Blog

05
May
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Save Some Additional Cash with Our Guide to Lowering Your Monthly Mortgage Payment

If you are like many other homeowners, your home mortgage payment is the single largest expense in your monthly budget. This is a fixed expense that you will typically be responsible for until your loan is paid in full or until you sell your home, and you may have a 15, 20 or even 30 year term on your mortgage. If your home mortgage payment has become unaffordable or burdensome for you to manage with your current financial situation, rest assured that you may be able to save some additional cash each month without selling your home. Refinancing your existing…
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04
May
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 4, 2015

Last week's economic news included S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports, the Fed's FOMC meeting statement and pending home sales. Freddie Mac mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims were also released as usual. The details: Case-Shiller: Denver Leads Home Price Gains in February The S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index showed that home prices continue to appreciate, but at a slower rate than in previous years. Home prices increased at a seasonally-adjusted year-over-year rate of 4.20 percent in February as compared to the February 2014 reading of 4.40 percent. Denver, Colorado led February's year-over-year home price appreciation rates with a…
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01
May
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Thinking About a Major Renovation? Three Reasons to Consider Adding a Second Story

When your home is no longer fully functional for your needs, you may be thinking about moving into a larger home with a more functional floor plan. While this is one option to consider, another option is to renovate your existing home. You could build a wing onto your home, or you could add a second story to the property. There are several reasons why adding a second story to your floor plan may be the best solution for you. Use the Existing Footprint When you build a wing outward from your home, you will need to pour more foundation…
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30
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Do You Need a Real Estate Attorney to Help Close Your Home Purchase? Let’s Take a Look

When buying a new home, you may have a close eye focused on your budget and expenses, and your goal may be to keep related expenses to a minimum. However, you may also be well aware that a real estate purchase is a legal transaction, and you may be wondering if you need to pay for legal services from a real estate attorney. With a closer look, you can make a better decision that is right for your home buying plans. The Legal Forms Used With A Typical Transaction The majority of real estate contracts will be written using standard…
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29
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

Case-Shiller: 20-City Home Price Index Hits 6 Month High

According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for February, month-to-month home prices increased by 0.50 percent from January’s reading and achieved the highest year-over-year gain in six months. Analysts expected February home prices to increase by 4.80 percent. David Blitzer, chairman of the S&P Dow Jones index committee, said that home prices continue to rise and outpace both inflation and wage gains. Although this is great news for homeowners, it also demonstrates the challenge of affordability for home buyers. Year-Over-Year Home Prices: Denver Leads in Home Price Gains Home prices in Denver, Colorado increased by 10 percent year-over-year in…
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28
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Yes, It’s Possible to Get a Mortgage Without a Favorable Credit History – Here’s What You Will Need

There are several factors that are reviewed when you apply for a home mortgage, and one of the initial factors is your credit rating. You may already be aware that you have a lower credit score, or you may have learned about your credit issues after speaking with a mortgage professional. Now that you are aware of the situation, you may be concerned about your ability to get approved for your loan request. The good news is that you may still be able to get a mortgage without a favorable credit history with a few things. A Co-Borrower Or Co-Signer…
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