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28
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

The HARP Refinance Program Has Been Extended into 2016: Here’s How You Can Take Advantage

With the Home Affordable Refinancing Program recently being extended until the last day of December, 2016, many homeowners who have found their assets in a challenging situation have been given a second chance to apply and receive an affordable mortgage. By taking advantage of the HARP program, eligible borrowers can refinance to the current mortgage rates on their homes while avoiding paying for private mortgage insurance or putting down the principal. A Quick Primer On The HARP Refinancing Program With the economy in a strong downturn in 2008, the value of millions of American homes plunged and the owners found…
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27
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

5 Documents First-time Home-buyers Need for a Smoother Purchasing Process

With all the work that goes into finding the kind of home you'll want to put an offer on, it can be easy to forget about all the little things that happen after the deal has been made. While the paperwork involved in purchasing may seem like a long way off, here's a quick review of some of the documents you'll need when the time comes to seal the deal. Your Credit Report It's important to review your credit before putting an offer in, so ensure that you request your credit report in advance and review it for any errors…
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26
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

You Ask, We Answer: 5 Ways That You Can Proactively Build and Improve Your Credit Score

If you're planning to buy a house or take out a business loan in the near future, you'll want to work hard to boost your credit score well ahead of time in order to improve your likelihood of getting the loan you need. A great credit score can also make you more desirable to employers and help you to negotiate lower car insurance rates. But what can you do in order to build your credit score over time? What are the best strategies for boosting that score as high as possible? Here's what you need to know. Dispute Errors On…
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25
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates, , ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 25, 2016

Last week's economic releases included Existing Home Sales, Commerce Department Releases on Housing Starts and Building Permits and the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Mortgage rates and new jobless claims were released according to their weekly schedule. Home Builder Confidence Holds Firm in April According to April's National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, home builder confidence held steady with a reading of 58 for the third consecutive month. Analysts viewed April's reading as a sign of steady expansion for home building, but builders noted concerns over labor shortages. NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz…
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22
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

Existing Home Sales Jump, Builder Confidence Holds Steady

Home buyers kicked the spring home shopping season into gear and boosted sales of pre-owned homes in March. Existing home sales rose 5.10 percent in March according to the National Association of Realtors®. 5.33 million pre-owned homes were sold in March against expectations of 5.30 million sales and February's reading of 5.07 million sales on a seasonally adjusted annual basis. Demand for homes remains strong in spite of rapidly escalating prices in many areas. Short supplies of available homes continue to drive demand and home prices. Sales rose only 1.50 percent year-over-year, but during the first quarter of 2016, existing…
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21
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Investor Thoughts: What Home-buyers Can Learn from a Real Estate Investor’s Stand-point

There are plenty of things to consider when purchasing a home, from the size of place that you're looking for to the amount of home you're able to afford. While it's certainly worth knowing what you want going in, here are a few factors that investors often think about when it comes to making or breaking the appeal of a real estate purchase. Will The Location Last? 'Location, location, location' is a popular expression for a reason, and it's among the first things that any person purchasing a property will consider when they think about long term-investment potential. It can…
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