Month: October 2017

Seeing fewer for-sale signs now that summer is over? That can be great news for buyers who are looking to score a new home and buyers who want to get rid of their place and buy a new one. If you think you missed the boat on making your move this year, we’re here to tell you why buying and selling in the fall can work for you. Less competition Yes, there may be fewer homes on the market, but there are also fewer buyers out there competing for the same home you want. That gives buyers an important...

Getting ready to buy your first home? You’re probably caught in that age-old dilemma of whether to buy in the city or move to the suburbs. There are plenty of reports out there that detail how millennials want to stay in the city to be where all the action is. Walkability isn’t just a catchword; it’s a life goal. And, the reports out there that detail how being within close proximity to a Starbucks, a Trader Joe’s, and a Target can raise your home value only strengthen the argument for urban living. Of course, don’t discount all those reports...

If you’re in the process of buying a home, you’ve probably already met with a lender who advised you on what to do and what not to do during the escrow process. But if you’re just getting ready to buy or plan on doing so in the near future, following a few financial tips can mean the difference between qualifying…and not, and also getting a decent rate. These are a few universal “don’ts” that will help you stay on track, even before you get a lender involved. Don’t take out more credit If you’re thinking you’re going to buy...

With homeownership comes new responsibilities, including repair and maintenance expenses. Sooner or later, you’ll encounter a leaky faucet or a blown circuit breaker and quickly learn that keeping your household up and running is no longer as simple as a call to the landlord. Deciding how much money to spend on fixing or replacing something that’s broken is often a judgment call. Either way, you need the cash to cover the expense. Building an emergency fund to assist with unexpected costs can help you promptly take care of home repairs without disrupting your daily routine. Establish an Estimated Baseline...

In Freddie Mac’s release of the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate unchanged from the previous week. 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.83 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ending September 28, 2017, the same as last week. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.42 percent. 15-year FRM this week averaged 3.13 percent with an average 0.5 point, the same as last week. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 2.72 percent. 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 3.20 percent this...

So you’re moving, and on your verrrrrry long moving-related “to-do” list is that old favorite: packing. Did you just let out a big sigh at the thought? Us, too. Face it, it’s no fun. Actually putting stuff in boxes isn’t the hard part for many people; It’s the dreaded sorting and decluttering and getting rid of stuff that sends many into a panic. Take a deep breath and we’ll get through these tips together. First, use this advice from Rent.com as an overall rule of thumb: “For one, if it’s damaged, it should be thrown away, no exceptions. Also, if it’s...