Before an owner can market a property to buyers that want to use a FHA loan, he will want to familiarize himself with the FHA's standards. FHA won't insure loans on just any property. While their standards aren't as stringent as they used to be, a home needs to be in relatively good condition to qualify for FHA financing. Location and Lot To qualify for FHA financing, the property has to be located on a road or easement that lets the owner freely enter and exit. The access also has to be paved with a surface that will work all year -- a long dirt driveway that washes out in spring won't … [Read More...]
Today’s homebuyers can have specific ideas and personal preferences that influence their decision on what attracts them to a particular property. While some prefer a fixer-upper, many desire a home that’s as close to turn-key as possible. First time home sellers may help expedite the process with these six home selling tips. Determine Right Listing Price A home priced competitively in its market typically sells faster. Professional REALTORS® know the area and look at comparative listings to help determine the right listing price. First time home sellers often think their … [Read More...]
Last week's economic releases included readings from Case-Shiller, pending home sales, and consumer sentiment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Case-Schiller: Home Prices Continue to Rise According to Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports for January, U.S. home prices continued to rise at a rapid pace with the national home price index rising at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 6.20 percent. Case-Shiller's 20-City Home Price Index rose by 6.40 percent year-over-year. Seattle, Washington held the top spot with … [Read More...]
In recent years, building an environmentally friendly home or updating an existing home to be more energy efficient has become much more mainstream. While building an entirely green residence isn't always fiscally possible, simple eco-friendly building techniques and upgrades will ultimately lower your water and electricity bills. These green home improvements will save you money in the long run, while also saving the planet. The following are some of the easiest ways to lower your carbon footprint when building or updating a home. Build or Purchase a Smaller Home … [Read More...]
Spring is many people's favorite season of the year. Obviously, there are many valid reasons why this is so; but, one of the best things about spring is that it is an ideal time to sell your home. If you have considered putting your home on the market any time in the next year or so, check out these five reasons which make spring the ideal time. Buyers are searching - A huge majority of home buyers want to move during summer. Many families have school or work vacations that make the moving process a little easier during this time. If you put your home on the market during spring, you … [Read More...]
Whether you are hunting for a project that will pry the kids away from their phones or you just want a head start on the spring, few home projects are as rewarding as a vegetable garden. Invest a few hours in planting today, some maintenance throughout the year and soon you'll be enjoying some delicious, home-grown veggies. Ready? Let's get started! Selecting The Right Spot For Your Garden The first decision you will need to make is where your garden will live. If you are new to gardening, you can start with a small patch of land in the corner of your backyard. The area needs to have full … [Read More...]
