Home price growth slowed in February according to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index. Home price growth hit its lowest rate in more than six years; this indicates that the roaring growth of home prices is settling and could provide opportunities for more would-be buyers to enter the housing market. The 20-City Housing Market Index rose 0.20 percent in February as compared to January. Year-over year home prices grew by 3.00 percent and missed analyst expectations of a 3.20 percent growth rate. The 20-City Index reported slowing trends in home price growth and emerging trends in housing … [Read More...]
If this is your first time working with a real estate agent, you may be wondering how often you'll be in contact with your real estate agent. Obviously, you want to be sure they're still working for you even when you don't hear from them. So how often should your real estate agent contact you, and when? When Your Agent Will Likely Contact You Expect a call from your agent when the following situations occur: Your agent wants permission to have an open house at your home Your agent is giving you feedback about the open house A buyer wants to view your home A buyer wants to come back and … [Read More...]
When you started thinking about putting your house up for sale, you probably made a list of repairs that need to be done ahead of time. If that list was long, you might be at a point where you're asking if it's all worth it. Will prospective buyers really notice the little things? And even if they do, will that affect how much you're able to get for your home? You Can Sell An Imperfect House Your house doesn't need to be perfect in order to sell it. Many older homes have some issues like outdated kitchens and bathrooms or wall-to-wall carpeting that needs to be replaced or gotten rid of. But … [Read More...]
Last week's economic news brought good news to U.S. consumers on several fronts. Mortgage rates fell and national unemployment fell to its lowest rate in 50 years. Inflation slowed and the Federal Reserve held its target federal funds rate steady. Freddie Mac analysts credited strong labor markets, high consumer confidence and falling mortgage rates as factors setting the stage for more home sales. Pending Home Sales Rise as Construction Spending Falls The National Association of Realtors® reported higher pending home sales in March; home sales under contract but not completed rose 3.89 … [Read More...]
Most consumers believe if they pay their bills on time, they need not worry about their credit score. Oftentimes, it is a rude awakening when they apply for a mortgage loan, car loan, or any revolving credit to learn they are not going to get the lowest rates available due to their credit score. This is because paying bills on time only accounts for 35 percent of your credit score. The remaining 65 percent is spread out among other factors that impact your credit score. Credit Usage And Impact On Score Nearly one-third, 30 percent, of your credit score is based on how much of your available … [Read More...]
The meeting of the Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee ended Wednesday with the Committee's customary post-meeting statement recapping monetary policy matters considered by the Committee. Members voted not to change the current target rate range of the federal funds rate. The current rate range of 2.25 percent to 2.50 percent. Federal Funds Target Rate Range: Monetary Policymakers Remain "Patient" FOMC members cited low inflation pressures, global and domestic economic and financial developments as supporting the Committee's decision to leave the Federal funds rate unchanged … [Read More...]
