Blog

04
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate Tips, ,

From Big to Small: How to Downsize from a Large House to a Smaller, More Efficient Home

If you're moving from a large home into a smaller house or condo, you're probably looking forward to enjoying a lower utility bill and not having to do as much cleaning. But before you move, you'll want to take certain precautions to ensure that you're not overwhelmed. A smaller home won't have as much room for your belongings, which means you may need to get creative. Here's how you can downsize without losing your mind. Decide What You're Going To Keep Before you do anything else, choose which of your belongings are coming with you. Unless you've habitually been getting…
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03
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

How to Submit an Offer Below the Asking Price Without Spooking the Seller

You've found it: A large new home for your family. It's in the area of the city that you love, with the perfect architectural style and lots of room for entertaining guests. It would have been perfect for you, but there's only one problem - you're not quite ready to pay the price the seller is asking for. You'll have to put in an offer below the seller's asking price - a risky move. Although you will be rolling the dice with an offer below asking price, there are ways that you can increase the likelihood that your offer will…
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02
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

3 Reasons Why the Cost of Title Insurance is Worth the Investment

Title insurance is one of the few types of protection policies available to homebuyers and one that is often overlooked because of its optional nature. Because title insurance is purchased simultaneously with the home, it can be very easy to forego when looked at alongside all the additional fees that are associated with purchasing property. This is typicaly not advisable, as title insurance is one of the smartest forms of protection a homeowner can buy. Here are just three reasons why every purchaser should get title insurance. It's The Best Protection Against Fraud Title insurance protects the owner of a…
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01
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

A Quick Guide to the FHA Streamline Refinance Mortgage Loan Program

Refinancing a home loan can provide numerous benefits, but it can also seem daunting and intimidating to some. Many homeowners would love to lower their interest rate or take advantage of other benefits associated with refinancing, but they are concerned about the time and expense associated with refinancing their current mortgage. The FHA Streamline Refinance loan program is designed to provide those who currently have an FHA loan with an easier way to refinance their mortgage, and this may be a desirable option for many. No Appraisal Needed One common complaint that people have when applying for refinancing relates to…
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31
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, , ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 31, 2015

Last week's economic news included several reports related to housing. The Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for June rose to 4.50 percent as compared to May's reading of 4.40 percent. Denver, Colorado was the only city to post double-digit year-over-year growth. FHFA also released its House Price Index for June. Home prices for properties associated with mortgages owned or backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rose at a year-over-year rate of 5.60 percent in June as compared to May's reading of 5.70 percent. New Home Sales, Pending Home Sales Rise in July Commerce Department data revealed that new home…
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28
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

How to Design a Modern, Luxurious Home Inside of an Older Piece of Real Estate

Newer properties may be infused with built-in designer touches that give them an instant sense of luxury, but older homes may lack many of these built-in features. Whether buying or renovating an older property, many people are interested in learning how to instill modern luxury in older property. The good news is that this is easier than it sounds, and it can be accomplished by following a few simple tips. Make Thoughtful Upgrades It may not be cost-effective or reasonable to upgrade the entire space with an extensive renovation, but making a few thoughtful upgrades can yield fabulous results. The…
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