3 Months, 3 Housing Trends: Rates Rise, Prices Slow, Millennials Buy First-time home buyers might have a couple of things to cheer about in the final three months of 2018, even as mortgage rates are expected to continue their slow rise. Here are three housing and mortgage trends to keep an eye on from October […]
Safer Mortgages Rise From the Ashes of ’08 Financial Crash Mortgages are safer now than they were 10 years ago. That’s the main effect the 2008-09 financial crisis has had on the mortgage market. The following loan types were popular during the housing boom in the early- to mid-2000s but are unavailable now to most borrowers: […]
Buying a House in 2018: What You Need to Know Buying a house is a minefield full of “I didn’t know thats.” From choosing the right home to qualifying for the best mortgage, you want to minimize the things you don’t know. Lower your “didn’t-know” ratio. With a shifting lending landscape, rising interest rates and down […]
3 Months, 3 Housing Trends: Fast Buyers, Higher Rates, Tapping Equity Homebuying will remain competitive from July through September, with the edge going to buyers who act fast. And as mortgage rates rise, some homeowners will feel compelled to tap their equity rather than refinance or sell. Here are three housing and mortgage trends to […]
5 Signs It’s Time To Go From Apartment To House Have you been thinking of trading in your previously adequate apartment for a bigger living space? Here are five signs it might be time to move into a single-family residence. 1. You’re ready to expand your family This is one of the most popular reasons […]
5 Things That Make A Good Neighborhood When you’re looking for a home, the right neighborhood is one of the most important factors to consider. Here are five things that make for a great neighborhood. Schools This one seems pretty obvious, but it bears repeating. Good schools are essential to a good neighborhood. Quality schools […]
Love That Home’s View? See How Much More You’ll Pay A house with a fabulous view can be hard for a home buyer to resist. But seeing the mountains, water or city lights from the comfort of home comes at a price. The hazy part is figuring out what that added cost is — and […]
Tackle This Common Home Worry With a Plan If a dripping faucet wakes you up at night, the thought of paying a plumber may be what keeps you from falling back asleep. Most homeowners have experienced anxiety related to their home, according to a new report, with home repairs and maintenance topping the list of […]
A Home Buyer’s Guide to Motivated Sellers Home shoppers outnumber home sellers in many places. If you’re a home buyer, you need every competitive advantage you can get. That’s why it pays to know how to find motivated sellers and persuade them to choose you. The definition of “motivated seller” has changed since the depths […]
Down Payment Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers The down payment. It’s the only thing keeping you from a home of your own. You’ve got a good job, you’re paying down debt, and mortgage rates are still remarkably low. And rental rates are getting ridiculous. Let’s see if we can break down this home buying barrier. […]