Blog

19
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Tips, ,

Eliminate These 5 Barriers To Saving For Your Down Payment This Month!

With all the expenses that go into monthly living and the temptations that come along with life, saving money for the down payment on your new home can be quite a struggle for many people. If you're having a hard time saving and are wondering what you can do to ensure a higher bank balance next month, here are a few things that may pose a risk to getting the home of your dreams. Forgetting To Take Lunch One of the things most likely to defeat your bank balance is the daily office trip to the deli or diner. Instead…
Read More
18
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

HARP Refinancing Ends in 2016: Here’s How to Take Advantage Before It’s Gone

Many homeowners are struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments on a monthly basis, and it can often seem like there are limited options for remedying the situation. If you haven't heard of HARP refinancing and you're a homeowner who's looking for a lower interest rate, this may be the right solution to your payment woes. Instead of letting the opportunity blow by, here's all you need to know before this option ends in 2016. The Details On HARP Refinancing Known as HARP, the Home Affordable Refinance Program was created in 2009 following the economic crash that was brought…
Read More
17
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Housing Analysis, ,

New Home Construction Seen As A Possible Solution To Pent Up Demand For Homes

Builder confidence in markets for new homes fell three points in February to a reading of 58. January's reading was revised upward to 61. Builders have repeatedly expressed concerns shortages of labor and lots for development, but continue to express confidence in future sales conditions. David Crowe, National Association of Home Builder's (NAHB) chief economist, said that builders are watching slowing economic trends, but also cited low mortgage rates, improving labor markets and pent-up demand for homes as factors for strong U.S. housing markets. The NAHB notes that any reading over 50 indicates that more builders were confident than those…
Read More
16
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 16, 2016

Last week's economic events included weekly releases on new jobless claims, mortgage rates and testimony by Fed Chair Janet Yellen concerning the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. Here are the details: Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims Drop Freddie Mac reported that average mortgage rates fell across the board last Thursday, with the rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage seven basis points lower at 3.65 percent. The average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was six basis points lower at 2.95 percent, and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was two basis points lower at 2.83 percent.…
Read More
12
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, ,

‘Don’t Sit Around Waiting for a Deal’ and Other Great Advice from Successful Home Sellers

The real estate market and all the things involved in selling a home can seem complicated, and it can be very hard to know which tips to trust. While there's plenty of great advice to go around from many knowledgeable sources, here are some of the best tips from home sellers who have made a successful sale. Research Your Local Agents When considering an agent that will meet your home-selling needs, it can be tempting to go with someone familiar or recommended through a friend who seems like a safe bet. However, it's important to do your research and find…
Read More
11
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

3 Reasons You Should Trust in a Mortgage Advisor Instead of Trying to Predict Rates

If the time has come to purchase a home and you've been perusing the real estate market, it's possible you've also been considering the mortgage options that might work best for you. In the event that you're already spending a lot of time looking at homes and trying to sell your own, here are a few reasons you may want to leave your mortgage considerations to a professional. Qualifications You Can Count On If you're new to the world of home purchasing and have concerns about learning the ropes on your own, a mortgage advisor can be a great way…
Read More