Blog

12
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

The Mortgage Pre-approval Letter: Why It’s Important and How to Get One

If you are thinking about buying a new home in the near future, you may already be searching online to get a feel for the different types of homes available in the local area. You may have reviewed your budget, and you may have a fair idea about a sales price that is comfortable for you to afford. While you may feel as though you have taken the preliminary steps necessary to prepare yourself to buy a home, it is important that you also get a mortgage pre-approval letter for your financing before you starting hunting for that perfect new…
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11
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate Tips, ,

Taking an Extended Vacation? Renting Your Home to Long-Term Tenants is a Great Option

Taking an extended vacation can seem like a dream come true. You may have plans to spend your summer in Europe, your winter in the Caribbean or even a full year or longer exploring a different region. If you have the luxury of taking an extended vacation, you may have your sights set on adventure and relaxation. However, you also need to consider the practicality of leaving behind your home and belongings for an extended period of time. A great idea is to take on a long-term tenant for your home, and there are a number of benefits that you…
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10
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Missed a Mortgage Payment? How to Ensure It Doesn’t Affect Your Credit Score

If you pay attention to your credit rating, you may be well aware that a single late payment reflected on your credit report can result in a decline in your scores. In some cases, the decline can be rather significant, and you will have to work hard to make regular payments over a period of time to show that you remain creditworthy and to rebuild your credit score. It is far better to avoid late payments altogether than to deal with the stress and ramifications of a late payment on your credit report. If you have already missed the due…
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09
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 9, 2015

Last week's economic news was light on housing related reports, but several employment reports were released along with the national unemployment rate, which dipped to 5.50 percent. This was a full point below the Federal Reserve's original target rate of 6.50 percent. Construction spending was incrementally lower than expected and mortgage rates also fell.Fewer Private-Sector Jobs, Non-Farm Payrolls IncreaseThe ADP employment report for February fell from January's reading of 250,000 jobs to 212,000 private-sector jobs. January's reading was upwardly revised from the original tally of 213,000 jobs added. News was better for Non-Farm Payrolls for February. The Labor Department reported…
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06
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate Tips, ,

Three Inexpensive Makeovers That Will Boost Your Home’s Appeal to Young Buyers

When preparing to list your home for sale, you may be wondering who will buy your home. While this initial thought may be one spurred by curiosity, the fact is that understanding who your target audience is and what they are looking for in a home may help you to position your home to sell more quickly and for a better price. If you have determined that there are many younger buyers moving into your area, you may want to make a few changes that will add appeal to this target audience. While you could spend tens of thousands of…
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05
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Buying for the First Time? The Ultimate Guide to Surviving the Mortgage Process

If you have heard nightmarish stories from friends and family members about the home mortgage application process, you are not alone. In fact, some of these stories may have even been a reason why you have held out on moving forward with your plans to purchase your first-home. While some have indeed had unpleasant experiences, the fact is that there is nothing to be intimidated about. When you follow a few easy tips, you can streamline the process and navigate through it with minimal effort or stress. Find The Right Mortgage Professional To Work With One of the best steps…
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