For most people, the mortgage payment is the biggest monthly expense. Whether you're facing retirement or still working, it would be nice to be free of this debt. Although you probably can't pay it off in one lump sum, it is possible to pay off your mortgage sooner than expected. Here are four strategies to try. 1. Make Bi-Weekly Payments You could shave eight years off a 30-year mortgage simply by breaking down your monthly payments into two payments instead of one. You'll pay the same amount each month while the interest paid over the length of the loan is reduced. 2. Make … [Read More...]
Last week's economic news included readings on home builder confidence in housing market conditions and Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage ratees and first-time jobless claims were also released. NAHB Housing Market Index: Builder Confidence Rises One Point in April Home Builder Confidence readings posted by the National Association of Home Builders held steady for April and rose one point overall. Component readings for the NAHB Housing Market Index were mixed; builder confidence in current housing market conditions rose one … [Read More...]
Perhaps you plan to sell your home in the next few months or years. Keeping your garage organized can save time and ensure that you have storage space when you need it most. Get Your Purge On! Clear out the garage and separate items into categories: keep, trash, donate and recycle. If you get rid of 50 percent of your stuff, you're doing great. The more you can get rid of up front, the less you have to organize! And if you haven't used it in years, why would you need to keep it around? Create Zones Map out space with masking tape, starting with where your vehicles go. Mask out where you can … [Read More...]
Home builder confidence increased in April to an index reading of 63, which was one point higher than for March and the highest reading in six months. Analysts said that April's reading revealed more about housing market conditions in the past six months than it was an indicator of future market conditions. November's builder confidence reading was the lowest since housing markets tanked in 2008, Builder confidence recovered over the past few months despite headwinds including higher materials costs and shortages of labor and buildable lots. Home Builder Confidence Holds Steady Despite … [Read More...]
If you're staging your home to sell, you may find yourself with more stuff than space. Rather than selling possessions that you'd rather not part with, you can put your things into short-term storage until your home sells and you're able to move. Here are some options you have when choosing and using a self storage unit. Climate Controlled Or Not Climate controlled units are located inside buildings. They could be compared to an apartment building, except instead of housing people, these storage buildings house belongings. Inside, they are powered with electricity and a temperature control … [Read More...]
From small touches such as new lighting to larger efforts such as tiling the porch or stoop, creating curb appeal is one of the best investments you can make to resell your home fast. Here are eight ideas to maximize curb your appeal. Landscaping Is Critical For The First Impression Cut Back Trees and Shrubs. Landscaping should enhance your house, not overwhelm it. Trimming can bring impressive results. If you don't have a steady hand, leave it to a professional or handy relative. Manicure Your Lawn. A freshly mowed lawn is a must the week before a showing. Be sure to trim and edge it … [Read More...]
