If your financial situation is limited, yet you're handy with a hammer and nails, then purchasing a fixer-upper home can be an attractive option. Fixer-uppers typically require a bevy of updates and repairs to bring the home up to current market conditions. Because of this, the listing price is often considerably less than a move-in ready home. Your trusted real estate professional can help you find the best projects to buy and sell. Getting Started Fixer-uppers aren't for everyone, but there are plenty of resources available if you plan to do most of the repair and upgrades yourself. … [Read More...]
Last week's economic releases included the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index for May, Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Home Builder Confidence Rises in May According to the National Association of Home Builders, home builders surveyed indicated higher confidence in housing market conditions for May. April's reading was downwardly revised to an index reading of 68; analysts expected a reading of 69. May's home builder confidence reading was … [Read More...]
Nearly 70 million American households include at least one pet, but most prospective buyers won't want to see evidence of pets in a home on the market. Here are some tips about how to sell a pet-friendly home. Prior To Listing Point out special pet features to your real estate agent -- a cat door, feeding station or a pet shower, even a fenced back yard or a dog run can be a bonus to many buyers. It's important to remember that buyers want to imagine their pets in the home, not yours! Minimize your pet's presence by decluttering pet supplies as well as your personal items. While it … [Read More...]
When it comes to a property that's been financed with a mortgage, homeowners can experience the need or desire to live elsewhere from time to time. Renting may be considered as a way to recover some of their costs when they are not using their home. In some cases, homeowners - when acting as landlords - may also consider that it's more efficient to have the tenant pay their monthly mortgage payment directly to a lender. After all, the money is just being received and turned over in another check to the lender anyway. It may seem like a logical idea to skip the two-step hassle but, in reality, … [Read More...]
Before an owner can market a property to buyers that want to use a FHA loan, he will want to familiarize himself with the FHA's standards. FHA won't insure loans on just any property. While their standards aren't as stringent as they used to be, a home needs to be in relatively good condition to qualify for FHA financing. Location and Lot To qualify for FHA financing, the property has to be located on a road or easement that lets the owner freely enter and exit. The access also has to be paved with a surface that will work all year -- a long dirt driveway that washes out in spring won't … [Read More...]
The digital age has changed the way buyers browse for and purchase goods and services, including real estate. While home buyers still can check out property listings via a print newspaper or by driving through desired neighborhoods in hopes of finding a "for sale" sign, digital sources offer more options and can make the home buying process easier. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) states in their 2017 Report: Real Estate in a Digital Age, that 44-percent of home buyers look online when beginning their search. Social Media As Sources For Home Buyers According to the Pew … [Read More...]
Buying a new home is exciting. Buying a brand new home can be even more so with the realization of being the first owner and possibly being able to choose your own layout and finishes. The prospect of owning new construction is definitely exciting, but it doesn't come without its own set of questions. If you're in the market for a new home, and considering new construction, make note of the questions below when you begin your property search. What Are The Long Term Plans For The Community? Unless you're looking at custom homes on acreage, it's likely new construction in your area will be … [Read More...]
Last week's economic reports included readings on consumer prices, consumer sentiment and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Consumer Price Index Increases in April Consumer prices rose by 0.20 percent in April according to the Commerce Department. Analysts expected prices to rise by 0.30 percent based on a negative reading of -0.10 percent in March. Core consumer prices, which exclude volatile food and energy sectors, eased to 0.10 percent growth in April after growing by 0.20 percent in March. Analysts said that Fed policymakers' concerns over inflation growth could … [Read More...]
