22
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Disruptive Technology And The Real Estate Market

Recent advancements in technology continue to disrupt the real estate market. This includes the use of "Big Data" for data mining, artificial intelligence combined with machine learning, augmented and virtual reality, use of drones, blockchain technology, and the ongoing deployment of 5G. The Use Of Big Data Consumers have access to more information about real estate market conditions because of the collection and online presentation of the results of data mining "Big Data." For example, it is easy to learn if a market is a buyer's or a seller's market by searching for the median number of days a house…
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17
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

The Narrowing Gap Between Renting And Buying A Home In The US

According to data compiled by Realtor.com in the fourth quarter of 2019, it is still more affordable overall to rent versus buy a home -- but just barely. The median monthly mortgage payment at the end of 2019 was $1,600, while the median monthly rent payment was $1,319. This is largely due to steadily-increasing rates, rising home prices, and near-record-low mortgage rates. The Realtor.com study looked at 593 counties across the country. As compared to the fourth quarter of 2018, the average monthly cost of renting a home increased 4%, up from $1,254, while the average monthly cost of homeownership…
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16
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

What Should I Consider Most When Buying A Home This Year?

There are two times when it is best to buy a home. When you have to buy one and when you can afford to buy one. In general, owning a home is better than renting one because you are building up equity for yourself, instead of throwing your money away by helping the landlord buy the property with your rent money. Best- And Worst-Case Scenario Planning Be prepared for owning a home, especially if this will be your first time as a homebuyer. There is a natural tendency to stretch finances to the breaking point when wanting to own a…
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15
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

Mortgage Relief Refinance Programs For 2020

There are lots of people out there who are searching for options for mortgage relief. A quick search will reveal options for programs such as FMERR and HARP; however, many of the articles regarding these programs are a bit outdated. This makes them misleading. Sometimes, people might think they can apply for these programs when, in reality, they cannot. These programs have expired. Fortunately, there is another option for HIRO. What Is HIRO? HIRO is the mortgage relief refinance program for 2020. Run by Fannie Mae, this program does have some similarities to its ancestors (HARP and FMERR); however, it…
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03
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

The Department Of Veterans Affairs Is Allowing Drive-by Appraisals Because Of COVID-19

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has impacted every industry across the country. Many people are being asked to shelter in place and everyone has been asked to practice social distancing to try to curtail the spread of this deadly virus. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has asked both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to make some changes in the manner they conduct property appraisals and employment verification. Shortly after the move by the FHFA, The Veteran's Administration (VA) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) followed suit by relaxing property appraisal requirements. Due to the unusual circumstances that are facing the country…
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31
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

How To Retain Your Sanity While Working From Home

There are a lot of people who enjoy working from home; however, with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people who are not used to working from home are forced into this new arrangement. It can be hard for individuals o stay focused when they are stuck in the environment at home. Particularly if the kids are home from school, it is easy to get distracted. Fortunately, there are a few ways people can retain their sanity as they work from home. Get Into A Routine One of the first steps people need to follow is to find a routine. It can…
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