidence in market conditions reached its highest level in 12 years and was six points higher than February's index reading of 65. Housing market index readings are based on three components. Builder confidence in current market conditions for new single family homes rose seven points to 78; builder confidence in market conditions for the next six months increased five points to an index reading of 78. Most surprising was the reading for buyer traffic in new housing developments, which eight points to 54 in March. Buyer…
Read More
15
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

Mortgage 101: Five Key Mortgage Terms You Need to Understand

From putting your home on the market to finding the lender with the best rates, there are so many things involved in buying a home that the terminology is just one more thing to add to the list. While there may be quite a few words you'll hear that may be unclear, here are a few you'll want to watch out for so you'll be prepared for home ownership. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Often known as ARM, an adjustable-rate mortgage corresponds to the conditions of the market. This means that your interest rate will shift from day to day along with the…
Read More
14
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Predicting a Hefty Tax Refund This Spring? 3 Reasons You Should Use It for Home Renovations

There's a burden that comes along with having to do your taxes every spring, but it can actually be a great benefit if you're getting a sizeable refund this year. While many people like the idea of going on a trip or spending the extra funds, here's why you may want to consider investing it back into your home for a profit you'll be able to see! It's Free Money Many people will argue that your tax refund is money that's already owed to you and is part of your income, but it still tends to feel like a bonus…
Read More
13
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 13, 2017

Last week's economic readings included reports on construction spending, Case-Shiller Home Price Indices and pending home sales. Fed Chair Janet Yellen said in a speech that federal interest rates would "likely" be raised. Weekly reports on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released. Pending Home Sales Slump as Available Homes Dwindle Pending Home sales fell in January as inventories of available homes declined. Prospective buyers faced with fewer choices may have chosen to wait rather than purchase homes that weren't a good match for their needs. Analysts expected pending home sales to grow by 1.10 percent in January,…
Read More