Blog

22
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Did You Know: 3 Reasons Why Mortgage Pre-approval Should Be Your Very First Step

There are so many details involved in the mortgage process that you may not be aware of what pre-approval is if you've just entered the market. However, pre-approval assesses your ability to make monthly mortgage payments and can be an important first step in the home-buying process. If you're currently contemplating a home purchase, here's why you may want to consider pre-approval first. Improved Agent Attention It may be a lesser-known fact, but it's often the case that many real estate agents will not spend the time or put significant effort into a homebuyer that has not been pre-approved for…
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21
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 21, 2017

Last week's economic releases included readings on housing starts, building permits issued and the National Association of Home Builders/ Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Fed Chair Janet Yellen testified before the House Finance Committee and consumer spending and core consumer spending reports were also released. Mortgage rates and new jobless claims were little changed week-to-week. Home Builder Sentiment Slows as Industry Faces Obstacles NAHB reported lower reading for its January Housing Market Index. January's index reading was two points lower at 65 than December's reading. Builders surveyed for the index cited ongoing shortages of buildable lots and labor, they also…
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17
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

Call in the Pros: 4 Ways That Using a Mortgage Professional Will Save You a Lot of Money

It may seem better to go it alone when it comes to acquiring a mortgage, but there are many benefits associated with using a mortgage professional that can make finding your dream home a lot easier. If you're currently getting prepared to hit the market and are weighing your options, here are some reasons that a professional who knows the neighborhood will save you money. Strong Market Knowledge Many homebuyers can take a look at the MLS listings to find the price of properties selling in the area, but a mortgage professional will know the market without having to look…
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16
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

2017 Home Decor Trends: Stay on Top of Modern Trends With This Handy Guide

Now that 2017 is here, it's time to consider which upgrades you will make to your home. If you don't have any major renovations planned, you can still tackle smaller projects or theme rooms. In today's post we'll explore some of the home decor trends expected to be popular in 2017. Paint Colors: Confident, Composed & Comfortable According to the color experts at paint company Behr, 2017's trend colors express confidence, composition and comfort. If you plan on painting accent walls, rooms or even your entire home this year, these are worth exploring. Confident palette colors include the bluish-green Jade…
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15
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

4 Misconceptions About Reverse Mortgages — and Why You May Decide You Want One

With so many mortgage products available on the market, it can be hard to know which ones will serve you best as a homeowner. As a result, there are many mistruths surrounding the reverse mortgage products. If you've heard of this homeownership option and are wondering what it can do for you, let's clear away some of the misconceptions. You Must Own Your Home It can certainly be helpful to own your home outright if you're looking into a reverse mortgage, but it's not actually necessary. Instead, it's important for you to have a high amount of equity in your…
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14
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Buyer’s Remorse: 3 Things You Should Never Say When You’re Negotiating to Buy a Home

The prospect of finding the home you've always dreamed of can be such an exciting prospect that it's easy to forget all about the process of negotiating. However, it's important to keep a few things to yourself when it comes to the art of making the deal. If you're currently searching for the right place and are preparing to sign on the dotted line, here are a few phrases it's best to avoid. Declaring It Your Dream Home There's nothing wrong with finding the ideal home and getting enthusiastic about the prospect of owning it, but it's very important not…
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