Blog

14
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 14, 2014

While little housing-related news was released, last week's economic news showed signs of a brighter economic picture. Labor statistics were stronger, with job openings up and new jobless claims filed lower than expected. Mortgage rates fell, and the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index was higher than expected. More Jobs Available, Fewer New Jobless Claims The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that February job openings rose to 4.20 million, which exceeded January's reading of 3.9 million jobs. New jobless claims were lower than expected with 300,000 new jobless claims filed against expectations of 316,000 new jobless claims and the…
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11
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Green Living: Water Saving Tips For Spring

Water is the planet's most precious resource. Access to clean water is a privilege that, unfortunately, many people still take for granted. By utilizing new water efficiency technologies and age-old conservation methods, we can help preserve the water supply for future generations. Cutting down on consumption whenever possible is something that everyone can do to live a little greener. Making Sure Your Home Holds Water The first stop on your journey to save water is to ensure your home is free of water leaks. Make your way through your home, and properly shut off the water at all fixtures and…
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10
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

The Happenings In A Reverse Mortgage

When you're looking for ways to supplement your retirement income, there are a number of different options to consider. A reverse mortgage is becoming a more popular and more common way to provide income when your retirement savings don't leave enough to live on. But with all the information out there, how do you know what happens in a reverse mortgage and whether it's a good option for you? What Is A Reverse Mortgage? A reverse mortgage essentially reverses the typical actions of a mortgage. Instead of making payments on your home, you receive payments against your home's equity. The…
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09
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

4 Of The Best Questions To Ask Before Refinancing Your Mortgage

1) Do I Have Enough Equity To Get A Mortgage? To get a conventional loan, you will usually need to have at least 20 percent equity. This means that your house will have to be worth at least $250,000 to get a $200,000 loan. If you have less equity, you could end up having to pay for private mortgage insurance, which can easily add $100 or more to your monthly payment. 2) How's My Credit? Most lenders will look at your credit score as a part of determining whether or not to make you a loan. With conventional lenders, your…
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08
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Homeowner Tips, ,

Four Places To Look For Tax Deductions In Your Home

Paying your income taxes each year leave your wallet a bit thin? There may be money hiding in your home that lessens your tax burden. Here are four places to look: 1. Home-Office Deduction If you work from home, you could qualify for a home-office deduction. Taking the deduction can be a bit complicated; so many people who qualify don't claim the exemption. An estimated 26 million Americans have home offices, but only 3.4 million claim them on their tax return. Perhaps that's why the Internal Revenue Service attempted to simplify the process in 2013. The write-off takes into account…
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07
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates, ,

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

Last week's economic news included readings on February construction spending and multiple reports on employment data. Private sector employment was higher in March, but The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Non-Farm Payrolls for March fell short of expectations. According to Freddie Mac, mortgage rates ticked upward. Employment And Unemployment News ADP's payrolls report for March was higher than February's reading, with 191,000 new private sector jobs added. In February, 178,000 jobs were added. February's reading originally showed 138,000 new jobs added. While analysts were confident that private-sector employment was showing signs of stability, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics…
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