Blog

20
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

FOMC Minutes: Rate Hike May be Near

The minutes for the most recent meeting of the Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) suggest that while committee members won't specify a date, a rate hike could come sooner than later. Committee members continue to cite concerns over labor markets and other economic factors, but the minutes of the FOMC meeting held July 28 and 29 indicate that a majority of members see a rate change as likely in the near term. Economic Conditions "Approaching" Readiness for Rate Hike According to the minutes released Wednesday, the time for raising rates is not hear yet, but a majority of…
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19
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Buying an Investment Property? 3 Key Home Features That Will Help Ensure You Turn a Profit

If you're entering the real estate investment market for the first time, you're embarking on a great adventure - and with a solid plan, you can turn a tidy profit on your investment. The key to a successful real estate investment is choosing the right property. A great property will reap dividends for years to come. Look for these three features in your next investment property and you'll have no trouble finding one that turns a profit. Location: More Important Than You Think The location of your investment property will be critical in determining how much you earn on it…
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18
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Understanding the “Adjustable Rate Mortgage” (ARM) and How This Type of Mortgage Works

When applying for a new home loan, there are several different types of mortgage programs available to most applicants. While there are various home loan programs to choose from, the most significant difference between the various options relates to a fixed rate mortgage or an adjustment rate mortgage. Understanding what an adjustable rate mortgage, or ARM, is in comparison to a fixed rate mortgage can help applicants make a more informed decision about their mortgage plans. What is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage? A fixed rate mortgage is one with an interest rate fixed for the entire term length. This means…
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17
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 17, 2015

Last week's economic reports related to housing were few and far between other than weekly reports on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac's mortgage rates survey. Mortgage Rates Mixed, Jobless Claims UpFreddie Mac reported that average mortgage rates rose for fixed rate mortgages and dropped for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose by three basis points to 3.94 percent. The rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose by four basis points to 3.17 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage fell by two basis points to 2.93 percent.…
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14
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

House Hunting in a New City? Three Ways to Determine Which Neighborhoods Are Up and Coming

If you're moving to a new city and you're looking for an affordable home in a nice neighborhood, one great way to get a fantastic home without paying sky-high prices is by choosing a home in an up-and-coming neighborhood. Communities that are starting to gentrify make it easy to find an affordable home, especially if you buy before the prices start to rise. So how can you spot a neighborhood that's on the rise? Here's what you need to know. Look For Neighborhoods Popular With Artists & Young People Young people, artists, musicians, performers, and other bohemians tend to lead…
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13
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Five Required Mortgage Closing Costs – And A Few Tips On How To Minimize Them

Mortgages are expensive, and closing costs only add to the financial burden that homebuyers face. But with a little knowledge, you can pinpoint places to save on your mortgage closing costs and keep more money in your pocket. When you're negotiating your next mortgage, use these tips to reduce required closing costs and keep more of your hard-earned money. Title Insurance: Request The Simultaneous Issue Rate Title insurance is an important add-on that no buyer should go without. At the time of closing, there may be a variety of title problems that could arise - like encroachments, easements, unpaid liens,…
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