Blog

14
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

3 Reasons Why Your Closing Costs Will Vary Depending on the Type of Home You Buy

Savvy home buyers who are preparing to make a real estate purchase should do their research and understand that they need to save money for not only the down payment, but the closing costs as well. The closing costs can account for as much as three to five percent of the sales price in some cases, so this can be a rather sizable amount of money. Some home buyers however, may not realize that the amount of closing costs can vary considerably based on the home that is purchased. With a closer look at why this is, home buyers can…
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13
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 13, 2015

Last week's scheduled economic events were few due to the Independence Day holiday. Freddie Mac's weekly survey of mortgage rates brought good news as mortgage rates fell across the board. The Federal Reserve released the minutes of its most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and weekly jobless claims rose. Job Openings Rise to Highest Level Since 2000 The Labor Department reported that U.S. job openings rose from April's reading of 5.33 million to 5.36 million job openings in May. This was the highest reading for job openings since the report's inception in 2000. Private sector job openings rose…
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10
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Dealing with the Summer Heat? How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Using a Ton of Energy

Many people look forward to the long, relaxed, sunny days of summer, but they also dread opening up their energy bills throughout the summer months. Cooling a home can be costly, and many are searching for convenient ways to lower cooling costs without sacrificing on comfort inside the home on the warmest days of the year. These are just a few of the cost-effective and convenient options that can help homeowners to reduce cooling costs throughout the summer. Keep The Blinds Closed A significant amount of heat can enter a home through the windows, and blinds and curtains provide an…
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09
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

The Pros and Cons of Paying Your Mortgage Bi-weekly Vs. Monthly

When applying for a new mortgage or after closing, many may have the option to choose between a single monthly mortgage payment or smaller bi-weekly payments. There are benefits and drawbacks associated with both options, and some personal financial considerations may need to be reviewed in order to make a decision that is best for the individual. With a closer look at the pros and cons of both options, homeowners or home mortgage applicants can make a more informed decision. Easy Budget Management For Some With a single monthly mortgage payment, there is often a need for those who get…
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08
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, ,

Let’s Talk Hardwood: Why Converting Your Home to Hardwood Flooring Will Boost Its Value

When a homeowner makes the decision to upgrade flooring in one area of the home or throughout the entire space, there are numerous materials that may be considered. While each material option has its unique benefits and advantages, many are drawn to hardwood flooring as an option. This is a material that has the potential to boost home value, and a closer look at its benefits will reveal why this is the case. A Durable, Long-Lasting Material With many flooring options, homeowners understand that the material will need to be replaced or upgraded over the years. With hardwood flooring, the…
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07
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Start with the Basics: How to Create a Budget to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

A mortgage is typically one of the biggest monthly payments and financial responsibilities that a person is responsible for. Mortgage payments usually impact the person's budget significantly for several decades or longer. While there are mortgage calculators online that can be used to estimate an affordable mortgage payment, it is important to start with a basic budget. A budget will allow you to more accurately determine how large of a mortgage payment is truly affordable before applying for a new mortgage. List Income From All Sources The first step to take to prepare a budget is to list all sources…
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