Home builders surveyed by the National Association of Home Builders expressed their highest level of confidence in housing markets since 1999. The index reading for housing market conditions in December hit 74, which exceeded November's reading of 70. Analysts expected a flat reading of 70 for December. Readings over 50 indicate improvement in housing market conditions. The three component readings used to comprise the Housing Market Index also rose in December. Builder confidence in current market conditions rose four points for a reading of 81; builder confidence in housing market conditions … [Read More...]
Have you been scratching your head, wondering what your next great home renovation project should be? If you are like most homeowners, you have many areas that could use a little attention. Let's explore three reasons why installing solar panels should be high on your list of home improvement projects for 2018. The ROI On Solar Is Getting Better It might seem counterintuitive to think about spending money to save money, but with solar panels, that's precisely what you are doing. Solar is an up-front investment that returns money to your bank account over time. As you are generating your own … [Read More...]
Last week's economic reporting included readings on inflation, core inflation and the Post-meeting statement of the Fed's Federal Open Market Committee. Fed Chair Janet Yellen also gave a press conference; weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Inflation Rises in November U.S. inflation rose by 0.30 percent to 0.40 percent in November; October's reading was 0.10 percent and November's reading met analysts' expectations. Core Consumer Price Index readings for November posted a gain of 0.10 percent, which fell short of the expected reading and October's … [Read More...]
Does your bathroom look amazing? As one of the most used rooms in every home, the bathroom can almost always use a bit of a facelift. In today's blog post we will share a few DIY renovations that will take your bathroom from drab to fab. Embrace A New Color Palette One of the best ways to start your bathroom makeover is to figure out a new color palette for the room. Do you like soft, muted colors like a powder blue, light gold or cream? Or maybe something a bit louder and more exciting like a merlot red or deep purple? Whatever your taste, a splash of color might be just what your bathroom … [Read More...]
Whether your home is a few years or many decades old, its physical condition is going to be a significant factor in the sales process. Below are a few questions that can help you to determine whether you should sell your home 'as is' or fix it up before placing it up for sale. Have You Had A Home Inspection? A great first step before selling your home is to book an inspection by a licensed home inspector. This will provide you with a full list of minor and major issues with your home. If your only issues are small, minor ones then it is worth your time to patch them up before you sell. … [Read More...]
Are you growing tired of paying rent each month and not building your net worth? Being stuck in the 'rental trap' isn't much fun, but if you are determined, you can break out. Let's explore some of the steps that you can take to make 2018 the year that you become a homeowner. Rent Money Is Lost Money First – why homeownership? As you may already understand, money spent on rent is 'lost' money. Each month you pay your rent, but you do not build any equity, own any property or get any other benefits in return. When you own a house, the money you spend each month is being invested in the … [Read More...]
