Blog

09
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

A Quick Guide to Assessing Your Home’s Foundation for Cracks – And What to Do if You Find Them

When purchasing a home, there are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account. One of those considerations is the foundation of the home. No matter how perfect or suitable a property looks, taking the time to properly inspect the property for foundation problems can save you thousands of dollars in repairs later on. While foundation cracks are usually present in older homes, that does not mean that newer and even brand new homes are not susceptible to them. When choosing a property, the following tips can help homebuyers find signs of foundation problems and take the…
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08
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Mortgage Budgeting 101: How to Determine What You Can and Can’t Afford

When taking on a new mortgage, it is important to know that you can afford to carry the debt load involved, as many people find themselves in financial trouble by spending more on real estate than they can comfortably maintain. Your mortgage budget can be calculated to determine just how much you should spend on your next mortgage. Mortgage Rates And Today's Market Conditions Mortgage rates change every day, and in times of high volatility can even fluctuate more than once in a twenty-four hour period. The market reflects a number of economic variables, including relevant world news and events.…
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07
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 7, 2014

Last week's economic news was mixed, but economic reports for Non-Farm Payrolls and the National Unemployment rate suggest a strengthening labor sector. Pending Home Sales surpassed expectations in May and conversely, construction spending was lower than expected. Here are the details. Pending Home Sales Reach Highest Level in Eight Months The National Association of REALTORS® reported that pending home sales in May rose by 6.10 percent over April's reading. May's reading was 5.20 percent lower than for May 2013. The index reading for May reached 103.9 as compared to April's index reading of 97.9. Results for all regions were positive…
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03
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate Tips, ,

Buying or Selling, Here Are Three Traits You’ll Want in Your Real Estate Agent

For both buyers and sellers, choosing the right real estate agent is an important and difficult decision, but making the right selection is critical. Consider the following essential characteristics for a real estate agent before signing a contract: Experience An agent must understand the real estate market as well as the practices and processes of buying and selling. While a new agent may have energy and desire, experienced agents will be able to offer insights and experiences which are likely to give their clients the edge in their deal. Experience also indicates negotiating skill. Of course an agent must be…
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02
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, ,

Giving and Getting: Why the Terms of a Home’s Sale Are Far More Important Than the Price Paid

One of the most significant factors home buyers and sellers focus on when buying real estate is the negotiated sales price in the purchase contract. While the sales price is undeniably important, the reality is that other terms in the sales contract may have more far-reaching and significant effects on the transaction. In fact, with a closer look at some of the most important terms, you will see why you and your agent should actively negotiate for improved terms rather than a lower sales price. Closing Costs Some buyers and sellers will haggle over a few thousand dollars in the…
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01
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Understanding the ‘Qualified Mortgage’ or QM and Why It’s Important to New Home Buyers

Are you shopping for a home or a new mortgage? If you are interested in finding the best possible financial product, it is important to consider the benefits of selecting a Qualified Mortgage. With so many different types of loan products to choose from and financial terms to learn, schooling yourself on the mortgage market before you buy your first home or apply for your first refinance mortgage may seem like a daunting task. Luckily, there are resources that are designed to help you learn the basics of products and terms so that all consumers have the power to inform…
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