Last week's economic readings included reports on construction spending, Case-Shiller Home Price Indices and pending home sales. Fed Chair Janet Yellen said in a speech that federal interest rates would "likely" be raised. Weekly reports on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released. Pending Home Sales Slump as Available Homes Dwindle Pending Home sales fell in January as inventories of available homes declined. Prospective buyers faced with fewer choices may have chosen to wait rather than purchase homes that weren't a good match for their needs. Analysts expected pending home … [Read More...]
Many people are concerned with having a negative impact on the environment, but it can be hard to know where to begin when it comes to climate friendly solutions around the home. Whether you're planning for a future investment or are interested in fixing-up the home you're in, here are some solutions for greening up your personal space that won't bust the bank. Evaluate Your Insulation If your insulation is not installed properly or requires more padding, this will have a significant impact on your energy use and your monthly electricity bill. By doing a candle test around the house to check … [Read More...]
December home prices continued to rise per December readings for Case-Shiller's National and 20-City Home Price Indices. On average, national home prices increased by 5,80 percent year-over-year and exceeded November's year-over-year reading of 5.60 percent. The 20 City Index, which analysts follow more closely than the National Home Price Index, posted a year-over-year gain of 5.60 percent in December, which exceeded an expected reading of 5.40 percent and November's year-over-year reading of 5.20 percent growth. West Posts Highest Home Price Growth The West continued to dominate home price … [Read More...]
With all of the busyness of the winter months and most people settling in for the season, it can be hard to achieve a successful home sale at the end of the year. Fortunately, if you simply can't wait to put your home on the market, here are some staging tips that will engage potential buyers so you won't have to wait much longer for an offer. Add Accents To Your Neutrals It's often the case that a home with neutral colors will show better because potential buyers can envision themselves in it, but there are ways to dress up neutral tones that will add spark. Instead of leaving your place too … [Read More...]
There are many traditional ways to sell your home, from the MLS listings to a sign in the front yard. However, the ease of the Internet and the utility of social media can make it easier than ever to find the right buyer. If you're getting prepared to put your home on the market and are trying to determine a strategy, here are some ways you can use social media to improve your selling odds. Tweet Out The Details Twitter accounts may more frequently be linked with a person, but because of the short burst of information involved in a tweet, it's actually a great way to market your home. Whether … [Read More...]
Last week's readings on new and existing home sales provided further evidence of strengthening housing markets. Both categories of home sales exceeded December's readings. Consumer sentiment was lower in February than for January and average rates were mixed with fixed rates higher and the rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages lower. Consumer sentiment lower in February. New and Previously-owned Home Sales Higher in January Home sales volume rose in January regardless of obstacles including higher mortgage rates and rising home prices. The National Association of Realtors® reported more … [Read More...]
