Blog

17
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Holds Steady

Home builder confidence remained steady at the highest reading in almost ten years according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for July. The latest reading of 60 for the index was identical to expectations and June's reading, which was revised to 60 from an initial reading of 59. The NAHB Wells Fargo Housing Market Index is based on readings of zero to 100 with readings over 50 indicating that a majority of home builders surveyed are confident about housing market conditions. July's reading was the 13th consecutive month of readings above 50. July's…
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16
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

House Hunting? Watch for These 5 Red Flags when Viewing Potential New Homes

From the sales price to the general layout of the building, there are numerous factors that buyers will consider when touring homes. While there are specific factors that buyers may be searching for in a new house, there are also a few warning signs that home buyers should keep their eyes open for. The following are among the top red flags that may serve as warning signs. Signs Of Poor Home Maintenance It is reasonable to expect all homes to have some signs of wear and tear unless they are new construction. However, it is also reasonable to expect that…
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15
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

Mortgage 101: 3 Reasons to Avoid Giving Wrong Information on Your Mortgage Application

A mortgage application is typically several pages in length, and it requires you to provide a considerable amount of information about your personal, professional and financial life. Some mortgage applicants may not have access to all of the information when completing the application, and others may simply skim over the form and provide incomplete answers. These are only a few of the reasons why information on the mortgage application may not be accurate, but there are several key reasons why applicants should avoid giving inaccurate information. Loan Approval is Based on It The initial loan application will usualy serve as…
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14
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

3 Reasons Why Your Closing Costs Will Vary Depending on the Type of Home You Buy

Savvy home buyers who are preparing to make a real estate purchase should do their research and understand that they need to save money for not only the down payment, but the closing costs as well. The closing costs can account for as much as three to five percent of the sales price in some cases, so this can be a rather sizable amount of money. Some home buyers however, may not realize that the amount of closing costs can vary considerably based on the home that is purchased. With a closer look at why this is, home buyers can…
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13
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 13, 2015

Last week's scheduled economic events were few due to the Independence Day holiday. Freddie Mac's weekly survey of mortgage rates brought good news as mortgage rates fell across the board. The Federal Reserve released the minutes of its most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and weekly jobless claims rose. Job Openings Rise to Highest Level Since 2000 The Labor Department reported that U.S. job openings rose from April's reading of 5.33 million to 5.36 million job openings in May. This was the highest reading for job openings since the report's inception in 2000. Private sector job openings rose…
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10
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Dealing with the Summer Heat? How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Using a Ton of Energy

Many people look forward to the long, relaxed, sunny days of summer, but they also dread opening up their energy bills throughout the summer months. Cooling a home can be costly, and many are searching for convenient ways to lower cooling costs without sacrificing on comfort inside the home on the warmest days of the year. These are just a few of the cost-effective and convenient options that can help homeowners to reduce cooling costs throughout the summer. Keep The Blinds Closed A significant amount of heat can enter a home through the windows, and blinds and curtains provide an…
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