Blog

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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19
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Understanding the CFPB’s New Mortgage Rules and How They Might Affect You

If you're getting a mortgage, you'll want to ensure you're well versed in all of the government regulations surrounding mortgages and how they affect you. One government agency that dictates a number of the rules surrounding mortgages is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB has several regulations that lenders need to follow, some of which have only recently come into effect. So how do the CFPB's new mortgage rules affect you? Here's what you need to know. Know Before You Owe: Mortgages Just Got Easier To Understand The CFPB's new Know Before You Owe mortgage disclosure rule has rolled…
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18
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 18, 2016

Last week's scheduled economic releases included reports on retail sales, inflation and the Federal Reserve's Beige Book report. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced a limited program for reducing principal on eligible mortgages held by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This program is intended to resolve remaining "underwater" mortgages on homes worth less than their current mortgage amounts. Retail Sales Fall, Inflation Rises Retail sales fell in March to close out a weaker than expected first quarter 2016. Retail sales fell 0.30 percent in March as compared to…
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15
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

How to Determine the Right Mortgage for You: The Pros and Cons of Each Type

Finding the right mortgage can be a struggle. There's a wide array of mortgage products on the market, and you don't always need to get a mortgage through your bank – and with so many options, it's hard to know which one is your best bet. Your ideal mortgage will depend on your own individual financial situation, but when you understand how different kinds of mortgages work, it's easier to choose the right one. Here's what you need to know about mortgage types. Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Home Financing At A Guaranteed Rate A fixed-rate mortgage is exactly what it sounds like:…
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14
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Three Tips to Ensure That a Reverse Mortgage Makes Sense for Your Financial Situation

If you're having financial troubles, or if you need to free up a large sum in a short period of time, a reverse mortgage is a great way to get the money you need without having to take on new debt or make monthly payments. When you apply for a reverse mortgage - also known as a home equity conversion mortgage - you're essentially borrowing money from the equity you've built up in your house. The great advantages of a reverse mortgage are that you don't need to make any loan payments until you decide to move out of the…
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