Are you thinking about buying a new house or apartment? While the prospect of a new home is undoubtedly exciting, you may be dreading the thought at having to pack everything up and move. In today's blog post we will explore three tips for purging old, unwanted or forgotten items before making a move into a new home. Sort Everything That You Don't Need The first step you will want to take is to sort everything in your home. Many families go through the house, room-by-room, separating their must-have items from everything else. At first, this process is quick as there are many items just … [Read More...]
Last week's economic news included readings on Case-Shiller home prices, construction spending, and consumer sentiment. Labor sector readings on private and public employment and the national unemployment rate were also released. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Approaches Record Home price growth approached a record set in 2006 in August, but analysts said that affordability and the shortage of homes for sale could signal slower growth ahead. David M. Blitzer, Chairman of the S&P Index Committee, said that while … [Read More...]
Are you ready for the coming shift to driverless cars? While it might seem like some sort of futuristic vision, the truth is that driverless vehicles will be on the road within a few short years. Let's explore three key ways that driverless cars are going to help to shape how we think about our homes in the very near future. #1: Goodbye, Garages It might seem a bit strange to think about now, but many people are likely to get rid of their cars entirely. Car ownership is expected to shift to entrepreneurs and services who offer vehicles for on-demand use. We are already starting to see this … [Read More...]
Are you on the hunt for great deals on a local home? If so, you have probably heard about "short sale" homes, although it can take a bit of searching to find one. Let's take a closer look at real estate short sales to learn how they work and when you might want to take advantage. What Is A Real Estate Short Sale? A real estate short sale takes place when a homeowner sells their home for less than they owe on it. This tends to take place in volatile real estate markets where a substantial price increase took place with a rapid price decrease following after. Whatever the case, the homeowner is … [Read More...]
Case-Shiller's National Home Price Index rose to a year-over-year home price increase of 6.10 percent as compared to July's reading of 5.90 percent. The 20-City Home Price Index rose to a year-over-year reading of 5.90 percent over July's reading of 5.80 percent. Home Prices Nearing Their Peak? Some cities that previously had high home price increases saw lower paces of growth. San Francisco, California, which reported double-digit home price growth rates in recent years, reported -0.10 percent growth rate month-to-month and a year-over-year home price growth rate of 6.10 percent. Home … [Read More...]
Have you ever had a conversation with a total stranger where you said something that you regret? If you are placing your house or condo on the market, you're eventually going to end up having to chat with potential buyers. Yes, your real estate agent is likely to do most of the talking. However, you will still have to deal with buyers that want to grill you about the home's history, condition and more. With that in mind, let's have a look at four things you should never say to someone who is interested in buying your home. "We're Not Accepting Offers Less Than…" A good way to kill your … [Read More...]