Blog

19
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates,

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Slips in June

Home builder confidence fell slightly in June to a reading of 59 according to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index. Analysts had expected no change to June's reading of 60. June components of the HMI were also lower. Builder confidence in current market conditions dropped by one point to 63; builder confidence in market conditions over the next six months fell three points to a reading of 66. The reading for foot traffic in new single-family developments dropped one point to 55. Readings over 50 indicate that more builders than fewer are confident about housing market conditions.…
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18
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates, ,

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

Last week's economic news included reports on inflation, retail sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims. Mortgage rates were mixed with average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rising by one basis point to 3.42 percent. The average rate for a 15-year mortgage dropped by two basis points to 2.72 percent, and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose six basis points to 2.76 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for 30-year fixed rate mortgages and 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 15 year fixed rate mortgages. Freddie Mac said…
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15
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, ,

Budget-Friendly DIY Projects That Instantly Boost Curb Appeal

We're told not to judge a book by its cover, but there's no such rule in the housing market. Curb appeal is the external attractiveness of a home, and if you're in the market for a house that first impression has a lot to do with your final decision. Alternatively, if you're looking to sell, it's an easy area to boost the attractiveness of your home. Essentially, ensure your home is accessible and inviting to make it appeal to potential buyers. It's like making new friends, and how you're much more likely to approach someone who is smiling. Help your…
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14
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

3 Tips to Consider when Shopping for a Second Mortgage

Whether you're considering a second mortgage to consolidate your debt or complete some home renovations, there can be a lot that goes into making this financial decision. Because a second mortgage is a loan that goes against the equity you currently have on your property, this can be a risk to the ownership of your home. If this is an option you're seriously considering, here are some basics to know before deciding to on this route. Be Prepared For Higher Rates You may be use to the steadiness and consistency of the fixed rate on your first mortgage, but the…
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13
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

3 Mortgage Mistakes That Could Be Costing You Money

Purchasing a home can be one of the most exciting and stabilizing investments of your life, but because of the expense, there are many ways you may be spending more money than you should. If you're wondering about the financial soundness of your home investment, here are some things to consider before putting anything down. Investing In Too Much Home Many homebuyers are so gung-ho about having their own home that they forget a mortgage takes many years to pay off and there's a lot of living to do in the interim. While you may be looking at the monthly…
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12
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

3 Things Your Mortgage Broker Wishes You Knew

As the mortgage market has become more competitive, it has become a more common choice for many people to choose a mortgage broker to assist them with the lending process. While it's great to have someone to help you with the fine details, there are some important differences between what a mortgage broker does and what you might think they do, so here are some things to be aware of. They Can't Approve Your Mortgage Many people think that having a mortgage broker is a surefire way to obtain a home loan, but because brokers are a separate entity from…
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