Sunrise Homes & Renovations, Inc.

Negotiating Homebuying Costs: Securing Your Dream Home at the Right Price

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Buying a home is one of life’s significant milestones, but it often comes with a significant price tag. Fortunately, the sticker price on a house isn’t always set in stone. When buying a home, negotiating certain costs can save you a significant amount of money. Here are some costs that every homebuyer should negotiate:

Closing costs: Closing costs are the fees associated with finalizing the purchase of a home. They typically include things like appraisal fees, title search fees, and attorney fees. Closing costs can be a significant expense, so it’s worth trying to negotiate them with the seller or the lender.

Inspection costs: Before purchasing a home, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional to identify any potential issues. The cost of a home inspection can vary depending on the size and location of the property. Negotiating the cost of the inspection can help you save money.

Repairs: If the home inspection identifies any issues that need to be repaired, you can try to negotiate with the seller to cover the cost of those repairs. Alternatively, you can negotiate a lower price for the home to account for the cost of repairs.

Home warranty: A home warranty can provide peace of mind by covering the cost of repairs or replacements for certain appliances or systems in the home. You can try to negotiate the cost of a home warranty with the seller or the warranty provider.

Property taxes: Property taxes can be a significant expense for homeowners, so it’s worth negotiating with the seller to see if they can cover some or all of the property tax costs for a certain period of time.

Homeowners’ association fees: If the property you’re purchasing is part of a homeowners association, you can try to negotiate the amount of the fees or the terms of the agreement.

Remember, not all costs can be negotiated, and negotiations may not always result in a lower cost. However, it’s always worth trying to negotiate to save yourself some money in the home-buying process.

How Can Home Renovations Protect You from Natural Hazards

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Home renovations can be an effective way to protect your home and family from natural hazards. Start by identifying the potential hazards in your area. This can include natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and tornadoes, as well as man-made hazards such as gas leaks and fires. Once you’ve identified the potential hazards in your area, create a plan for how you will respond to them and prepare your home to take on these natural disasters and keep your home and family safe.

Here are some ways home renovations can help protect you:

Reinforce Your Home’s Structure: One of the most important aspects of protecting your home from natural disasters is ensuring that its structure is strong and stable. You can reinforce your home’s structure by adding earthquake-resistant materials, hurricane straps, and reinforced roofing systems.

Install Storm Windows and Doors: Installing storm windows and doors can help protect your home from strong winds and flying debris during hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe weather events.

Elevate Your Home: If you live in a flood-prone area, elevating your home can help protect it from flood damage. This can involve raising your home on stilts or piers or building a higher foundation.

Install a Backup Power Source: In areas where power outages are common during severe weather events, installing a backup power source such as a generator can help ensure that your home stays powered and comfortable.

Install a Sump Pump: If your home is at risk of flooding, installing a sump pump can help remove excess water and prevent water damage.

Install Fire-Resistant Materials: If you live in an area prone to wildfires, installing fire-resistant materials such as non-combustible roofing materials, siding, and decks can help protect your home from fire damage.

Overall, home renovations can be a worthwhile investment in protecting your home and family from natural hazards. It’s important to work with a licensed contractor and follow local building codes and regulations to ensure that your renovations are safe and effective.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 13, 2023

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The week following the FOMC rate decision meetings are typically very light, with the two most influential releases being the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment and the weekly Job Claims reports. The more positive news is mortgage lending rates have been on the decline in the last two weeks.

Consumer Credit Reports

Consumer sentiment fell in November for the fourth month in a row due to tensions with the Middle East and there is lingering hawkishness from the Federal Reserve, which could spell continued rate hikes in the future.

The preliminary reading of the sentiment survey declined to 60.4 from 63.8 in October, the University of Michigan said Friday, making it the weakest reading since May.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

  • 15-Yr FRM rates seeing a week-to-week decrease by -0.22% with the current rate at 6.81%.
  •  30-Yr FRM rates seeing a week-to-week decrease by -0.26% with the current rate at 7.5%

MND Rate Index

  • 30-Yr FHA rates increased week to week seeing a 0.20% increase for this week. Current rates at 6.91%
  • 30-Yr VA rates increased week to week seeing a 0.04% increase for this week. Current rates at 6.74%

Jobless Claims

The weekly jobless claims report from the Labor Department on Thursday also showed unemployment rolls rising to a six-month high.

Initial Claims have decreased to 217,000 compared to the expected claims of 220,000. The prior week was 220,000.

What’s Ahead

The next week will have much bigger market impacting data reports with the releases of CPI and PPI. There will also be a significant amount of the Federal Reserve members speaking throughout the week on rate policy decisions.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 6, 2023

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The most important data of the quarter was released, signaling the direction for many markets and where economic policy may be headed. Jerome Powell as well as other members of the Federal Reserve spoke about the state of economic policy, informing many parties about their decisions to remain hawkish or dovish in their approach. Further rate hikes could tell a story that inflation is not yet under control and the Federal Reserve feels the need to continue these rate hikes, which will have a significant impact on the lending markets as a whole.

FOMC Rate Decision
While Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized uncertainty over whether the Fed has tightened enough to bring down inflation, skeptics still believe policymakers have finished hiking rates. Jerome Powell had several opportunities to make his intentions clear about further rate hikes but had passed on most of them. Analysts largely agree that their recent dovish approach is signaling the end of rate hikes.

  • Central bank’s policy rate remains in the 5.25%-5.50% range.
  • The Fed says the economy grew at a ‘strong’ pace in the third quarter.

Key point: Two rate decision meetings without a hike may signal a period in which the economy shows the reduction in inflation the FED has been seeking, and relief in interest rates for lending parties.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

  • 15-Yr FRM rates seeing a week-to-week increase by 00% with the current rate at 7.03%.
  • 30-Yr FRM rates seeing a week-to-week decrease by -0.03% with the current rate at 76%

MND Rate Index

  • 30-Yr FHA rates increased week to week seeing a -0.61% decrease for this week. Current rates at 71%
  • 30-Yr VA rates increased week to week seeing a -0.63% decrease for this week. Current rates at 70%

Nonfarm Payrolls
Nonfarm Payrolls measure the change in the number of people employed during the previous month, excluding the farming industry.

  • Nonfarm payrolls increased by 150,000 for the month, against the consensus forecast for a rise of 170,000. That was a sharp decline from the gain of 297,000 in September.

 Job Claims
The weekly jobless claims report from the Labor Department on Thursday showed unemployment rolls rising to a six-month high.

Initial Claims have increased by 217,000 compared to the expected claims of 214,000. The prior week was 211,000.

ISM Manufacturing Data
ISM Manufacturing Data was released this week, much of it impacting many sectors including manufacturing, home building, and commercial building. The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing survey rose to 49.0% last month from 47.8% in August. It was the third straight increase, and the index matched a 10-month high.

  • Production barometer increased 2.5 points to 52.5% and was positive for the second month in a row.
  • The prices index, a measure of inflation, fell 4.6 points to a fairly low 43.8%. Higher oil prices in the future may impact this statistic.
  • The index of new orders rose 2.4 points to 49.2%. So far the auto industry strike has had little impact.

What’s Ahead
We’ll have a relatively light week after the FOMC rate decision meetings and manufacturing release, with the only notable economic reports being Consumer Credit and Wholesale Inventories.

Transforming Your Space One Project at a Time

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When it comes to home improvements, many homeowners are opting for the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. DIY home improvements not only allow you to save money but also provide a sense of accomplishment and personalization. Whether you’re fixing a leaky faucet or renovating an entire room, taking on home improvement projects can have numerous benefits that extend beyond physical transformation.

Cost Savings:

One of the most compelling reasons to tackle DIY home improvements is the potential for significant cost savings. Hiring professionals can be expensive, especially for minor repairs or aesthetic upgrades. By doing the work yourself, you can avoid labor costs and potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Personal Satisfaction and Empowerment:

Undertaking a DIY project can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. From planning and execution to the final reveal, you’ll witness the transformation firsthand and take pride in your accomplishments. The sense of empowerment that comes with successfully completing a DIY project can boost your confidence and encourage you to take on even more challenging tasks.

Learning and Skill Development:

Engaging in DIY home improvements provides an opportunity to learn new skills and expand your knowledge base. Each project offers a chance to develop your problem-solving abilities, increase your understanding of various materials and tools, and enhance your craftsmanship. The skills you acquire through DIY projects can be valuable not only for future home improvements but also in other aspects of your life.

Flexibility and Control:

One of the greatest advantages of DIY home improvements is the flexibility and control they afford you. You can work on your own schedule, adjusting as needed. DIY projects also allow you to control the quality of materials used, ensuring that you choose options that align with your budget, preferences, and desired outcome.

Embarking on DIY home improvement projects brings numerous benefits that extend far beyond the physical changes to your living space. From saving money to personal satisfaction, skill development to flexibility, and bonding with loved ones, there are countless advantages to taking a hands-on approach. By investing time, effort, and a little creativity, you can transform your home while simultaneously gaining valuable experience and enjoying the journey along the way. So, grab your toolbox, put on your work gloves, and unleash your inner DIY enthusiast—your dream home awaits!

Important Tips When Making a Down Payment for a Home

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When it comes to purchasing a home, one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make is how much to put down as a down payment. Your down payment not only affects the amount you need to borrow but also plays a vital role in determining your mortgage interest rate and overall financial stability. Here are crucial tips to keep in mind when making a down payment for a home:

Determine Your Budget and Financial Goals:

Before you start setting aside money for a down payment, you must understand your budget and financial goals. Assess your current financial situation, including your income, expenses, and existing debt. Consider factors such as your credit score, job stability, and long-term financial objectives.

Make sure your down payment doesn’t deplete your savings entirely, leaving you vulnerable to unexpected expenses or emergencies. Typically, a down payment of 20% is recommended, as it can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and secure a more favorable mortgage rate. However, if you can’t afford a 20% down payment, don’t worry – there are other options available, such as FHA loans or VA loans, which require smaller down payments.

Research Mortgage Options:

When deciding on a down payment amount, it’s crucial to explore the various mortgage options available. Different types of mortgages have different down payment requirements. Here are a few examples:

  • Conventional Mortgage
  • FHA Loan
  • Non-QM Loan
  • VA Loan
  • USDA Loan

Research these options and discuss them with a mortgage professional to find the best fit for your financial situation and homeownership goals.

Plan for Closing Costs:

When budgeting for your down payment, don’t forget about closing costs. These are the additional expenses associated with finalizing the purchase of your home, such as appraisal fees, title insurance, and legal fees. On average, closing costs can range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price.

To avoid any last-minute financial stress, it’s wise to save some extra money specifically for closing costs. You can also negotiate with the seller to cover a portion of these costs as part of your purchase agreement.

Making a down payment for a home is a significant financial decision that requires careful consideration and planning. By determining your budget, researching mortgage options, and accounting for closing costs, you can navigate the homebuying process with confidence and secure the home of your dreams while maintaining your financial stability. Remember, homeownership is a long-term commitment, and making an informed down payment is a critical step in building a secure and comfortable future for you and your family.