Blog

14
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Buyer Beware: Three Major Red Flags to Watch for When Visiting Open Houses

An open house is a good opportunity to get out and about to see what kind of home you're looking for and if it will work for you. Fortunately, they can also be a good opportunity to find out some things about the house you're looking at that might not be listed on the website and may be less than flattering. If you're wondering what red flags to watch out for, pay attention to the following things the next time you're at a showing. Strong Odors Many home sellers try to engage the senses in order to entice buyers by…
Read More
13
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Understanding Your FICO Score and Why Small Credit Mistakes Can Cause Huge Headaches

Many people all over the world are dealing with issues involving debt or poor credit history, but most aren't necessarily aware of what exactly makes up their credit score. Unfortunately, it might seem like it's the big stuff that counts when it comes to credit, but little things can have a significant impact on your financial health. If you're looking to improve your understanding and your finances, here's what you need to know about small mistakes and your FICO score. Making Late Payments The due date on your bills might seem like an advisory, but whether we're talking about a…
Read More
12
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

With Mortgage Rates This Low, Should You Dive In? 3 Reasons Why Now Might Be the Time

Whether you've just finished school or are about to start a family, investing in a home can be one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. But as you'll soon discover, there are a number of considerations you'll need to make. It can be difficult to know whether to get a short-term or long-term mortgage, or how long of an amortization period you'll need. Read on below for three questions that will help you to make your decision, as now is the best time to dive into the market. Do You Have A Down Payment? There are a lot…
Read More
11
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Location, Location, Location: How to Ensure You’re Buying a Home in the Right Community

When investing in a home, one of the most important things is buying a place that you and your family can feel comfortable in. However, while a place you can envision yourself in is important, it's not worth neglecting the neighborhood you'll be moving into for the perfect home. If you're wondering what you should be looking for in the neighborhood you choose, here are a few things to consider before making an offer on a home. Is It Safe? It may be common to feel bowled over by a home and want to invest immediately, but the right home…
Read More
10
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Tips

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 10, 2017

Last week's economic reports suggested that demand for homes is rising despite a jump in mortgage rates and rising home prices fueled by low inventories of homes for sale. Demand for homes rose by 1.40 percent as interest rates jumped after the 10-year Treasury rate rose by 10 basis points. Construction spending was unchanged in May as compared to a -0.70 percent reading in April. Although builders express high confidence in housing market conditions, construction spending continued to lag behind spending levels based on builder confidence readings. Home buyers received good news as major credit bureaus removed two key components…
Read More
07
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Exploring Tesla’s New Solar Roof Tiles – Are They the Ultimate Home Upgrade?

Tesla may have become the famous brand it is for the creation of the electric car in 2008, but it has since burgeoned into a company that has diverse ambitions for how we utilize energy. Recently, Tesla has moved into the business of solar roof panels, which have become a hot commodity on the market with their green ethos and energy savings. If you're curious about solar power and want to know the details on this product, here are some things to consider before buying in. The Details On Tesla's Solar Panels With the recent release of Tesla's solar roof…
Read More