Blog

23
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, ,

Selling Your Home This Autumn? Try Boosting Your Curb Appeal with These Inexpensive Upgrades

Curb appeal is the first impression that your home will have on potential buyers, so it's important to make it a good one. Try these simple budget upgrades to give your home the "WOW" factor that buyers are looking for! Crystal Clean As simple as it sounds, it is extremely important to make sure that your house is nice and clean on the outside. This is overlooked by sellers more than you'd think as they become so focused on perfecting the inside of their home that they forget about the exterior! Dirt streaks running down stucco or siding give the…
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22
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Three Key Points to Remember When Investing in a Cottage or Waterfront Getaway

If you're looking to invest in a cottage or waterfront getaway, there are three key things to keep in mind throughout your search. How's The House? Even if the lake is the highlight of a property you're considering, it is important to make sure that the home is equally as great as the beautiful body of water it borders. How's its orientation? Is it built on the ideal angle to take full advantage of the sun? Does the deck or large windows face another house directly? The orientation is an important factor to consider as it can make or break…
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21
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Feeling the Squeeze of Rising Rents? Here Are 3 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Starter Home

With real estate becoming more affordable, new homes being sold in a range of prices and the cost of rent going up, there has never been a better time to consider buying a starter home. Put That Rent Money Into Your Own Property People who live in areas that have become trendy know the pain of rising rent rates. At what point is the amount of money being spent on rent more advantageous to put into a new home? Starter homes are not the crazy investment they used to be. With the increase in condo developments and the lower entry…
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20
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Tips

3 Things That Determine Your Mortgage Interest Rate

When you initially start shopping for a home mortgage, you may be drawn to advertisements for ultra-low interest rates. These may be rates that seem too good to be true, and you may gladly contact the lender or mortgage company to complete your loan application. However, in many cases, mortgage applicants are unpleasantly surprised and even disheartened to learn that they do not qualify for the advertised interest rate. By learning more about the factors that influence your interest rate, you may be able to structure your loan in a more advantageous way. Your Credit Rating One of the most…
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19
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 19, 2016

Last week's economic news included reports on retail sales, inflation, and weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Retail Sales Slip as Consumer Prices Inch Up Retail sales dipped into negative territory in August with a reading of -0.30 percent as compared to expectations of -0.10 percent and July's reading of +0.10 percent. Retail sales excluding auto sales were better at +0.30 percent. Analysts expected a reading of +0.20 percent based on July's reading of -0.40 percent. August's negative reading for retail sales was the first negative report since March. Inflation fared better than retail sales with August's…
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16
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Investing in a Vacation Property? Learn What You’ll Need to Have to Get A Mortgage Approved

With approximately one million people having purchased vacation homes in the last year, this type of residence is gaining popularity for those who are interested in a home in a beach setting or a vacation hot spot. However, while a second home can seem like a great purchase and solid investment opportunity, there are different requirements that go into this type of purchase. If you're considering a vacation home, you may want to be aware of the following financial factors. The Down Payment Amount If you currently have a primary residence, you may be aware that you don't need to…
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