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23
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

5 Steps Towards a Better Credit Score You Can Take Today

When it comes to finding the best mortgage, your credit score is a major determinant as to the kinds of rates and conditions you can get. Lenders quite understandably want to manage their risk. But for a number of potential homeowners, these practices and policies can be a barrier to home ownership. The good news? If your credit score isn't great, you can easily improve it and get better lending terms. Here are five steps you can take right now to give your credit a boost. Get Your Annual Credit Report And Dispute Errors Simply disputing errors on your credit…
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22
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Retiring Soon? Learn How a Reverse Mortgage Can Add to Your Retirement Security

If you're nearing retirement, you're likely starting to think about your savings and retirement plan and how you can ensure a financially secure retirement. With your peak income-earning years largely behind you, you'll need to work with what you have in order to ensure a livable retirement income. That's where a reverse mortgage may be a sensible option. How does a reverse mortgage work, and how can it help you to have a more financially secure retirement? Here's what you need to know. A Reverse Mortgage Is Tax-Free And Saves Your Social Security Benefits Social Security benefits offer a basic…
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21
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 21, 2016

Housing Starts Up in February Shortages of available homes are a major factor in rising home prices; shortages also make it more difficult for buyers to find homes they want. Housing starts in February rose, which is good news for the peak spring and summer home buying season. Other housing related news released last week included the Fed's decision not to raise the target federal funds rate and Housing Starts and Building Permits reports issued by the Commerce Department. Consumer Sentiment was also released along with regularly scheduled releases on mortgage rates and weekly unemployment claims. Builder Confidence Holds Steady,…
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18
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Smart Appliances Get Smarter: Here’s What We Saw at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show

With technology advancing at a mile a minute, the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show is a great place to see what's new to the market and what will be sure to turn heads in the year to come. If you couldn't make it to the show yourself but are curious about the highlights of the event, here are some of the hottest items in technology that appeared in Las Vegas this year. Make It Molecular With A Spectrometer Designed by Consumers Physics, the SCiO is a modern, small-sized molecular sensor that can give you volumes of information about your food that…
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17
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

Fed Policymakers Make Interesting Decision on Interest Rates

According to a press release by the Federal Reserve, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the current target federal funds rate will hold steady at  0.25 to 0.50 percent. Committee members cited positive developments in the U.S economy including jobs growth, stronger labor markets and gradually increasing inflation. In addition, stronger housing sector and household spending were also noted as positive signs for the economy. Committee members cited risks associated with global economic and financial developments as a concern. FOMC members are guided in decision making by the Federal Reserve's dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability. Inflation remains…
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16
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Understanding Mortgage Tax Benefits and How They Save You Money in the Long Run

If you're considering whether home ownership is the right decision for you, there are lots of different factors you'll want to take into account. Do you want to keep moving around, or are you ready to lay down roots in a community? Are you prepared for the additional upkeep that home ownership requires? But one of the big factors in home ownership that few potential buyers consider is the tax benefits of getting a mortgage. Although it may seem counterintuitive, getting a mortgage on a property that you own can reap lots of dividends come tax time. So how does…
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