Month: August 2017

Still renting? You must have a good reason. With rents continuing to rise across the country, interest rates staying around historic levels, and new loans lowering down payment requirements, it just makes sense to take the leap to homeownership. Maybe you’ve got terrible credit and don’t want to take the time to improve it (or don’t know about loans that accept lower scores)? Or, maybe you just like giving your money away. If you’re still not on board, these 7 reasons might change your mind. Because owning a home is still less expensive than renting across the country GOBankingRates’...

There will always be those who try to “time the market,” but there’s one factor you can’t know — when buying a home will become more expensive. Certainly you can tell from recent trends whether or not prices and mortgage interest rates are in your favor. Monthly prices have risen year-over-year for three years. Mortgage interest rates are slowly rising, but remain at extremely attractive levels. You could wait for prices to fall, but there are two problems with that idea. First, it would take an economic recession to lower prices, which could take months or years. With the...

Just how important is curb appeal? Real estate industry legend Barbara Corcoran has said, “Buyers decide in the first eight seconds of seeing a home if they’re interested in buying it.” What are buyers going to see in the first eight seconds after driving up to your place? If you’ve walked around the perimeter of your house recently, you’ve probably seen at least a couple of issues that need to be addressed before you sell. And your plan probably depends on how much time you have available. If you’re listing your house today and expect immediate interest, you may...

It’s easy for homeowners to get caught up in the world of Pinterest and do-it-yourself blogs. While unique, custom projects can be a great way to personalize or spruce up your home, some projects are better left to professional contractors. Next time a friend or client has a brilliant idea to attempt one of these projects on their own, let them know why some things are best when left in the hands of pros. 1. Tree Removal Whether it’s cutting down an overgrown tree or digging up a giant stump, this project can be an accident waiting to happen,...

Your home is supposed to be your haven, the place where you can relax and wash away the stresses of the day. But, if your house is messy, cluttered, or designed in a way that opposes certain Feng Shui principles, it could actually be adding to your stress. Apply a few tips to make your home the serene spot it should be. Plant a garden It might seem seem like getting dirty in the yard could raise stress levels, but it turns out just the opposite is true for many people. It’s “so effective at combating depression, stress, and anxiety that...

In an environment where lenders are highly regulated and risk-averse, borrowers are rightfully a little nervous when they apply for a mortgage. But with the right preparation, qualifying for a home loan can be a rewarding experience in your journey toward homeownership. “In a lot of ways, lenders have gone back to the basics, looking at fundamental personal finance criteria to decide who qualifies for a loan,” says Rick Sharga, chief marketing officer of Ten-X, an online real estate marketplace in Irvine, California. At the same time, Sharga says lenders have been more risk-averse than ever since the housing...