Blog

10
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Homeowner Tips, ,

3 Reasons You Might Decide to Retire to a Tiny Home – and Why You’ll Love It

Many people romanticize the idea of paying off their home mortgage early so they can enjoy their home in retirement, but when it comes to the later years of life, a big house can actually be too much to handle. If you've started to consider a smaller home and are wondering why it might be a good decision for you and yours, here are a few things you may want to consider. It's Much Easier To Maintain It is often the idea of the palatial estate with a pool that homeowners get excited about, but when it comes to reality,…
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09
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Setting the Record Straight: 3 Major Misconceptions About Mortgage Financing

Purchasing a home is often considered an important step in one's financial life, no matter what point you arrive at it, but there are things you should know about financing your home purchase before stepping into the fray. If you're planning on buying a home soon and want to avoid some major missteps, here are a few tips that will set you up for success. Taking The Lender You're Offered In the event that you've been pre-qualified for a certain amount, you'll want to find a lender that will make the process towards a home purchase a little bit smoother.…
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08
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Feburary 8, 2016

Last week's scheduled economic news included reports on construction spending and several labor-related reports along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. The details: Construction Spending Higher in December U.S. construction spending rose by 0.10 percent in December for a seasonally adjusted annual total of $1.12 trillion. The Commerce Department reported that construction firms spent 10.5 percent more than in 2014.Residential construction spending totaled $416.8 billion for 2015, which was 12.60 percent higher than in 2015. Higher construction spending can be a double-edged sword, as it can indicate that builders are stepping up construction or that they…
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05
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Spring is Almost Here: Planning a Massive Spring Cleaning in Just 4 Easy Steps

It may seem like the holiday season has just passed, but it won't be too long before the flowers begin to bloom and spring peeks out from around the corner. While the tradition of spring cleaning that comes with the season may not be as common as it once was, it can actually be a great way to revive and refresh and prepare for the summer ahead. Begin With The Bedroom Start with your bed by washing all of the sheets and linens, and then move on to dusting, making sure that all of the spots missed throughout the year…
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04
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Looking Ahead in 2016: Mortgage Trends That May Affect You

The housing market is in a constant state of flux, and with the changing shape of real estate there will most definitely be notable trends to watch out for in the next year. Whether you're approaching the market with caution or are ready to dive in without worry, here are some things to watch out for in 2016. A Slow Growth Outlook One of the most worrisome impacts of a slowed economic outlook is how it can affect people's monthly payments, and this is slated to be a significant concern over the next few years. With the possibility for lowered…
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03
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate Tips, ,

Understanding How Home Equity Works and Why Buying a Home Can Be Your Best Investment

When delving into the world of real estate and investment property, there are many terms that will come up that require further explanation. Whether you've never heard the phrase 'home equity' before or you have a little familiarity, here are the ins and out of what it means and how this asset can help your financial outlook. All About Home Equity Essentially, home equity refers to your portion of the value of your home, and the amount of this figure is important because it is included among your assets when determining your net worth. If this sounds confusing, think of…
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