Blog

02
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Housing Market

Case-Shiller: December Home Prices Highest in More Than Two Years

December home prices continued to rise per December readings for Case-Shiller's National and 20-City Home Price Indices. On average, national home prices increased by 5,80 percent year-over-year and exceeded November's year-over-year reading of 5.60 percent. The 20 City Index, which analysts follow more closely than the National Home Price Index, posted a year-over-year gain of 5.60 percent in December, which exceeded an expected reading of 5.40 percent and November's year-over-year reading of 5.20 percent growth. West Posts Highest Home Price Growth The West continued to dominate home price growth rates with Seattle, Washington posting 10.80 percent year-over-year growth while Portland,…
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01
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, ,

Selling Your Home? 3 Ways You Can Use Your Social Network to Speed up Your Sale

There are many traditional ways to sell your home, from the MLS listings to a sign in the front yard. However, the ease of the Internet and the utility of social media can make it easier than ever to find the right buyer. If you're getting prepared to put your home on the market and are trying to determine a strategy, here are some ways you can use social media to improve your selling odds. Tweet Out The Details Twitter accounts may more frequently be linked with a person, but because of the short burst of information involved in a…
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28
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

3 Mortgage Scams to Be Aware of and How to Protect Yourself From Them

It's easy to be enthusiastic and excited about the prospect of home ownership, but it's important to be aware that there are many ways potential buyers can be taken advantage of. From courses for homeowners to companies trying to make a quick buck, there are many things to avoid. If you're on the market for a home and are trying to find the mortgage that will best benefit you, here are some of the tricks you may want to be wary of. Forgetting About The Finances The amount of home you can afford and will be approved for largely comes…
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27
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 27, 2017

Last week's readings on new and existing home sales provided further evidence of strengthening housing markets. Both categories of home sales exceeded December's readings. Consumer sentiment was lower in February than for January and average rates were mixed with fixed rates higher and the rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages lower. Consumer sentiment lower in February. New and Previously-owned Home Sales Higher in January Home sales volume rose in January regardless of obstacles including higher mortgage rates and rising home prices. The National Association of Realtors® reported more sales of pre-owned homes in January. 5.69 million homes were sold on…
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24
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

If Your Home Is Destroyed in a Natural Disaster, What Happens to Your Mortgage?

When you've been in your home for a while and have established a certain amount of equity, it can be a good feeling to know that you have an investment you can count on. However, with changing weather patterns you may be afraid of a natural disaster striking and what it could mean for your financial well-being. If you're curious about how this can impact your mortgage, here are a few things to consider. Determine Your Protection The thought of having your home adversely impacted by a natural disaster is bad, but it can be even worse if the proper…
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23
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, ,

5 Things Nobody Tells You About Selling Your First Home

It's often so exciting to think of buying a new home that homeowners forget about the sale, but there are a lot of details involved in putting a home on the market. Whether you're just considering selling or are readying to put your home up, here are some things you might not know about the process. Marketing Strategy Is Important The days of putting a sign on the front yard and waiting for buyers are gone, so it's important to have a strategy that will successfully highlight your house. Whether you decide to make a website, use social media or…
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