The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that April's Housing Market Index rose from a reading of 52 in March to 56 for April. This is in line with warmer weather and the peak home buying season in spring and summer. Readings over 50 indicate that more builders view market conditions as positive as those who do … [Read more...] about Home Builder Confidence Rises in April
How Does Making Lump Sum Payments Affect Your Mortgage? Let’s Take a Look
Periodically, many homeowners will receive a rather sizable amount of extra cash. This may be from a bonus from your employer, a refund on your tax return, a financial gift from a relative or something else altogether. While there are many things that you could do with your windfall, you may be wondering if paying down your … [Read more...] about How Does Making Lump Sum Payments Affect Your Mortgage? Let’s Take a Look
The Spring Rains Are Coming – Here’s How to Prepare Your Home if You Live in a Flood Zone
If your home is located in a flood zone, it's critical that you know how to get ready for those drenching spring rains. Here are some basic steps any homeowner can take to prepare for potentially devastating floods. Community Emergency Plans Your community has an emergency plan in case of flooding. There are warning signals to … [Read more...] about The Spring Rains Are Coming – Here’s How to Prepare Your Home if You Live in a Flood Zone
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 13, 2015
Last week's economic news included the minutes from the most recent FOMC meeting, which indicated that the Fed's monetary policymakers are eyeing a potential increase in the target federal funds rate, but don't expect to do so immediately. Members of the Federal Open Market Committee expressed concerns about lagging housing … [Read more...] about What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 13, 2015
Improve Your Home’s Resale Value with Our Guide to Adding a Beautiful Wooden Fence to Your Yard
With many types of home improvements, at least a portion of the cost that you put into the improvement can be recouped from additional value when you sell the home. While each project is different, some projects can have multiple benefits that impact property value and overall desirability with a new home buyer. Adding a … [Read more...] about Improve Your Home’s Resale Value with Our Guide to Adding a Beautiful Wooden Fence to Your Yard
FOMC Minutes: Housing Market Stable But Slow
The minutes of the March meeting of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) were released Tuesday and included a staff review of current economic conditions. The minutes noted that while labor markets continued to grow, inflation to the Fed’s target rate of 2.00 percent was impeded by dropping fuel prices. The … [Read more...] about FOMC Minutes: Housing Market Stable But Slow
Understanding Commissions and How Your Real Estate Agent is Compensated When Your Home Sells
When you make the decision to sell your home, you may eagerly seek assistance from a skilled real estate agent. A real estate agent offers important services that can help you to more successfully and easily sell your home in the fastest amount of time and for the best price. This is a professional who is committed to helping … [Read more...] about Understanding Commissions and How Your Real Estate Agent is Compensated When Your Home Sells
Pre-Sale Painting: Color Combinations to Use – and Avoid – When Painting Your Home
One of the more common steps that homeowners will take when preparing to list their home for sale involves repainting the walls. Walls can easily give the home a worn, drab look when they have visible signs of dirty, smudgy fingerprints and other unsightly blemishes. While repainting the walls can have a whitewashing effect that … [Read more...] about Pre-Sale Painting: Color Combinations to Use – and Avoid – When Painting Your Home
