Featured Posts
DIY Home Projects: Creating a Study Space That Will Help Your Children Stay Focused
If you're a parent of school-aged children, you've likely been concerned with their study habits at some point. Sitting down in front of the television or at the dinner table to crack open the books is going to be less efficient than doing so in a quieter, more productive work space. Let's explore how to create a study space that will help keep your children focused and on task. Ask The Kids What They Need To Be Productive Before you get to work on creating a new studying space, it's a good idea … [Read More...]
It’s Pre-approval Time: How to Get Your Finances in Order for Your Mortgage Approval
Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences a person or family can have. Of course, before you can step foot into your new dream home you will need to get prepared financially, especially if you are taking out a mortgage to cover some of the purchase price. Let's take a look at a few key steps that will help you to prepare for the financial background checks that are part of the mortgage process. Square Up With The Government The first place you'll want to start is making sure that … [Read More...]
NAHB: Builder Confidence Dips on Hurricane Damage
Home builders had less confidence in housing market conditions in September. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, builders worried that ongoing shortages of construction labor and materials would worsen. NAHB Chairman Granger MacDonald said that concerns over labor and building materials were "intensified," but said that builder confidence was expected to return to high readings once rebuilding is underway. The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index dropped … [Read More...]
How Much Is the Right Amount to Commit to Your Down Payment? Let’s Take a Look
Are you thinking about buying a new home? If you are going to take out mortgage financing, one consideration you will have is your down payment, which is the amount you pay up front in cash to cover some of the purchase cost. Let's consider a few points that will help you to decide how much is the right amount for your down payment. How Much Do You Have? The most obvious question you will need to answer is: how much do I realistically have to place as a down payment? Keep in mind that your down … [Read More...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 18, 2017
Last week's economic readings release included reports on inflation, core inflation retail sales and retail sales excluding autos. Consumer sentiment, along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also reported. Inflation Exceeds Expectations, Retail Sales Lag Consumer prices rose 0.40 percent in August, which surpassed expectations of 0.30 percent growth and July's reading of 0.10 percent. Core consumer prices, which exclude volatile food and energy sectors, matched … [Read More...]
3 Useful Tips for First-time Homebuyers Trying to Navigate the System
Whether you're tired of renting, need more space or want to make an upgrade, buying your first home is the solution. However, if you have never participated in the market before it can be a bit daunting at first. Let's explore a few useful tips that are helpful for first-time homebuyers who are new to the process of buying real estate. Tip #1: Begin With The End In Mind Before you start exploring local home listings and shopping around, it's worth asking yourself both what you 'need' in a home … [Read More...]
Speed up Your Mortgage Closing Process With This Handy Four-step Guide
Are you in the market for a new house or apartment? If you are financing the purchase by taking out a mortgage, you'll want to know how to make this transaction run as smooth as possible. In today's article, we'll share a quick four-step guide to speeding up the mortgage closing process. Step #1: Check In On Your Credit Score The first step before applying for your mortgage is to check in on your credit. Request a copy of your credit score and history from one of the major reporting firms. Go … [Read More...]
Kids Moving Out of the House? Here Are 3 Tips for Creating a Warm, Welcoming Guest Bedroom
If you're a homeowner with children, at some point, you'll be saying goodbye. They'll move off to college or to start their career and adult life. As children move out, you'll discover that you have extra bedrooms and other living spaces that will need a new purpose. Let's take a look at three ways that you can transform an unused bedroom into a welcoming place for guests to stay. Get Started With A Deep Clean The first thing you'll want to do is engage in a top-to-bottom deep clean of the room. … [Read More...]
