3 Simple Home Security Upgrades That Will Help to Deter Burglars
Whether you're going on an extended holiday or are just concerned about security in your neighborhood, you might be curious about the best ways to pursue safety in your home. If you're wondering how you can successfully stave off theft without a high price tag, here are some tips for protecting your property.
Living With a Small Green Space: How to Make the Most of a Smaller, Intimate Yard
It's great to have a yard in this day and age, but so many new developments in the city have limited green space for you to let your imagination run wild. If you're wondering what you can do with your patch of green space or small yard, here are a few options for making it aesthetically appealing and still maximizing its potential.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 8, 2017
Last week's economic news included readings on construction spending, the post-meeting statement by the Fed's Open Market Committee and labor-related reports including ADP payrolls, Non-farm payrolls and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released.
Til’ Debt Do Us Part: How to Get a Mortgage If One Spouse Has A Poor Credit Score
A poor credit history is a reality for many people, but it can be particularly daunting when it comes to investing in a house. Fortunately, simply because you or yours have experienced bad credit doesn't mean that you should be penalized in the future. If your spouse has struggled with bad credit in the past but you're both preparing to move forward and invest in a home, here are some tips for getting it together financially.
Three Ugly, Dated Design Features That You Need to Get Rid of Before You Sell Your Home
There are a lot of inexpensive renovations that can easily improve the value of your home, but you might not be aware of dated features that are working against you and aging its look. If you're ready to put your home on the market and are wondering what types of design will downgrade your home's appeal, here are a few things you may want to consider upgrading or discarding before planning your first open house.
Suffering in a ‘Low Inventory’ Real Estate Market? 3 Helpful Tips for Finding a Home to Buy
Many homebuyers struggle with finding a home that is within their price range, but many of those perusing the market also struggle when it comes to the search. If you're currently on the real estate market and are having difficulty finding a good selection of homes, here are some ways to expand your search so you can find an opportunity you're prepared to invest in.
3 ‘Hidden’ Costs You’ll Uncover Buying Your First Home – and How to Plan for Them
Are you about to become a first-time home buyer? Buying a home is an investment unlike any other. To get the best deal on your home, you'll need to be diligent. Let's have a look at some of the hidden costs you may uncover when buying your first home.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 1, 2017
Last week's economic news included readings on Case-Shiller Home Prices Indices, new and pending home sales. Weekly readings on new jobless claims and average mortgage rates were also released. Case-Shiller reported that home prices rose by 0.20 percent from January to February with a year-over- year growth rate of 5.80 percent.
5 Tips for Crafting a Counter-offer That Doesn’t Scare Away a Potential Home Buyer
If you've recently put your home up for sale, one of the most exciting parts of the selling process is getting an offer. However, all is not said and done once you've received an offer, as you'll probably want to negotiate a better price. If you're wondering how you can counter without losing a potential buyer, here are some tips when the time comes to negotiate.
Case-Shiller: February Home Prices Grow at Fastest Pace in 3 Years
According to the Case-Shiller National Home Price Index, February home prices grew at their fastest pace in three years. While home prices have steadily grown in recent months, growth rates slowed in many areas month-to-month; the escalation of home prices from January to February indicates stronger housing markets. National home prices increased by 0.20 percent in February to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.80 percent appreciation.
Are You ‘Mortgage Pre-approval Worthy’? Learn How to Assess Your Finances in 10 Minutes
Finding the right home and the right mortgage can take a lot of time and energy, so it's important to consider whether you'll be prepared for approval before diving into the process. Whether you've had some financial setbacks or you just want to have an idea ahead of time, here are some ways to quickly determine if you'll be pre-approved for a mortgage.
Buying a ‘Micro’ Home? Be Sure to Consider These Major Lifestyle Changes First
With the cost of a home on the rise and the concept of being sustainable becoming more popular, many people are considering moving to a smaller home to minimize their impact. It's important, however, to consider what living small is really like before deciding that it's the right move for you. If you're curious about life on a smaller-scale, here are some things to contemplate beforehand.